As June 30 looms, many of us are scrambling to sort receipts, clear inboxes, and justify purchases that may or may not fall under “essential business expenses.” If you work from home, like I do, while also managing the everyday background noise of small children, rogue messes and frequent deadlines, then you know the importance of streamlining the chaos.
That’s why I’m making it my mission to finally make remote work life more manageable. Not aspirational or Instagrammable, just useful (and worthy of a tax deduction).
Here are my top picks:
A really good laptop + screen setup
I have a screen, but it’s a bit rubbish. It’s not a clear picture and so more often than not I find myself hunched over my laptop at the kitchen table. A monitor upgrade is a game changer for sorting crappy posture. And, given lower back pain is already more prevalent in women than men, it’s something we should definitely be prioritising.
Ergonomic chair
I regularly work from my breakfast bar and frankly, my back hates me. A proper ergonomic chair isn’t indulgent but basic self-preservation. And it doesn’t mean you’re old! When we start getting into rocking chair territory, then we can talk…
Retailers like Temple & Webster stock several highly rated ergonomic chairs, like the ErgoDuke Mesh Executive Chair often under $300.
Freedom Australia also has a diverse and affordable range.
Robot Vacuum
I reckon most of Australia owns a robot vacuum these days, and for good reason. They’re super-efficient, get into all the key spaces, and you can run it whenever you want (even when you’re not around). I use mine (a Deebot) daily and it’s the one household member I never have to nag. Plus, you can name them like a pet. Bless you, Wiz Khalifa!
Robot Pool Cleaner
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool and not-so-lucky enough to maintain it, the Aiper Scuba S1 is cordless, clever, and great value. It genuinely picks up everything—gum leaves, twigs, fronds- just drop it in, and press go. Plus, the battery life is excellent. You can grab it from Aiper’s official AU site now, and score a $200 discount.
A standing desk
Good posture again. No notes.
Noise cancelling earphones
Some days, I put these in and pretend I’m in an office overlooking Sydney Harbour with no mess and no children yelling about Paw Patrol. I’ve tried a few brands over the years, but the AirPods really do reign supreme. They don’t fall out of my irregular shaped ears and the noise cancelling function is genuinely a game changer.
Bluetooth speaker
Doing admin doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Add tunes, podcasts, or calming ocean sounds to transform your tasks. Officeworks and JB Hi-Fi, both offer generous EOFY deals.
Portable blender
Sometimes self-care looks like a green smoothie. Sometimes it’s about blitzing bananas before they go bad. Either way, a powerful blender earns its keep.
Let’s face it, working from home isn’t going anywhere (despite the hopes of some tyrannical overlords). So if a few clever tools can ease the juggle, save your spine, or free up mental space, it’s worth considering. EOFY can be a good reminder to invest not just in your work, but in the way you live and move through the day.
*Note: The Aiper vacuum was kindly gifted, but all opinions shared are honest and independent.