Tools To Make Virtual School a Little Easier
Check out these must-haves for your desk and work space
Sep 15, 2021Chances are, you’re learning from home this fall, at least part-time. That means you’re spending a ton of time in the same spot, in front of a screen. Why not make your home workspace as comfortable and inspiring as possible? Check out these tools and supplies to help you makeover your home workspace and prepare you for a great start to the school year!
Choose a desk instead of your bed for doing school work, and keep it tidy.Courtesy of molotilo.com.
The Basics: Desk and Chair
Even if you love doing homework on your bed or bean bag chair, it’s a good idea to have the option of working at a desk or table, and you’ll especially need a comfortable place to sit for online meetings and classes. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk and chair that aren’t ergonomically safe can become a literal pain in the neck (not to mention shoulders and back). Why not use your at-home time as an opportunity to upgrade from those hard-as-a-rock chairs in school? Choose an adjustable chair that helps you sit in a neutral position (not too far forward or backward) and allows your thighs to rest parallel to the floor and your feet to rest flat on the floor. Choose a chair height that allows your arms to rest level with your elbows.
Make sure you have a comfortable chair that supports your back and is positioned properly.Courtesy of Reviewed.com.
While you’re at it, you may want to consider buying a laptop stand, which will give your laptop the tilt and height you need. The top of your screen should be at eye-level.
A laptop stand helps to position your laptop at eye level.Courtesy of Reviewed.com.
Keyboard and Mouse
A wireless mouse can help simplify your desk space by minimizing unnecessary, annoying cords. They come at various price points and are extremely simple to install and use.
A wireless mouse can simplify your desk space.Courtesy of Reviewed.com.
Your keyboard is a magnet for grime and germs (and food and drink spills!). Did you know a study concluded that keyboards are dirtier than toilet seats? Just rub this puddy-type cleaner on your keys—Then lift it off! Cleaning can’t get easier than that. Also, you can keep a container of wipes nearby to wipe your keyboard down now and then.>
Use this gel to lift away dust and electronic cleaning wipes to disinfect, both found on Amazon.Courtesy of USAToday.com.
Or, try this colorful cover on your keyboard for awesome protection that will survive any spill.
This ProElife keyboard rainbow cover can be purchased on Amazon.Courtesy of Amazon.com.
Office Supplies & Accessories
Staying on the theme of messes and spills, these fun desk mats protect your desk from all that and more. They come in six cool colors as well.
This desk protector pad is non-slip, waterproof, heat resistant, and comes in six colors. Available on Amazon.Courtesy of UsaToday.com.
You want your desk to be a place you look forward working at. The trick? Make your desk space your own by adding a bit of flair to accessories like pencil holders, lamps, and trash bins. Infuse your style into all of your supplies and accessories, and you’ll be more pumped to use them (At least that’s the idea!).
Personalize your study space with cool accesories that you love.Courtesy of Amazon.com.
Keeping organized will also help you keep your sanity when you feel overwhelmed with school. Invest in a good erasable calendar. If you’d rather go the paper route, pick a planner that has plenty of space for assignments, your schedule, and notes.
A good planner will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Choose one with plenty of space to write your schedule and assignments.Courtesy of Enrichmentsource.com.
Sometimes just using pens that work well (meaning, they don’t glob up, leak, or constantly run out) can lift your mood. When you’re up to your eyeballs in work, the last thing you want to worry about is fishing around for a good pen. Have a large supply of your favs at your disposal. Go crazy and get some in different colors if the urge to doodle strikes you.
Paper Mate InkJoy pens come in a rainbow of colors, write smoothly and don't dry out easily.Courtesy of UsaToday.com.
If constant interruptions interfere with your studying vibe, minimize them. Keep a bin nearby with tissues, wipes, Chapstick and healthy snacks (just don't spill them on your keyboard!) so you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Have a handy space to hold supplies so you'll have them at your fingertips.Courtesy of Walmart.com.
Often we don’t realize we’re short on USB ports or electrical outlets until the last minute. Be prepared when you need to use various electronics simultaneously by placing a 4-port USB hub at your workspace. You’ll also most likely need a surge protector too, if you only have one wall outlet nearby.
This handy surge protector/USB port is two-in-one.Courtesy of Amazon.com.
Good Storage
Rather than throwing your books and binders all over the floor, keep shelving at arms-length for tidy storage. For hybrid students, your backpack may be more important than ever, since some schools are forgoing locker use temporarily. If you’re in the market for a new backpack, pick one you absolutely love. You’ll want a backpack that’s plenty roomy and fits comfortably on you, since you’ll be carrying pretty much your whole locker contents on your shoulders.
Your backpack will be more important than ever this year. Make sure its large enough and fits well on your shoulders.Courtesy of Amazon.com.
No doubt they’ll be some hiccups and snags to work out as everyone adjusts to school’s new normal, but hopefully these tools will make your days a little easier. Best of luck for an awesome year!
