In the wake of the global pandemic, more people are working from home than ever before. If you have the space for a dedicated home office, you might have embraced this concept with open arms! But, if you have a small apartment or many people in your house, it might be challenging carving out space for your home office. You can do a few things to create a home office even if you don’t have a lot of space in your home.
Carve out a Dedicated Space
Fortunately, you shouldn’t need much space for a home office. Most people need a flat surface near an electrical outlet to plug in a laptop. Wherever you decide to put your desk, dedicate it specifically for you to do your work.
Work can be challenging enough without having to clear your kids’ toys off your desk or dishes from lunch. Even if you have a small table serving as your home office, make the space your own and set it up, so it is only for getting work done.
Decide what Type of Desk or Table you need
What type of work do you do from home? How many gadgets do you need? If you only use a laptop, then you can use any flat surface as a desk. If you need more devices or hook up your home printer or scanner, you might want a full-fledged desk with drawers and maybe a built-in power strip.
When you are dreaming up your home office, try to create a space that is as sleek as can be. A big bulky desk might get in your way if you don’t use all its features. On the other hand, if you will be printing and filing a lot of paper, go ahead and splurge on the more oversized desk.
You may also consider an adjustable height desk if you would like the option of standing while working. Some of these desks come in different widths, storage and electrical outlets for all your office equipment.
Look for Natural Light
If possible, try to set up your home office space in a room with a window. You will not only appreciate having a view to glance at when not looking at your computer, but the natural light is easier on your eyes and can even boost serotonin levels.
If you are setting up in a basement or somewhere without natural lighting, make sure you have enough lamps or lighting. You want to prevent any eye strain from spending long periods in front of a computer.
Set up a Privacy Screen
A room with a door would be optimal, but if that’s not practical, look to set up any privacy screen you can find. While this won’t prevent your phone calls from being overheard, it can help keep you walled off from kids, roommates, or anyone else who might beg for attention.
The key to a proper home office is to create a space you can use free from interruptions and distractions. A door, or a privacy screen, will help keep some of the distractions at bay, allowing you to focus on your work.
