If the pandemic taught us one thing, more and more people are finding that working from home creates flexibility, employee empowerment, and a healthy work-life balance. Recently, many companies have adopted a hybrid approach to working remotely, where employees spend some days in the office and some days at home. If there are days when you are working from home in your apartment, it is essential to establish a better office space than the kitchen table or sofa. In this article, we will walk you through five tips to create a functional, aesthetic home office space in your apartment.
1. Figure Out Your Needs
Similar to making a grocery list before going to the store, it’s essential to make a detailed list of everything you will need for your home office before setting it up. You should evaluate your list and prioritize the items based on need. Every home office should have at least a desk, a computer, and a comfy office chair. However, depending on your scope of work, things like a printer, telephone, or even a filing cabinet could be needed. For example, if you are a software engineer, a big need you have might be a desk with enough space for a double monitor. Prioritizing your needs will depend on the available space you have to work with, your job role, and your personal preferences.
2. Location is Everything
Once your “must haves” list is created, you will have a better idea of how much space the office will require. While some people have a spare bedroom or built-in desk, not everyone will have ample space to create their dream at-home office. If the space is smaller, a single desk in a quiet nook in the living room or bedroom will work just as well. If you sit at your desk for long periods of time at home, creating the perfect space with ample lighting and comfort will create the perfect environment to stay motivated and mitigate distractions.
3. Prioritize Organization
One of the best things you can do when configuring your home office space is to prioritize organization. Keeping the space clean and organized will increase your productivity and decrease clutter-related anxiety. One way to stay organized at home is to invest in vertical storage that can hold your office supplies and files in one centralized location rather than spread out across the desk or on the floor.
4. Comfort is Key
If you work in a corporate setting, you will probably sit at your desk for at least 8 hours a day, and we all know this can get uncomfortable at times. To avoid this, we recommend purchasing an office chair that prioritizes comfort through proper height, back support, and arm support. Additionally, investing in a stand-up desk will allow you to sit or stand throughout the day. This can help you avoid back pain while keeping you energized and moving.
5. Add Personal Style
Like everything in your home, decorations and personal touches can make your home office space an enjoyable and inviting area. Whether it’s a pop of color or a more neutral setting with carefully curated artwork, it’s important to make sure you make the space your own and show off your personality!
Creating the perfect home office space in your apartment is crucial for productivity, comfort, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By following these five tips, you can transform any corner of your apartment into a functional and aesthetic workspace.