This year has been like none other, but I don’t have to tell you that.  So many aspects of our lives have changed due to the global pandemic.  Plans have changed, events cancelled, and a large number of people have learned how to do their jobs in different ways; myself included!

As an essential worker in the pandemic (I’m a teacher BTW), I’ve seen my job change in so many unimaginable ways.  Working from home, synchronous teaching, and distance learning have all become parts of my job in one way or another.  What continues to amaze me though, is the ability of so many people to adjust, relearn, and adapt the ways in which we work.  I know so many of you have had to do the same, and if no one has told you yet, you’re doing great!

If you haven’t heard yet, my job is changing again, but this time in a way that I am really excited about.  The pandemic has been hard in many ways, but one blessing is that it’s given me the time at home I’ve needed to build my online brand to be large enough to cut down in hours of teaching.  As of September, I’ll be a half time teacher, and half time content creator working from home!!! To say I am excited is an understatement for SURE!  A huge thank you to all of you who have supported me as I have grown my brand.  I am so grateful to you all for the flexibility I will now have for my family.

In preparation for this transition, I’ve partnered with Staples.ca to share with you some Work From Anywhere Essentials.  This year has taught us so much about being flexible and our ability to adapt and work from anywhere has been inspiring to say the least!  My home office will be used much more frequently very soon, and so increasing organization, and elements that support productivity is key.

Read along as I share some of my work-from-anywhere essentials including some of my favorite Staples.ca products that are both aesthetic and functional.

Essential 1: Noise cancelling headphones

One of my top essentials for focused work at home is noise cancelling headphones.  I sometimes struggle with being in the zone for long periods of time when I’m at home.  Distractions are high, and being home in your comfy clothes just makes it too easy to disengage from the work that is in front of you.  When I’m wearing my Sony wireless headphones and the music is on, I can be productive for longer periods of time.  They are super comfortable, sync to your phone so you can take calls while working, and are noise cancelling.  You really feel like you are in your own world!  They also are super helpful when I’m working on content and my daughter is watching Cocomelon; not a parent’s ideal background noise. (IYKYK)

 

Essential 2: Command Center

The second WFA essential that I think will be really beneficial when I begin working from home more often is this command center.

I created this command center using a variety of Staples.ca products.  First, I used this linen bulletin board to create a spot to post reminders, inspiration, goals, and achievements.  The gold frame and linen covering makes it a perfect aesthetic fit for my home office.  Second, the matching whiteboard balances out the space and provides a quick spot for me to jot down deadlines and content ideas.  The succulent magnets (sold separately) are just totally cute and had to be added to this plant lady’s workspace! Finally, these white wall pockets are perfectly minimal and will be a great spot to drop invoices, content briefs, and tax information so I can stay on top of all the administrative aspects of owning my own business.  All of these products come with their own mounting hardware, or you can use Command Strips like I did for damage free hanging.

Essential 3 – Aesthetic Office Supplies

Okay so this one maybe isn’t ESSENTIAL, but as a teacher, it kind of comes with the territory to have a love for aesthetic office supplies.  Adding this white stapler to my desktop was a must, and my favorite felt pens look perfect in this minimal cup (part of a four piece set that includes this file organizer).

There is just something about cute office supplies that instantly boost your mood and make you WANT to work.  Are you an office supply lover?

Essential 4: Plants

It wouldn’t be an OurBarnesYard post unless I touched on the inclusion of plants into the office space.  There is something about plants that just breathes life and joy into the place they are in.  My office is in the basement but has one small window.  Because of this, I have a mixture of low light plants and faux to bring that signature OBY look.  Snake, pothos, and zz are all great options for low light plants if you’re looking to add some life to your WFA set up.

 

As I transition from full time essential worker to part time teacher, part time WFA content creator, I am looking forward to taking full advantage of my home office.  I hope you were able to gain some inspiration and insight for your own home office, and to help you out, I’ve rounded up all my Staples.ca WFA essentials below!

 

1. Headphones
2.  Bulletin Board / White Board/ Magnets / Wall Pocket
3. Desk Organizer/ Stapler / Pens
4. Plants

 

Thanks for reading!

Let me know in the comments below what some of your WFH Essentials are!