For over a decade, I’ve managed salespeople out of multiple offices.

That means, that like it or not, I’ve had to figure out how to work out of multiple spaces.

When I started doing this, I thought, if I can just plug my laptop into a cubicle, somewhere in my secondary space, I’d be fine. I’d save the difficult conversations and 1 on 1’s for when I was back in my main office and just catch up on email or do ridealongs whenever I was in a satellite office.

But it never worked out that way. I found that when I visited my office away from my other office, I would always get drawn into other work, need space for a private conversation and if I didn’t have a space that was organized just so, I wouldn’t want to go there.

This started a quest to create the perfect workspace that was the same everywhere I went, so that I would enjoy working and be able to do the same tasks no matter which space I ended up in.

During this time when all of us are working from home, this lesson is even more important.

If you are going to be productive at home it can’t feel like you are working with stripped down equipment. It is imperative that you design your home workspace to be nearly identical to your office setup so that you can get the same sort of work accomplished at home that you expected to get accomplished at work.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is designing a home office space with just a laptop screen when we are used to working on monitors, or a keyboard that you hate, when your awesome keyboard and mouse combo languish at the office.

For me, this meant spending some money to up fit my space, and when I think about the work I can now accomplish at home, I’m glad I did. So here are a couple of things you should think about if you are going to be working from home for at least another month (or indefinitely).

1. Two monitors. If you use multiple monitors at work, get two for the home office as well. I can’t tell you how many times people tell me that they are waiting till they get back in front of their multiple monitors before the tackle that tough spreadsheet or difficult word document. Don’t fall into this trap. Monitors are really cheap right now, so either make the case to your boss that you need two at home, or see if you can take the monitors from your office in the short term and plug them in at home. Alternatively, check with your IT folks and see if they have some additional ones you can put in your home office in the short term.

2. A familiar keyboard and mouse. I love Logitech stuff. I’ve used their rechargeable Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for years, and I love the way it feels and know the shortcuts, and how to work it to make things happen. I know you have a keyboard and mouse combo you are familiar with. So go get another set for your home office. Familiarity is one of the most important things you can bring to a time like this.

3. A chair. Look, sitting at the kitchen table might be your thing, and if that works great! But for me, I want to sit in a leather swivel chair. I’m comfortable with it, I know how it works, and there is something about pushing back from my desk or sitting back in it that reminds my brain that I’m at work. If you have a favorite chair see if you can bring it home with you (bonus points for bringing the chair mat as well). Another option is to surf facebook marketplace or your favorite supply store. Find a chair that reminds you to work. Your productivity will thank you.

4. Other stuff. For me, I need a table on which I can write, I want something that is wide and study where I can put my iPad, planner etc. A sturdy card table will do, but you need a place that isn’t wedged on top of your computer desk. Also, I need a three month calendar, a clock and a calculator with big buttons. You might need different things, but think about your space, the tools you use at the office, and get some of those essential tools as copies for your home office (or see if you can temporarily borrow the ones from work).

Good solid tools are vital to getting the job done (try using a flat head screwdriver when a Phillips head is called for if you don’t believe me). Getting these tools and replicating your work set up as much as possible will allow you to trick your mind into thinking, oh yeah, these are work tools. I’m working now.

This may seem small, but when dealing with all the distractions of working from home, every edge counts.

Until next time, thanks for reading.