In my new home, I have my very first, big girl, work from home space. Not just a folding table and some crates in the corner of the cellar, but a space big enough for a desk, a lamp and even a cozy chair. I’m really jazzed about setting up this space and having it to use for writing and crafts. As a result, I’ve I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic. Generally, it really doesn’t take much, to create a space to work from home. Read on for some tips:
Create a Space to Work from Home with These Basics:
You only need a few things to create a space to work from home.
Above all, you’ll need a desk or something that acts as one. Your kitchen table can work. However, do you really want to be in the middle of the madness that is the kitchen? Use a small table as a desk. You can use a board on top of some saw horses. Or use a traditional desk. But give yourself a surface – and one that doesn’t have to be cleared off consistently because the surface has another purpose.
A comfortable chair is vital. Get one that is sufficient for the height of your desk. It can be a traditional office chair with wheels, but also think about other comfortable options, like parson chairs and ladder backs or a stool if you’re a crafter.
Sufficient storage is essential for any paper files, office supplies, etc. Think file cabinets, baskets, even small chests of drawers.
Light both natural and electric – let’s see what we’re doing, people. This includes task lighting, lamps and overhead lights, as well.
Electricity and internet is key. No sense setting up an adorable work space in a great spot in your house and then finding out it’s a internet dead-zone. And you’ll need a power source to charge your computer and your phone.
Insider Tip: One of the best places to find desks, lighting and storage options is your local consignment store, like Consignments Ltd. We can’t help you with the internet or electricity, but you’ll find lots of options for the rest at great discounts.
Create a Space to Work from Home Out of Nothing:
So, you know what you need to set up this great workspace, but you’re still asking yourself: Where the heck am I going to put it? You’re already saying: I don’t have a spare bedroom – and if I did I would sleep in there myself to enjoy a night’s rest without that incessant snoring! My house is too small! My spaces are already committed to other functions! UGH! What am I going to do? Well, now’s the time to get creative – and in some cases, to “make something out of nothing.” Here are some easy ideas:
Carve a Workspace Out of a Closet
You don’t even have to remove the rod or upper shelf. It’s easy to put some cleats or “L” brackets on the side and back walls and then slip a writing surface into place. Electricity is a little tough with this one, so be sure to pick a closet near a wall outlet. The best part is, you can close the door at the end of the day. Use a rolling rack to store the clothing that previously hung there, and then organize the heck out of those bad boys.
Use A Television Armoire
Not a single person on planet earth wants a big television armoire anymore, but if you still have one (and don’t use it) it’s the perfect time to turn it in to a workspace. A great thing with these is that many of them come with a power strip built in, or at least a hole to run the wires through. Just like the closet, when the work is over, the doors close! Love it!
Make a Sofa Table Behind The Couch Into a Desk
This option is perfect for the neater-kind among us, because you are going to see it all, but in essence you don’t really lose anything. The desk or table acts as the console for the couch when it’s not functioning as a workspace.
Create a Nook Under The Stair
You and Harry Potter can both have your “cupboard under the stairs,” which is often an actual void in your house, so it’s ripe for grabbing it as extra square footage. If you are lucky enough to have a cupboard already carved out of this space, convert it to workspace – door or none.
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