Muchita

Home office setup checklist

Check how your chair, desk and screen fit together before buying accessories. Delete purchases already covered or unnecessary for your space, and use notes for measurements. Done puts a priced row in Paid; it is not an owned marker. Pick an exact model before comparing its item price.

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0/21 done

  • Desk and chair

    0/5
  • Height-adjustable deskLets you match the desk to your elbows, sitting or standing.1
  • Adjustable office chairLook for adjustable seat height and lower back support.1
  • Lumbar support cushionIf the chair lacks suitable lower-back support, try the cushion's fit and fastening on that chair before buying.1
  • FootrestUseful when your feet do not rest flat on the floor.1
  • Desk risersFor a desk too low: check leg compatibility, total load and added height against the maker's instructions.1

  • Monitor and screen

    0/5
  • Computer monitorCheck readability at your available desk distance; OSHA generally suggests 20-40 inches, with adjustments for the user.1
  • Monitor arm or standCheck the monitor's mounting pattern and weight, desk attachment and adjustment range against both makers' instructions.1
  • Laptop standIf you work on a laptop; pair it with a separate keyboard.1
  • Anti-glare screen filterFor glare that stays after you move the screen; buy it for your exact screen size.1
  • Screen cleaning clothChoose cleaning material and a method allowed by the screen maker.1

  • Keyboard, mouse and calls

    0/6
  • External keyboardKeep your wrists straight and in line with your forearms.1
  • MouseChoose one that fits your hand; keep it by the keyboard.1
  • Keyboard trayIf needed for typing height, check desk fit, leg clearance, load and mounting instructions.1
  • Wrist restPick one with a soft, rounded front edge.1
  • Headset with microphoneFor hands-free calls: check connection, audio and microphone compatibility with your computer and calling software.1
  • Document holderHolds papers near the screen if you type from them.1

  • Lighting and glare

    0/2
  • Desk lampAim it so the light does not reflect on the screen.1
  • Window blinds or shadesControl daylight so it does not shine into your eyes.1

  • Cables and power

    0/3
  • Under-desk cable trayCheck mounting fit and load; arrange cables while keeping leg space clear.1
  • Reusable cable tiesBundle only the cables that need it, following their care instructions, and keep the route out of leg space.1
  • Power stripCheck plug compatibility and total rated load; use only mounting methods allowed by the strip maker.1

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Printable checklist (21 items)

Desk and chair

  • Height-adjustable desk
  • Adjustable office chair
  • Lumbar support cushion
  • Footrest
  • Desk risers

Monitor and screen

  • Computer monitor
  • Monitor arm or stand
  • Laptop stand
  • Anti-glare screen filter
  • Screen cleaning cloth

Keyboard, mouse and calls

  • External keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Keyboard tray
  • Wrist rest
  • Headset with microphone
  • Document holder

Lighting and glare

  • Desk lamp
  • Window blinds or shades

Cables and power

  • Under-desk cable tray
  • Reusable cable ties
  • Power strip

Adjust the chair for supported feet and lower back, elbows close to the body and straight wrists. The cited OSHA guidance generally places a readable screen 20-40 inches away, with its top at or below eye level. Bifocal users may need a lower screen to avoid tilting their head back; adapt the arrangement to the person.

Before you shop

Set the chair first

Adjust the seat so your feet rest flat on the floor and your lower back is supported. If the desk forces the seat too high for your feet to reach the floor, add a footrest rather than working with your legs dangling.

Put the screen at arm's length

Put the main screen in front of you at a distance where you can read without leaning forward; OSHA generally suggests 20-40 inches. Adjust text size as needed. Start with its top at or below eye level, lowering it if bifocals make you tilt your head back. Try existing adjustments before choosing a compatible arm or stand.

Keep the mouse next to the keyboard

Keep your elbows close to your body and your wrists in line with your forearms. Place the mouse right beside the keyboard so you are not reaching for it all day.

Control glare before buying filters

Turn the screen so it sits at a right angle to windows, use blinds to control daylight and aim the desk lamp so it does not reflect on the screen. Add a glare filter only if reflections remain.

Questions about this list

What do I need first for a home office?

Check your existing chair, desk, screen, keyboard, mouse and lighting first. Adjust their positions and delete purchases already covered. Add only what is needed for your work and space; a standing desk, monitor arm or lamp is not automatically a necessary purchase.

How high should my monitor be?

OSHA's general starting point is the screen top at or slightly below eye level, readable without leaning or tilting your head. Bifocal users may need it lower. For a raised laptop, check a stable compatible stand and a separate keyboard and mouse so typing height can be adjusted independently.

Do I need a standing desk?

Not necessarily. A height-adjustable desk can suit sitting/standing changes or shared use. Try the current chair and desk adjustments first. If considering risers, check compatibility with the desk legs, load rating and maker's installation instructions; use a footrest when seated feet need support.

More shopping lists

Sources

Updated:

  • OSHA - Computer Workstations eTool
    US workplace safety guidance covers chairs, desks, monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, telephones, document holders and wrist or palm supports, with a neutral posture of head in line with the torso, lower back supported, elbows close to the body, wrists in line with forearms and feet flat on the floor. It notes that no single arrangement fits everyone and offers evaluation and purchasing checklists. It does not recommend brands or prices.
    Checked: 2026-10-03
  • OSHA - Computer Workstations: Monitors
    US workplace guidance generally suggests readable monitor placement at 20-40 inches (50-100 cm), screen top at or below eye level, and a lower screen for bifocal users who tilt their head back. It does not recommend models or establish every person's best arrangement.
    Checked: 2026-10-05
  • OSHA - Computer Workstations: Desks
    US workplace safety guidance supports height-adjustable desks, enough leg clearance under the desk, enough depth to keep the monitor at least 20 inches away, keeping the space under the desk free of stored items, risers for desks that are too low, and rounded or padded desk edges. It does not address cables, power strips or specific products.
    Checked: 2026-10-03
  • OSHA - Computer Workstations: Workstation Environment
    US workplace safety guidance supports placing screens at right angles to windows and light sources, using blinds or drapes to control daylight, adding task lighting that does not reflect on the screen, cleaning the monitor and using glare filters. It does not recommend specific lamps, bulbs or brands.
    Checked: 2026-10-03