We are thrilled to have Rose Morrison write a guest post, 10 Ways to Create a WFH Space When You Don’t Have an Office! Be sure to read her bio at the bottom and link to her other informative posts. Many thanks, Rose!
Working from home (WFH) is one of the best benefits of living in the modern era. Many workplaces and employees alike have found that remote work brings a whole new level of ease and productivity to the workday.
When working from home, you can get everything done without worrying about a commute, socialization, or office distractions. And what a blessing that can be! Plus, with the COVID-19 pandemic that hit in 2020, more people than ever are working from home.
While this has brought to light just how many people can benefit from working remotely in their own space, it’s actually caused a fair bit of challenge for plenty of people, too.
While working from home in your quiet, tranquil home office space is ideal, there are plenty of remote employees who don’t have that same luxury. If you’re reading this, maybe you’re one of them. Thankfully, you don’t need a designated room to make a great work-from-home space. In fact, you can get creative almost anywhere to create a DIY WFH paradise.
1. Find an Unused Space
One of the best ways to make space for your home office is to use corners of your home that don’t see too much love.
The extra space in your garage, the basement, the living room, or even underneath the stairs are great places for you to house your studies. That way, it’s like you’re creating even more space to work with.
2. Make It Your Own
Although there are plenty of rules and ideas you can stick to when it comes to building your workspace, the most important thing you can do is go with what makes you feel most comfortable.
Use furniture, decor, storage, houseplants, and clever layouts that truly feel like you. That way, it’ll feel more like an office that’s a home to your work.
3. Block the Noise
While this definitely isn’t an issue for everyone, it certainly can be. If your house happens to be a little noisier than you’d like — especially in common spaces — finding ways to get more privacy from ambient sounds can make a night-and-day difference.
Finding some good noise-canceling headphones and background music to work with is often the fix that truly drives it home.
4. Make It Comfortable
Another heavy-hitter for your productivity is the ability to find comfort while you work all day. While lounging on the couch isn’t exactly the optimal office environment, neither is sitting in a rigid office chair that hurts your back.
Finding furniture and space that makes you physically comfortable can help you be more productive.
5. Create a Work-Life Balance
While this is more of a life habit, you can create an office space that enables you to keep that habit up too. Finding a place for your work where you can walk away and create separation and rest is crucial. Creating that division between your work and personal time can make that much of a difference, especially if you work from home.
6. Keep Things Clean
One of the best ways to make the most of your home office space, especially when that space is limited, is to keep everything clean and tidy. Working in a neat, organized space can make everything you do feel a bit more put-together, even if you don’t quite realize it.
You don’t have to go too crazy, but cleaning out the clutter every once in a while doesn’t hurt.
7. Decorate With Inspiration
While you don’t want to make your limited space too busy, you may still be in need of a little inspiration. Sure, your home office space is made for functionality, but you should also work somewhere you feel motivated and comfortable enough to be in every day.
Find some art pieces or temporary wallpapers that add character to the space, or maybe put up some fairy lights or small lamps for atmosphere. Even the smallest touches can bring a lot of brightness and inspiration to your space.
8. Add Houseplants
If you have the room and the light to keep plants alive and well, it’s worth considering for your home office WFH space. Plants can bring a bit of life and brighten up previously unwelcoming spaces.
Having plants around can even improve productivity, happiness, and air quality — things you definitely don’t want to skimp on. You can go all-out with a big potted plant on the floor, or start out with a little guy beside your stapler. The sky is the limit.
9. Light It Well
Speaking of living things that need light, it’s not just your desk succulent that needs to catch a few rays during the day — you do, too!
While you may not always have your workspace right beside a window, cute lamps, functional lighting, and transparent curtains can all play a big role in getting you a bright, open space for your office needs. Light makes spaces feel bigger and more vibrant, and in your work life, that’s just what you need.
10. Make Space for Movement
You may wonder why movement is even necessary when all you’re doing is working at your desk. Well, ideally, that won’t be all you’re doing. Getting up and moving around is a part of a healthy workday. People need to take breaks from time to time, and that includes you.
Even if all you do is take a bit of time for a few extra stretches or some casual movement, having the space to get up and move can encourage you to stick with it.
Creating Your Ideal WFH Space
In this modern era, who says you need to have an office in order to work from home? You can build the best WFH space even without an office because all you need is a little space and your own creativity to do the job right.
With an unused corner, some good lighting, and a touch of your personality, you can make an office area that inspires you to work hard and produce amazing work, no matter what you do.
Many thanks to Rose for this interesting and informative article!
About the author:
Rose Morrison is a home improvement and design writer.
She is also the managing editor of Renovated. Follow her on Twitter to see more of her work.
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