Making A Home office in a tiny living space

Patrick Young 

The Mid-Century Meditations Blog welcomes Guest Blogger Patrick Young of the AbleUSA Blog - https://ableusa.info/blog/

Edited and formatted by Dawn Torres-Reyes

Working remotely and small space living are common these days. Read tips on creating a home office in a tiny space.

Image via Unsplash

Remote work is the new normal, which means home offices are more of a necessity now than a luxury. Unfortunately, property prices are through the roof at this time and even rentals are hard to come by. Finding an appropriate larger space – with an unused room that could double as your home office – is a challenging task in the current market. 

You may have to make do with a tiny living space instead, which you may have to share with a roommate or domestic partner. This can make working from home productively, long-term, a challenge. It is possible, though: All it takes is a little creativity and some clever redecoration. 
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Danish Modern San Diego gives you some pointers on making a comfortable home office out of a small living space: ​

​Plan and Budget

Decide how much you are able spend on your home office. You could make a home office for next to no money or invest several thousand for something top-of-the-line. We recommend investing in well-made, sturdy furniture that will last.

Be aware that desks and related pieces that attach to a wall may not be welcome as not all rental agreements permit you to make structural changes, as Justia can confirm. 

Purge Items You No Longer Need

Less is more when you live in a tiny apartment or studio. Decluttering will allow you to get rid of items you no longer need. Organize items into separate piles for giving away, donating, and recycling. If you are hesitant about getting rid of something, you can always put them in storage before you make a decision. Be sure to research options for San Diego storage carefully before you choose a unit.  

​Organize

Organizing goes hand in hand with decluttering. By arranging everything you own properly, you can create more room and also find everything you need quickly. When it comes to your office space, keep the items you need close at hand. Organize your desk drawers so your most-used things are at the top, and the less-used ones at the bottom. 

Section Off An Unused Corner

You will have to be creative when delineating some space for your home office. You could, for example, put a desk next to your bed and also use it as a nightstand. Or you could have a desk that doubles as your dining table. You can use paneling or paint the wall a different shade to create a "work zone". Red and green can make you more productive, reports Color Meanings. 

Purchase Appropriate Office Furniture

A good desk and a comfortable chair are necessary for long work hours. The Remploy Bureau from England is a beautiful teak desk with an adjustable shelf, two frieze drawers, and a double-doored cabinet. You could build your office around it.

​Before purchasing anything, you might read product reviews from unbiased sources. Family care advice can help in this regard.

Consider Noise Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones may well be a necessity when noise from neighbors or your roommate is a concern. Without headphones, you may find yourself being interrupted frequently and have trouble mustering up the concentration you need to work.

​Decorate and Personalize

Last, but not least, is the décor. Good décor can lift your mood, make you more productive, and generally make you feel more settled. Consider adding a rug, a lamp, a meaningful picture, a potted plant, and a scented candle. If you have the space, consider adding a bookcase.

It is well worth your time to personalize your home office space to your liking as it will make it easier for you to slip into work mode. Also, you will be more comfortable while you work, which is essential to your productivity. 

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