Best Apps for Working from Home

It's hard to believe it's been 14 years since I first started working from home writing articles. But there are a few things that I have learned in those years that may help you decide which apps to try for your own wfh routine.

The first thing you need to do is to have a to-do list. This is essential for anyone working in their home office, whether it's because they are a freelancer or working remotely due to COVID-19. When you don't always have a boss who you can see or who can see you, it can be easy to be distracted. So, you want to make sure that you have a list of what you need to do to keep on track.

Something else that you will find is key when working from home is having the right office tools and communication apps. For example, a scanner app can come in handy if you don't have a fancy Xerox at home. For communication, email is essential, of course. But you also want to have an app such as Zoom or Slack (or both) so that you can keep in touch with your clients, boss, and coworkers, even when you're out of the office with appointments or picking up the kids from school.

Zoom is one of my favorite apps because you can use it on your computer, phone, or tablet, and it's been a lifesaver this past year when getting together with friends and family hasn't been possible due to COVID. We even had a Zoom 80th birthday party for my mom, so it's not just for work.

Finally, if you are working from home as a freelancer, having a few apps that let you find work is also important. Upwork is a good example, and it's one I have used in the past. So, I highly recommend it. You'll also need a way to get paid, so PayPal is one that many people use to pay for their services. 

Working from home can be very handy, and it also can be frustrating at times because you never feel like you're truly 'home' from work. However, when you stop and consider that you don't have to fight traffic or change out of your PJs, it's a fair exchange.