If you’ve just taken the plunge to become a freelancer, then congratulations! You’re in charge of your own destiny now, and as thrilling as that may be, it also means that you must run your freelance business and create an effective work-from-home workspace. An effective workspace will aid in your productivity and help you keep your business organized and on track.
You may be wondering, “where do I start?!” But don’t worry – I know setting up shop can seem intimidating at first, I’ve been there! That’s why I wanted to compile a list of 17 must-have items for freelancers working from home to help you get started. Some of these items may be tax deductible, and you can add them as part of your business expenses. However, before you make any big purchases, talk to a tax advisor to ensure you have all your ducks in a row and see what counts as a deductible.
You will also notice that some of these items are more important than others, so you will need to prioritize accordingly based on your needs and wants. You will probably not need some of these items since they may not support your creative process.
Now for the list of items for freelancers – from furniture to office supplies to gadgets to amenities – read on for all the essentials successful freelance business needs (or wants)!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through any links, at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
Must-Have Items for Freelancers to Work from Home
Desk Items for Freelancers Who Work from Home
1. Laptop for Freelancers
A laptop is one of these essential items for freelancers. It will provide you with the flexibility to work from anywhere and allow you to stay connected with your team and clients, and provides access to your client work database. According to Avita Laptop, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is one of the best-performing laptops for freelancers. For those of you who prefer working on OS, Avita recommends the Apple MacBook Air M1.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has a 1.0GHz quad-core processor that can handle multiple applications and browser tabs all at once, while the 13 hours of battery life means you can stay productive all day long. The 8GB of RAM ensures that the laptop runs smoothly, and the 256GB solid-state drive allows for quick data transfer and fast bootup times. It doesn’t hurt that it also has a 12.4” PixelSense touchscreen display that is crisp and clear, perfect for seeing images for articles or blog posts. Plus, it only weighs 2.45 pounds making it easy to take with you wherever you go, especially if you need to travel.
2. External/Portable Hard Drive
An external hard drive allows you to back up your work and save your business operations records. For photographers, it also provides you with additional storage capacity and depending on the size and weight, you’ll be able to travel with your hard drive to save image files on the go.
The Seagate HDD EXT 2TB Plus Ultra Touch USB3 is a great option for an external hard drive to back up your files. It has convenient, secure hardware encryption with password protection, and the design is compatible with USB-C and USB 30 laptops and PCs. You can also back up files with one click or set automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups. It makes it convenient since it is another business task you don’t have to keep track of as you operate your freelance business.
For those on a budget, you have the option to store your work using Google Drive/Google Photos, or Dropbox. However, if you run out of storage room with these, you will need to pay a monthly subscription or fee to increase your storage capacity. It’s a great option when you’re starting your freelance writing business and need to lower your monthly expenses.
3. Ergonomic or Standing Desk
As freelance writers, we mostly work from home, and it becomes essential to create a home office with an ergonomic desk to help you avoid body issues. Investing in a good quality ergonomic or standing that works for you can also make all the difference in improving your posture and comfort level when you spend hours working.
The FEZIBO Standing Desk looks beautiful and can help you create a healthy work environment (your back will thank you!). Plus, the desk has a big work surface, electric height adjustment, and an electric lift system that can support up to 150 pounds of your equipment. The lockable casters keep the desk stable and mobile.
Many of us freelance writers enjoy the ability to adjust our desks if we need to sit or stand, as well as add extra shelves or compartments for our writing materials and resources. I personally have a standing desk as there are times I need a little movement. A standing desk also allows you to be more productive while maintaining a comfortable workspace, so you can stay focused on producing content and running your business.
4. Ergonomic Office Chair
Being a freelance writer means sitting down for long periods of time, so ensure you have a comfy ergonomic office chair.
One ergonomic office chair that will provide reliable support is the Modway mesh office chair. It comes with a breathable mesh back and generously padded thick mesh seat cushion. It is perfect for everyday use since it is sturdy and provides you with support. You can even personalize it with your own favorite color to match your home office decor.
5. Multifunctional Desk Lamp for Good Lighting
One of the major issues we can face when working from home is proper lighting. This Multifunctional Touch Lamp offers all-in-one lighting and charging options for your phone or tablet. It has 25 light modes and brightness levels, so it works in any environment.
The touch lamp has a touch control that makes it easy to make light adjustments, while the flexible neck makes it easy to find the perfect angle you need. It even has a timer you can use. Pretty convenient.
6. Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
As a freelance writer, you will find that you’ll be typing away to complete work for clients, and it is important to maintain the health of your hands and wrist (and potentially avoid carpal tunnel syndrome). You can improve your home setup by getting an ergonomic keyboard. These kinds of keyboards provide better support for your hands and wrists while typing, making it easier to stay comfortable for long periods of time.
The Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard and Mouse will offer you the perfect blend of comfort and productivity. It has a weird split-looking keyboard with a sloped design. The purpose is to position your hands, wrists, and forearms for comfort and neutral alignment. Also, the quiet clicking of the keys means you can work without disturbing yourself or others, and the mouse makes navigation a breeze.
Not only will this keyboard offer a significant decrease in discomfort, but it can also provide improved accuracy when typing quickly those thousands of daily words
Cozy Items for Freelancers to Help with Self-Care
7. Smart Mug
If you’re like me, then you love coffee (and the occasional tea!), but as you’re typing away and running your business, it’s easy to forget to actually drink your hot coffee. I don’t like cold brews, so this Smart Mug is a lifesaver as it avoids having to take a trip back to the kitchen’s microwave.
