Whether you’re renting a tiny apartment in a big city, have multiple roommates with no spare bedrooms, or are always on the go, not all freelancers and solopreneurs have the luxury of having a separate home office space.
Just because you don’t have a ton of extra space doesn’t mean you can’t create a productive home office for yourself. A well-organized workspace is instrumental for boosting creativity and making sure you get stuff done during your sessions.
So where do you start?
We’ve rounded up a few supplies that can help you create a great home office despite square footage limitations.
But before you start shopping, let’s cover a few important things first.
How do I maximize space in a small office?
When it comes to creating a productive home office in a small space, you want to be mindful of what you’re using.
Keep these things in mind before you start shopping:
- Less is more. Every item must have a purpose and a place. Otherwise, your small space will seem overcrowded (and that’s not productive).
- Measure your space before you buy. The last thing you want is to go on a shopping spree only to realize that none of the items you purchased will work for the space you’ve designated to be your home office. Take the time to plan things out, and you’ll be pleased you did.
- Get creative. Depending on just how small of a space you’re working with, you may have to get creative with how you arrange things. The limit does not exist.
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite space-saving items for creating the small home office of you’ve always wanted
1. Choose a desk with storage
This one is probably a no brainer, but it’s crucial to invest in a desk that has excellent storage capacity. If you don’t have the space for a bookshelf or a separate file organizer, a desk that can add space to your office (but not too much) is key.
Ashley Furniture Signature Design – Mirimyn Small Home Office Desk
BK Efficient Home Laptop Notebook Computer Desk
2. Use vertical space to your advantage
What’s one quick way to instantly add space to your home office? Hang everything! These wall organizers are great for keeping track of documents, notebooks, or anything else that would typically be on your desk.
PAG 3 Pockets Hanging File Holder Wall Mount Mail Organizer
KINGREE Over-The-Door Storage Pockets
Wallniture Bali Floating Wall Mount Metal U Shape Shelf
3. Light up your space with a hanging lamp or floor lamp.
While we’re on the topic of vertical space, instead of opting for a traditional desk lamp, choose a floor lamp or an overhead light instead. This is a great way to reduce clutter on your desk without compromising on getting enough light in your space.
Brightech Maxwell – LED Shelf Floor Lamp
Permo Vintage Industrial Wall Sconce Lighting Fixture
4. No extra room with a door? Create one yourself!
Well, not exactly, but we can try. Room dividers are great at doing just that, so your designated home office space can feel separate from the rest of your home. Whether you opt for a curtain or a standing room divider, you can pull it back or close it up when you’re not working.
Rose Home Fashion 6 ft. Tall-Extra Wide, Bamboo Room Divider
Magshion Shoji Screen Oriental Room Divider Hardwood
PONY DANCE Curtain Screen Partitions
5. Reduce clutter with a bulletin board.
Bulletin boards are an excellent way to display things like photos, keepsakes, and other home office decor that you otherwise would have put on your desk. They help keep clutter from taking over your desk and add a bit of flair to your office. There are tons of ways to arrange them and you can find boards in different shapes and sizes.
Juvale 3-Pack Cork Bulletin Boards
So there you have it! No matter how tiny of a space you’re working with, there are tons of ways you can build a home office fit for ultimate productivity. Share with us your small home office setups! We’d love to see them.
Looking for more ideas to organize your work space? Here are the best home office supplies to maintain a clutter-free environment.
Tune into the latest episode of the Unemployable podcast for more freelance advice.