When you work from home, a home office is essential. It’s the only way to take yourself seriously and get work done. While those who go out to work each day may imagine us sitting on the sofa, that’s not the reality. While that may be okay when you start out, you’ll soon realise it’s no way to be productive.
Another massive no-no when working from home is working in the bedroom. This can be bad from both ends. For one, you’ll feel less productive when working in the space you sleep. For another, you’ll find it harder to switch off at night with your workspace next to you.
But, those of us with a family know that every space counts. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a spare room, your office has to slot wherever it fits. With that in mind, the bedroom doesn’t seem like such an unappealing option. All you need to do is consider the ways you can overcome the problems mentioned above. Done wrong, a bedroom office could be a disaster. But, taking heed of the following advice should ensure the setup suits you well.
Start with a blank canvas
For the most part, it won’t pay to think you can slot your office into an established bedroom. If you’re going down this route, start with a blank canvas. That way, you can start on the right footing. You won’t fall into the trap of feeling tired when you enter the space because your brain won’t associate it with sleep yet.
This also gives you the chance to match your furniture. Bedroom furniture doesn’t generally come complete with a desk set. But, if you look out for bedroom furniture sets with your purpose in mind, you can invest in pieces which at least look right together. And, if everything fits, you’re more likely to enjoy spending time in the space.
Compartmentalise
Remember that the main issue is finding the life/work balance. It’s difficult to juggle, but compartmentalising is half the battle. How you do this is up to you, but you need to make sure your sleep and work areas are as separate as possible. You may create divides with your layout, or invest in curtains or dividers which split the room in two. Even something as simple as having your desk facing away from your bed should work.
Get smart with space
Another issue with many bedroom offices is that of space. If you’re operating with a small bedroom, it may be a challenge to avoid clutter. And, we all know the importance of avoiding clutter while working. A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind, after all.
The good news is, there are many space saving office ideas you could use. Instead of investing in a desk, why not build one into your wardrobe? If you’re handy with DIY, you could even create a foldaway desk, which will also help your compartmentalisation! Whatever you choose, a little smart thinking is all it takes.
[…] pre-bed ritual. When your bedroom doubles up as an office, it can be difficult to switch off, but creating the right environment for both work and sleep will help to make it easier. Don’t let space be a reason why you can’t take some time to […]