The Smart Mug helps keep your coffee or tea at the perfect drinking temperature all day long. This mug warmer has an advanced technology temperature control chipset to maintain your cup within the optimal coffee or tea temperature. The package also includes a delicate ceramic cup with enough capacity for your coffee, tea, milk, hot cocoa, or lattes that you love.
Plus, it is pretty easy to use. You only need to insert the power adapter into the base, then put the cup on the base. The heater will automatically turn on and heat up your drink. Plus, it comes in different colors, so you can further customize it to your tastes or to match your home office decor.
8. Comfortable Foot Rest
If you are not able to obtain an ergonomic desk or chair, it can be tough on your body, especially your back, hips, and feet. However, an affordable footrest may be able to help you bring some comfort as you work until you’re able to get those ergonomic items.
This Foot Rest from ComfiLife is made of high-density memory foam for ultimate comfort. It’s adjustable so that you can find the perfect height and size, and it has a plush cover to keep your feet cozy. This footrest is also a multi-purpose tool since you can use it to elevate your feet or support your knees when you’re lying down. The footrest is made of lightweight foam materials for easy transport and use wherever you need it.
9. Decorate using plants
One of the things I love about being a freelancer and working from home is that there is no unnecessary commuting, and I have the freedom to make my own schedule. However, I want my personal workspace at home to feel comfortable and alive, so adding some plants or decorations helps with inspiration.
Bringing a sense of beauty to your workspace, whether through physical objects or plants, sends a message to yourself that this is an important place for creative productivity. It not only serves as artwork but also provides a sense of tranquility and motivates you to be productive, which makes freelance writing easier and more exciting!
10. Wearable Blanket
As a freelance writer, it’s important to make yourself as comfortable as you can when working from home, and one great way to do so is to have a cozy wearable blanket for those winter days. Not only does cuddling up with a warm blanket add some extra comfort, but the tactile sensation of it helps to focus and ground your creative process too.
One wearable blanket that is so cozy is this fleece blanket. It is made of flannel and polyester. It is super soft, lightweight, and warm enough to use in the spring, autumn, and winter. The adjustable snap design prevents the blanket from slipping off your shoulders when you move around, and you can wear it in different styles – such as a poncho, cape, or skirt. When you’re not using it as a blanket, you can easily transform it into a warm shawl.
Plus, it’s always nice to have something soft to wrap yourself in during what feels like endless typing or while on Twitter or TikTok after hitting that dreaded writer’s block!
Home Office Essentials
11. Mobile File Cabinet
For freelance writers, a small filing cabinet is ideal to store official documents, receipts, or any other items related to your work. You can also create a system of organization to make sure you have easy access to whatever reference material you need at any time.
The ability to file away anything that comes across your desk is not only practical but also offers some degree of mental satisfaction; knowing where everything is that you need offers an advantage when completing tasks quickly and efficiently – which is just what freelance writers need.
If you’re looking for an attractive and functional office storage solution, you can check out this mobile file cabinet. This rolling cabinet is perfect for storing machines, paper, files, and office supplies. The sleek, modern finish is an easy fit for any office or home study. Plus, the large wooden top and sturdy steel frame make it perfect as a printer stand too. Best of all, this cabinet is easy to move on four wheels. So if you need to relocate your office or just want to declutter or clean your space, it makes it easy to do.
For a little something more affordable, you can use a file organizer box instead. The important thing is to have all your paperwork and receipts organized, especially when it comes to that time of the year to file away the taxes.
12. Drawer Dividers
As a freelance writer, I have drawer dividers to help me organize all my home office essentials, from cute pens to tape to stamps and shipping supplies. Drawer dividers allow you to easily organize the essentials you need by having designated compartments or sections that keep items in place and make it easy to find what’s needed quickly.
Plus, you can customize the layout to fit any size drawer and split each separate piece for different uses and drawers.
13. Cork Bulletin Board
If you’re a visual person, then having a bulletin board is a great way to stay organized while working from home. Not only does it give your workspace some structure and style, but it can also help keep track of mental notes or deadlines. It also serves as a helpful reminder of important must-be-done tasks.
By displaying contracts on the board with their respective due dates, you can easily keep on track of each writing project, making sure nothing slips through the cracks. Remember that we sometimes have to juggle multiple projects with different clients at once, and having an all-in-one spot near your desk to reference when needed can simplify your process.
Tech Gadgets to Boost Productivity
14. Pomodoro Timer
If you’re looking to manage your time more efficiently, then this Pomodoro Timer can help. It has 6 preset timing intervals, 3/5/10/15/25/30 minutes, and a unique cube design that is both novel and interesting. Plus, this Pomodoro Timer supports dual-mode counting up and countdown, so you can use it for a variety of purposes besides your freelance work, such as studying, working out, or cooking.
This list of 14 must-have items for freelancers should provide you with the basics that you need to set up a successful home office. But remember, you may not need everything on this list so make sure to prioritize accordingly.
Note that having the right tools that you need and equipment will make it much easier to stay productive and organized when working from home. I hope these essentials help you start building your ideal work environment today. Good luck!
Are there any items for freelancers that should be added to the list? Share them in the comments!
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This is a nice list of some great work tools! I can vouch for the smart mug which is awesome! I couldn’t work without mine!
These are awesome ideas, the timer and the wearable blanket are things I’m going to check out!
Such a wonderful, extensive list of essentials for freelancers to work from home. I need that wearable blanket asap!!
These are awesome items. Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow… I really want the foot rest. And it’s something I need now. Thank you for sharing.
I love that you included cozy office items on this list!! 😍
Great list. That Pomodoro timer looks awesome. I use a cat scratcher tunnel as a foot rest lol but I do have one of those foot rests on my wish list. I bought a desk lamp similar to the one you posted and I love it.