Having a small apartment doesn’t have to mean being crammed in a corner with a laptop or sitting on your bed doing your most important work or study. With the right knowledge and tips, you can make the most of every square foot in your conservative-sized apartment and create a practical and comfortable home office. Take note of the tips in this helpful guide below.
Choose the Right Spot
Some parts of your office will be better suited for work and study than others. Find an area that lets in plenty of natural light, since light can make your workspace brighter and more inviting. Consider overlooked spaces you wouldn’t normally give much thought, like an alcove, a quiet corner, or even a space underneath a staircase.
It also helps if the apartment you choose, such as Encore at University District, supports multiple options. Some apartments have desk space in the bedrooms, while others have dedicated nooks or extra space in living areas. Once you find the perfect spot, think about visual separation to support balance between work or study and everyday life. A bookshelf, folding screen, or even a rug can help you create a distinctive ‘work zone.’
Be Particular with Furniture
Just as a parent would often need to choose low maintenance furniture when they have young kids, you have to think beyond your preferences when furnishing a small office space. Instead of choosing furniture you like, you have to balance what you like with what will fit. Wall-mounted desks are often preferred in small apartments because they don’t take up floor space, and you can fold them down when you’re not using them. Multifunctional furniture can also be a worthwhile investment, as a desk can also function as a dining table.
Perfect the Lighting
In a small space, an office nook can easily feel dark, dreary, and unproductive. That’s why it’s important to get the lighting right so you can be your most productive self. Along with positioning your desk near a window, you can combine natural daylight with a desk lamp. To reduce screen glare, make sure your computer monitor is perpendicular to the windows. In the evenings, when you may be less inclined to work or study, add warm ambient light to make your workspace feel more inviting.
Keep the Area Clutter-Free
In a small home or apartment with limited storage, an office nook or space can easily become a catch-all for items that don’t otherwise have a home. Before you know it, paperwork and accessories are piled up on your desk, and your brain starts to feel as cluttered as your immediate workspace.
Get into the habit of resetting your desk after every workday or study session. If it helps, invest in storage solutions that promote better organization, such as drawer organizers or desk containers.
Create a ‘Switching Off’ Routine
When you live and work in the same apartment, separating your professional life from your personal time can become challenging. You can struggle to mentally leave your office when your sofa or bed is mere feet away. Start by establishing work or study hours and sticking to them. You can also create a finishing routine where you clear your desk, put away your laptop and other tech, and turn off your lamp when your study or work is complete.
Living in a small apartment means you typically can’t have a dedicated office room. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t create a practical, productive, and comfortable workspace. Choose an area, define it with furnishings, and set rules for yourself, like clearing clutter and having a switch-off routine. Working from home may then be easier and more comfortable than you thought possible.