10 Ways You Can Improve Your Tiny Home Office
An essential part of working from home is having an office space that is functional and comfortable. Getting through the entire workday with minimal distractions might seem impossible in a tiny space, but we’re here to give you tips on how to make it work for you.
The Pros And Cons Of Working From Home
Many of us have recently gotten to know the pros and cons of working from home, and not necessarily by choice. It can be tough to reside in the same place that you work all day, as it allows little room for distinction between your home life and office life.
However, sometimes it’s nice to roll out of bed on a Monday and not think about your long commute. You get to save money on gas and wear pajamas all day if you want to. But the most important part of making home office life work for you is cultivating a space of your own that allows you to get things done.
How To Improve Your Space
There are a lot of small adjustments you can make to your current workspace in order to feel better about it. Some ideas you may never have thought of could completely change the way you think or feel about working in your home. Let’s get started.
Think About What You Need
The first thing you should do is make a mental checklist of what you need to keep in your office space. This is all the essentials and how much room they’ll take up. If you’re using a desktop computer, figure out how much space it requires on your desk and whether or not you can place it on the floor instead.
You can also think about peripherals for a computer that you might want to keep close by. These are things that you might usually be supplied with at an office but have to do yourself at home. If you use a printer, scanner, or filing cabinet, think about where you want to place those things in your tiny office.
You can also go over what tools you need for organization. This includes items like a corkboard, a dry erase board, a calendar, and more. You may want to clear some wall or desk space for something you want to be able to see every day when you sit down.
Cable Management
Loose cables from your computer and other gadgets can really slow down productivity. If you want a clear headspace, tuck your cables under your desk or behind your computer using zip ties. This allows for a cleaner look that will also keep the wires from getting tangled.
Choose The Right Location
If you are just setting up your home office for the first time, the space that you pick is crucial. You don’t want to set up work in the living room where it will be noisy all day. Instead, pick a room or location in the house that is out of the way and doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic.
Pick A Color Scheme
Customizing your workspace to fit your tastes is one of the benefits of working from home. You can’t quite paint the walls or change much about a real office because you don’t own that space. At home, you have the freedom to make your tiny office look however you want. Fill it with plants or put up exciting wallpaper. You can let your imagination run wild here.
Natural Lighting
There is a strong connection between getting vitamin D and productivity. Allowing natural light to come through your windows during the day helps with your mood and overall health, too. Office spaces with natural lighting are known to lease for two to four dollars per square foot more than an office with fluorescent lighting—and for good reason. It really does have that much of an impact.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Keeping a bottle of water nearby is another excellent way to keep you going all day long. Constantly getting up to get a glass of water from the kitchen leads to procrastination and distractions for your workload. On top of that, drinking water throughout the day regulates your body temperature, keeps your joints lubricated, and delivers nutrients to your cells.
Utilize Your Entire Space
Installing shelving that goes almost all the way to the ceiling is a great way to make the most of your space, especially if it is small. Stacking drawers vertically uses less floor space and allows you to keep everything within arm’s reach.
Multipurpose Room
If you can’t find a particular room for your office to be in, you can use a room that doubles as something else too. It could be the kitchen, bedroom, or bonus room. Face your desk toward the rest of the room so that it feels like you’re in your own area. It’s also best if you choose furniture for the room that fits the aesthetic of the rest of the space so that nothing feels out of place.
Ergonomic Setup
Perhaps the most vital part of any home office is the ergonomics of the chair and the rest of the setup. Without this aspect, sitting in a chair all day staring at a screen just wouldn’t be possible. Invest in a quality seat and back cushion to support your lumbar spine and buttocks muscles. This will improve your circulation and allow you to be comfortable all day long.
If you’re someone who uses an iPad for work, using a SkyFloat device can help with your posture and productivity. This allows you a hands-free way to use your iPad without straining your neck or constantly picking it up and putting it down.
SkyFloat easily hangs from the ceiling using a magnetic plate and a super-strong magnet. It can hold your phone or tablet in midair within minutes of installation. It’s even adjustable with a strong telescopic magnetic arm. You can use it anywhere in your house, not just your home office. You can buy SkyFloats in a pack of two, three, five, or ten. That way, you’ll have one to hang in each room.
Create Boundaries With People
Sharing an office with the people that you live with can be tough. It may be worth mentioning to your roommates or family members that you need to focus on work during the day, even though you’re physically at home. This can be difficult at first, but in time, people will learn to respect your wishes.
The Bottom Line
Not every home office is created equally. Knowing what’s important to you is the first step in improving your home office space. This list isn’t a one size fits all situation, so it’s okay to adjust our tips to fit your lifestyle. Look for ideas that inspire you to work harder and dream bigger.
Sources:
The Importance of Ergonomics | BV Health System
the Benefits of Natural Light in the Workplace | New Day Office
