Creating a Home Office

March 8, 2020 | By Suzie Wilson

Budget-Friendly Ways to Fit an Office Space into Your Tiny Home

 

So, you live in a tiny apartment in Brooklyn or a small space in another metropolitan city and you need a home office. When living in a small space, it can seem difficult — if not impossible — to imagine fitting in an office, much less make it happen. 

 

However, did you know that it is possible? In fact, outfitting a small home with an office is quite realistic. And the best part is that you can do it on a budget. Here are some tips to get you started on creating a home office in a tiny space: 

 

Find the Right Spot 

 

When determining where to put your home office, start with spaces that you might not use very often. You also want it to be a location that doesn’t see a lot of foot traffic and where noise will be minimal. A lot of people find that a corner of an extra bedroom works well. Since you might not have an extra bedroom in your tiny home, consider converting an underused closet or setting up in a corner of the living room. 

 

If you happen to have an attic, basement, or other unheated area and choose to set up shop there, be sure to keep it warm during winter. Portable heaters are great for smaller spaces. However, it’s essential to always turn them off when you’re not using them. Otherwise, they will become a safety hazard and use a ton of energy. Fortunately, you can save money on these purchases by checking out deals on heaters through sites such as Rakuten. 

 

Get the Right Desk 

 

Once you’ve chosen where to put your home office, you need to find a quality, budget-friendly desk. The desk should fulfill three primary roles:

 

  1. It should fit well in your office space while leaving room for other equipment.
  2. It should provide plenty of surface area for you to comfortably do your work. 
  3. It should cosmetically complement the surrounding area.

 

Your desk will probably be where you do most of your work, so buy one that you’re happy with. Also, if you can find a desk on the cheap that needs some work, you could always refresh it!

 

Invest in a Quality Chair 

 

As with your desk, you will likely be using your chair throughout most of your tasks. Invest in a chair that will keep you comfortable and happy. Not only will it help you stay focused and productive, but it will also benefit your overall health. There are many ergonomic office chairs on the market that won’t bust your budget. 

 

Use Vertical Storage Solutions

 

Getting vertical with your storage is critical to a small-but-adequate workspace. Fortunately, there are several ways you can achieve this without spending a lot of money. For example, you can install shelves along the walls from the floor to the ceiling, hang items above doors and windows, and install a pegboard for inspirational items and tools. 

 

Keep It Clean 

 

Finally, it’s important to keep your space clean and tidy on a regular basis. This starts with how you set up your office. Using vertical space for storage will go a long way in keeping things out of the way, but you also want to make sure the bulk of your cables and wires are hidden. Not only do these intrude on your space and distract from your work, but they’re simply not attractive. There are several free/cost-effective cable management solutions, such as using zip ties, cable clips, cable boxes, and bread bag ties. 

 

There you have it — you can have an office in your tiny home. Choose the location carefully, and consider getting a portable heater if your office is in an unheated space. Also, invest in a good desk and chair, and make the most of the vertical space you have. Lastly, set up your home office so that you can keep it clean and tidy on a daily basis, and you’re ready to take your work to the next level!

 

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