The transition to working remotely from home can take some getting used to, especially if you have a spouse, kids, or roommates staying at home during this time as well. A good home office will make a big difference in your efficiency and productivity. With a few simple steps, you can set up an effective workspace that meets all of your needs.

1. Choose comfortable and ergonomic seating

It is impossible to overstate the importance of a good chair when working at a desk for long stretches of time. Poor posture and an uncomfortable seat will likely make you sore, hindering productivity and impacting your overall mood. Choose a quality chair with an ergonomic design that provides support for your back and arms. Make sure that the height of the chair can be adjusted as well.

2. Opt for an adjustable standing desk

Standing desks have become very popular over the last few years, and for good reason. Long periods of sitting can be detrimental to one’s health, so it is highly beneficial to work on your feet once in a while. Many people also use standing desks to help reduce or prevent back pain. An adjustable standing desk is your best choice, as you won’t need an additional sitting desk in the same room.

3. Upgrade your monitor, keyboard, and mouse

If you’re not used to working from home, then you likely don’t have the best computer setup. You may even just be using your laptop. It probably isn’t necessary to buy a brand new desktop computer, but connecting a larger external monitor to your laptop will be much better for productivity. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse are must-haves as well.

4. Upgrade your internet speed

Your internet might have been fast enough for your family’s everyday needs, but working from home, especially while everyone else is home as well, can put a strain on bandwidth. If you’re going to need to make video calls, hold teleconferences, or download and upload large files, then your internet will likely need an upgrade in order to keep up.

5. Make sure you have adequate lighting

Proper office lighting will help reduce eye strain when working and contribute to a more professional appearance in video calls. A good amount of natural lighting is ideal, if possible, as it will lower your electricity usage and help reduce drowsiness. You should also have proper ambient lighting provided by a ceiling light, as well as task lighting on your desk to illuminate your work.

6. Take steps to ensure privacy

A home office needs to be a place where you can work without interruption and where you can ensure enough silence for activities like phone calls. Try to set up your workspace in the quietest place in the house, and consider setting “office hours” where your family or housemates know not to disturb you.

A comfortable and efficient environment will make for a much easier working transition. Once you have the basics covered, you can take additional steps to tailor your home office to your job and your work style.