The work-from-home essentials list: fewer items, better decisions.

A functional home office is not a shopping haul. Start with a stable work surface, a screen you can see comfortably, and a way to communicate clearly. Add only what removes a real daily friction.

The non-negotiables

You need a desk or table at an appropriate height, a chair that can be adjusted to it, reliable power, and an internet connection. For frequent calls, a basic headset can be more valuable than a cosmetic desk upgrade.

Then improve your interface

For laptop-heavy work, consider an external keyboard and mouse, then a stand or monitor. For paper-heavy work, task lighting and a vertical document holder may be more useful than another display.

Buy in response to friction

Keep a note for one week: What slows you down? What makes you uncomfortable? The repeated answers deserve budget; items that only make the desk look finished can wait.