By Julian Lane
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Many Australians turn to tiny homes to make their housing costs affordable. However, if you’re a remote employee or freelancer, you’re doing more than just living in your tiny house; you’re working there, too. As a result, you may need to incorporate a remote office space in your tiny home, something that may seem easier said than done.
Luckily, there are options that can make adding a remote office space to your tiny house an option. If you need a budget-friendly solution, polkadot presents some tips that can help.
Choosing a Location
Carving out a space for your remote office isn’t always easy when you live in a tiny home. Usually, you don’t have a spare bedroom or large closet that you can convert. Instead, you have to integrate one into the existing living space.
If you live with others, finding a way to add a workspace into your bedroom may be best. It will give you a door you can shut, making it easier to focus.
However, if that isn’t an option, using your loft could be a wise move. Just make sure it’s tall enough to sit and work comfortably. If it isn’t, then you may want to snag a corner or small spot near a wall in the main living areas.
Selecting Furniture
When it comes to furniture, you need to be strategic when you live in a tiny house. Usually, furnishings that collapse, fold, or otherwise contract are your best bet, allowing you to stash them away when you aren’t working.
For your work surface, a wall-mounted foldout desk or table could be a solid choice. They are surprisingly sturdy and very compact. Plus, many versions incorporate a usable surface and some storage, all of which can be closed up when you’re done.
An armoire desk may also be a great option. With that, your workspace exists within a cabinet, keeping it all in one area. Often, there’s a foldout workspace, giving you more room for a keyboard, note-taking, or other activities. Plus, when you’re done for the day, you can put everything back inside the armoire and shut the doors, creating a sense of separation that could lead to a better work-life balance. Additionally, keeping things where they belong can help reduce clutter, which, in turn, can help you keep stress levels down.
With either of those, you may be able to position them in a bedroom, allowing you to shut the door when you’re working. However, they can also work well in lofts or living areas since they’re compact.
If adding new furniture into those areas won’t work, then make use of what you have in place already. By adding a slim wall cabinet near your dining table, that could become a work area. You could also get a lap desk that you can use while sitting on the sofa if you’re really pressed for space.
Options for Limiting Distractions
If you share your tiny home with other people or pets, being able to limit distractions is essential while you’re working. Since you may be operating out of the main public area, you can’t just shut a door to ensure you aren’t interrupted. Instead, you’ll need to use another solution.
One simple option is noise-canceling headphones. Those can block out sounds effectively, ensuring those around you can live comfortably without disrupting your work. Just choose the highest-quality pair of headphones that fits your budget, ensuring you can work distraction-free without breaking the bank.