Remote workdays can come out of nowhere. Whether it’s a surprise snowstorm, a school closure, or a last-minute change of plans, sometimes you have just one day to pull together a work from home set-up.
The good news? With smart planning, a few budget-friendly tools, and a little creativity, you can build a remote work set-up that’s comfortable, functional, and quick to assemble.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a solid work from home set-up in just one day, with affordable solutions and practical tips for getting started.
Start with the Essentials: Laptop, Internet, and Communication Tools
You don’t need a whole office worth of stuff to create a comfortable work from home set-up, however there are a couple of essentials that are necessary for a productive day at home. Let’s begin with the must-haves:
•A working laptop – If you don’t already have one, consider a refurbished laptop as an affordable and reliable option. Wisetek Store offers a one-year warranty on all refurbished laptops. This is the heart of your work from home computer set-up, so it is important to invest wisely if you can.
•Stable internet connection – Before you sit down to work, make sure to test your Wi-Fi speed. If it's patchy, move closer to the router, use an Ethernet cable, or consider a temporary mobile hotspot.
•Webcam and microphone – Built-in laptop accessories like the webcam and microphone are usually fine, but if yours aren’t up to scratch, external USB webcams and mic-headset combos are inexpensive and easy to set up.
•Basic communication tools – Make sure you have a reliable way to communicate with your team whether they are in the office or at home. Install Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. These platforms are vital to any remote work set-up.
Quick tip: Don’t forget your chargers and cables. A power strip or surge protector can help keep everything organised and within reach.
Create a Productive (and Quiet) Workspace
The chances are you probably don’t have a spare room in your home ready and waiting to be turned into a home office. But the good thing is you don’t need a lot of space. You just need a small, dedicated area where you can get your work done.
•Find a quiet corner – Even if it’s the kitchen table or a cleared-out nook in your bedroom, defining a work zone helps set mental boundaries.
•Work surface – A desk is ideal, but any stable table or surface will do. Clear it off, clean it up, and make it yours for the day. In a pinch, we’ve found ourselves on the couch with our laptop balanced on a stack of pillows.
•Chair – Choose a chair that supports you properly. If you need to, add a cushion or rolled-up towel for extra back support.
•Lighting – A simple desk lamp or natural light from a nearby window can help reduce eye strain.
•Noise-cancelling headphones – These can be a game-changer if you're working around children, housemates, or noisy neighbours.
These easy wins can make a world of difference in your work from home office set-up and help you stay comfortable and focused.
Prioritise Comfort: Ergonomics on a Budget
You don’t need expensive kit for an ergonomic work from home set-up. A few smart adjustments using what you already have can do just the trick.
•Use pillows or rolled towels for lumbar support in your chair.
•Raise your screen by stacking books or boxes to get it to eye level.
•External keyboard and mouse – These reduce wrist strain and allow for better posture. Affordable wireless options are widely available online.
•Monitor stand alternatives – A shoebox, crate, or even a firm cushion can do the trick.
Ergonomics is about working in a way that supports your body. You don’t necessarily need to have high-end gear for the perfect set-up. Don’t forget to take breaks though. Even if you have the best ergonomic set up going, it’s important to stand up and stretch your legs every couple of hours.
Optimise Your Software and Digital Workflow
A basic work from home set-up can help you be just as productive as home as you are in the office. With the right tools in place, your team might not even notice that you aren’t around.
•Communication: Zoom, Slack, or Microsoft Teams keep you in touch with your team in the office or at home. Send messages or hop on a call to discuss projects.
•Collaboration: Google Workspace, Notion, or Trello make working with colleagues much easier by allowing everyone to access work, assign tasks and stay up to date on your coworker's progress.
•Cloud storage: Sync files via Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive so you’re never without your work whether you’re at home working on your refurbished laptop or in the office.
•Calendar + task tools: Set up shared calendars and use to-do apps to keep yourself on track.
If you’ve never used these tools before, make sure to set aside 30–45 minutes to install, log in, and familiarise yourself with them. They're key to any solid remote work set-up.
Final Touches for Focus and Routine
Routines aren’t set in one day, but you can set yourself up with the best tools possible to ensure you have a productive day. Once you’ve got the essentials in place, small details can help you stay motivated and on track:
•Good lighting – A bright, inviting space helps keep your energy levels up.
•Timers – Use a Pomodoro timer or focus app like Forest to manage time and stay on task.
•Minimise distractions – Silence unnecessary notifications on your phone and computer and make sure to set expectations with those you live with.
•Personal touches – A mug of tea, a small plant, or a calming playlist can make the space feel your own.
Even the best work from home set-up relies on good habits and a focused mindset.
Conclusion: A Comfortable Work from Home Set-up — In Just One Day
You don’t need a big budget or a spare room to be ready for remote work. With a few essentials and smart thinking, anyone can create a functional, comfortable work from home set-up in just one day.
From using refurbished tech to rethinking your space, it's all about doing more with what you’ve got and doing it quickly.
Need a reliable laptop for your work from home set-up? Explore our collection of refurbished laptops — shipped fast, professionally tested, and ready to use.