The COVID-19 pandemic has created new circumstances for many Anne Arundel County businesses and employees. One of those is the increase in employees working from home. As a renter, you may have already been limited on space before you found yourself cramming in a home office. If your current setup leaves much to be desired, check out these rental home management tips for a space-saving home office below!
How to Create a Home Office in a Small Space
Distractions are everywhere, and it can be a challenge to focus on your work when you lack space to isolate properly. With some creativity and space-saving solutions, you too can have a comfortable home office, even in limited square feet. Read on to learn more.
- Find a Quiet Corner: The idea is to find a quiet and unused or underutilized spot in your apartment. This could be a corner of the living area, blank space between closets, low traffic hallway, or even a nook by the stairs. Set up your workstation wherever it can reasonably fit.
- Rearrange Some Furniture: Reconfiguring your existing furniture may open up more space than you realize. So, think outside the box since even a narrow table behind the sofa can serve double duty as a workstation.
- Divide and Conquer: If you have space, adding a bookshelf or hanging curtains as a temporary partition makes a world of difference. Not only does it add privacy and block out distractions, but it also hides workstation supplies from view when not in use.
- Office or Closet?: If you are fortunate enough to have a walk-in closet you can spare, this is a great temporary office solution. Just add some storage, a desk, an accent lamp, as well as décor, and you are in business.
- Go Mobile: Lastly, if you do not have the room for added furniture or shuffling around, consider a mobile option. Metal or wood craft carts are readily available on Amazon and local retailers such as IKEA. Load up all supplies and equipment you will need and wheel it to your sofa or dining room table. When finished for the day, wheel the cart away to a closet or bedroom. Out of sight, out of mind.
Must-Do Ideas for a Successful Home Office
Working from home does have its challenges, especially if you live with roommates, have a bustling family, or just get distracted easily. Below we discuss some ideas and rules to implement that will help keep you productive at home.
- Stay Organized: Just as it would be at the office, your home office should be neat and tidy. Utilize lidded boxes for extra storage and keep cables and cords tucked away behind your workstation.
- Soak up the Sun: Not only does sunlight improve Vitamin D levels, but it also relates to your sense of happiness. Even if you do not have access to a window of natural light, keep the energy up by using lamps or other light sources in your work area.
- Check Your Color Theory: Color combinations can affect your productivity. Choose or create an area that has calming or happy colors that are soothing and non-chaotic.
- Maximize Vertical Space: If square footage is in short supply, go vertical! Installing shelving above your workspace can add much-needed storage and organization to your home office.
- Comfort is Key: Lounging on the sofa with your laptop may sound great, but it isn’t the best for your body. The computer set up as well as the chair you sit in, should be ergonomic and provide proper support. Don’t take this lightly, as poor posture could cause short and long term effects.
- Establish Boundaries: If you set up in a high traffic area or busy room for other household members, be sure to lay out a few ground rules. Even though you are working from home, it still needs to be treated as a professional environment, and distractions directly affect productivity.
Conclusion
As residents settle into what may be the new normal, home offices are more critical than ever. Even if you are short on square footage, stylish and functional space is still attainable if you follow these suggestions above. Are you a landlord looking for rental home management in Severna Park or the surrounding areas? Check out Bay Property Management Group and see what our experienced property managers can do for you!