How to Create a Suitable Home Office in a Small House or Apartment

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live and work and in respect of social distancing guidelines, many employers are sending their staff home to work remotely. While this is good in the short-term, many people believe that they don’t have space in their small house or apartment to set up a proper office. We are here to tell you that where there is a will, there is a way. Here at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing, we know how important it is for you to have a suitable home and workspace, so we have some tips for how you can set up shop in any space.

You Don’t Need a Traditional Office

You may be initially dismayed if you live in an apartment or a home with limited rooms, but it is important to keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need a separate room in order to set up an office. Many people have become very creative over the last year and found suitable places for their desks. For instance, if you have space in your bedroom, you could fit it there. Many people also have space under their staircase and that could be a private place where you can set up shop. You could also have Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing over to remodel your kitchen and create a workspace there.

If you live in a state with an agreeable climate, then you might even consider setting up your office outside on a covered patio. That is a great place to get the privacy you need and being outdoors in the fresh air can even bolster your creativity, which could be exactly what you need. If you can only set up shop indoors then try to put your office near a window, which provides many benefits. In addition to the mental health benefits that sunlight can provide, you will also be able to see your work and spend less money on lighting and electricity.

A Discounted Office

When told they will need to work remotely from home, many people also worry that they will not have the money to set up an office, but with proper budgeting and smart planning, you can get what you need on the cheap. For instance, when it comes to your desk, you don’t necessarily need the newest model. Instead, you can shop at thrift stores or garage sales for perfectly suitable desks. 

You don’t necessarily need to buy a brand new office chair either. If you have a comfortable chair in the living room then you can use that as your computer chair while you are at work. As far as equipment, think about what you don’t need. You can eliminate the need for a printer by going paperless and emailing instead of printing. As far as other office supplies, contact your company and ask that they send you some from the office. 

Personalize Your Space

If you want to feel more comfortable in your home office space, then consider sourcing it up with decorative items and family pictures. Hang up certifications you received from work and pictures your kids made for you. You could also hang a poster that says your favorite motivational quote.

You can also consider putting objects on your desk that could be conversation starters in the case that you have clients over to your home. While that can be as simple as a cool letter opener or paperweight, a lot of people are placing colorful geodes on their desks. Geodes are awesome because they look like a typical rock on the outside, but inside they are loaded with colorful crystals and minerals. They are quite striking. Click here for a selection of geodes.

As you can see, there are many tricks that you can use to set up a suitable home office in even the smallest space. Try these tips and see what works for you. Here at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing, we offer a bevy of services, from drain cleaning to water heater installation. Contact us at 708-845-7922 to learn more.

Guest Contributor: Kelli Brewer