Creating an At-Home Office When You Have Limited Space

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Creating an at-home office space is something more people worldwide are doing these days, in part because it’s become so popular to work from home. As many people have discovered, starting a home-based business is easier than ever now that there have been so many advances in technology, though it can often be difficult to get things done when you have countless distractions all around you. With a home office, you can ensure your work doesn’t suffer and that you can get things done in relative comfort.

When you have limited space, however, it can be tricky to put together an office at home. It takes some creativity to pull off, as well as some great storage solutions. One of the best ways to get started is to declutter and clean out the area, throwing away or donating items you no longer need or want. This will help you prevent overwhelming the space with too many items, which can lead to stress and negatively impact your mental health.

Keep reading for some great tips on how to create an at-home office.

Declutter

Decluttering can help you keep the space clean and neat, and it’s a great place to start because it will allow you to see just how much room you have. If you have a lot of belongings, sort them into piles: one for trash, one for things you can donate, and one for things you can sell. For items with lots of sentimental value, consider renting out a storage unit to keep them safe. You may also need to rent a truck to haul your items to the storage unit.

Create a Budget

Having limited space means you need to be creative when it comes to storage and decor, so look for ways you can keep costs down by creating a budget. Once you have a set price in mind that you want to spend, you can start shopping online and looking for the best deals, and it will allow you to find alternative uses for items you already have. For instance, you might turn an old table into a desk; a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Or you could save room by installing a built-in desk. If your DIY skills are less than spectacular, you also can often find great desks for under $100 to keep your budget on track.

Make Your Decor Functional

When you don’t have much space, it’s important to find dual uses for things. Your decor should be functional as well as nice to look at, such as well-organized shelves that hold books and small succulent plants, or hanging cubes that can store files. Looking for ways to turn your walls into extra storage will give you an easy way to stay organized while making your office space look professional and pretty. You can also create a mood board with large pieces of cork, where you can hang photos, artwork, or your own sketches for inspiration.

Hide It Away

Small spaces often have to perform multiple functions, meaning you may need to be able to hide away any sign of your office space. If this is the case, consider clearing out a closet that can serve as your small office; pull up a chair when you’re ready to work, and close the doors when you’re going to have company over.

Creating an at-home office when you don’t have much space can be a tricky process, but it doesn’t have to be costly or stressful. Look for creative ways to make the space your own, and set a budget at the very beginning so you don’t become overwhelmed. With a good plan, you can make sure your home office is everything you want.