If you are one of the many Americans who work from home these days, then you will know that the benefits of having a dedicated space for your job are tenfold, especially if you don’t have to see that mean boss in-person anymore.
First, it’s hugely important to make sure you have a productive space so that your boss does not question your work ethic when at your home office — this could make you a terribly unhappy employee. We’ve all had those horrible bosses who are untrusting no matter what, so it’s important to squash that idea immediately. Brand new research shows that more people than you think are facing this same issue with their manager or boss, so that makes a home office even more important. A proper home office can truly change your life. A nice office can also be helpful if you’re interviewing for jobs, as research shows that 77% of Americans are indeed on the job search.
Having such a space, which is just for work, allows you to stay organized and on top of your tasks and it also stops you from letting your personal life leak into your work environment.
Of course, a dedicated office with its own room is the goal for most people who do take the leap and decide to work from home. However, for many of us who are taking advantage of apartment living, having an office that is separate from the living quarters is the stuff of fantasy. The lack of space means it is just not an option.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t create a workspace in your apartment that’s great for business meetings, no matter how little space you have.
Here are just a few tips on how you can design the perfect home office in your dwelling.
Smart Storage
According to Franchise Direct, “vertical storage is one way to make your office clutter disappear instantly and make your home office seem more organized. This is particularly true if you are living in an apartment with a tall roof.”
Other smart storage solutions include a foldable desk, which can be especially useful in studio apartments, as you can slide it directly underneath a sofa or bed when office hours have passed.
Get Creative
There are times in life when you have to think outside the box and there are times while designing when you have to get away from the traditional. One way of doing this is by thinking about areas that aren’t typically designated for home office space.
For instance, is there a walk-in closet that you are not making the best use of? If so, perhaps this could be turned into a workspace. This could be a perfect fit if you’re starting a business to sell items online including clothing or a freelancer selling blog writing services.
Or is there room in your hallway? If so, this could be the ideal place for a cozy desk space and some unique wall art to spruce things up.
Keep the Chords Away
If your apartment is spatially challenged, then chords are a definite no-no! In this scenario, a wireless printer, wireless monitor and overall, a wireless everything should be chosen here! This will be a huge help with you decor aesthetic.
You will be amazed by how much more room you have once you have minimized the number of extra chords that are around you. It will also feel less messy and that’s always a good thing when you are trying to be productive!
Sit or Stand
New research has shown that American workers love working at home for many reasons — most including some aspect of comfort. Another study from Beautiful.ai even shows that bosses love it, too! From wearing pajamas during work to setting up their office; a lot goes into being comfortable at your home office. Sit-stand desks are becoming an option many US workplaces are choosing for their employees, so there is no reason that home office workers shouldn’t be considering these options, too.
For those of you that don’t know what sit-stand desks are, they are height adjustable desks that are helping to prevent back pain and postural health issues. They are also great when you need to adapt the space that you’re living in to suit your needs.
They are usually more adaptable than traditional desks, with a large amount of storage space available underneath them when they’re fully extended to suit people who prefer working while standing up.
Minimal Space, Minimal Clutter
If your home workspace is full of clutter, then no amount of space will help your productivity. Distractions are quite simply, productivity drainers. For instance, how many of you are supposed to be working while reading this? We can see you… it’s OK, we won’t tell anyone!
If you have limited space, clutter will actively hamper your work. Thus, ensuring that your area is free from any unnecessary distractions is an essential design goal. Just don’t go overboard and completely empty your working space. A working space that is too bare and minimal can actually make you less productive.
Room Divider Curtain
It’s design 101, but it is as true in this instance as any: a room divider can repurpose one room into two different spaces.
Let’s face facts: you don’t want to feel like you are doing your accounts in the same area as you sleeping, or watch your favorite boxset. Thus, if you live in a studio and want to feel as though you’re not working on top of your leisure and relaxation space, then this is be a useful tip.
An Alcove Office
Many apartments have little alcoves that aren’t quite big enough for a wardrobe, but where you can easily squeeze a small desk into. Why not make the best of these spaces?
Essentially, what you need to do is use the space wisely. A small desk, a chair that slides under that desk and a lighting fixture that isn’t intrusive will make this area feel like you’ve your own private office.
There you have it, seven tips on how you can turn any small space into a small, but productive, office. But remember, you’ll also need to care for your mental health when working at home, as loneliness can definitely creep in. Don’t forget about that!
And don’t forget, when designing you place and your home office, make sure you create a floor plan to show the layout and appliances and how everything will fit!
