Tips for building an office in an apartment

Working from home has a lot of advantages, including the freedom to design your own office space. Whether you’ll use it occasionally or every single day, your office should be able to provide comfort and boost productivity. We have some tips that will help you create a professional working space that won’t cost a ton of money. These are the things you should focus on when building an office in an apartment.

Choosing the best place to build an apartment office

Those who are creating an office in a brand new apartment have more freedom to choose a suitable space and fill it accordingly. Ideally, you should choose an area that is completely separated from the rest of the apartment to filter noise and minimize distractions. It should be as quiet as possible and receive plenty of natural light. Of course, there must be enough room to fit everything you need inside. Bear in mind that some businesses require a separate waiting area for clients. This is something you should consider during the apartment hunt. When you find an apartment where you can easily visualize a home office, call Evolution Moving Company DFW to help you relocate your desk, chair, computer, printer and other electronics your job requires.

On the other hand, if you are building an office in an apartment that is already fully furnished and in use, you may need to do some remodeling. Perhaps add walls to divide a larger room or repurpose an entire room. For example, your guest bedroom, dining room or even basement could make a perfect office.

Planning your budget before building an office in an apartment

How much money you’ll need to invest depends on the circumstances. First, take a good look at the room you have decided to convert into a home office. Does it need a bigger window? Are the walls begging for a new coat of paint? Perhaps the floor needs some work. Then, think about the furniture, equipment and decor. Do you already have the necessary office equipment? How about the furniture? If you are moving to a new apartment, don’t forget to plan your moving budget. Transporting office furniture from your old home could be one of the bigger expenses. Look for budget-friendly movers and free packing supplies to cut relocation costs. Also remember that purchasing used office furniture can save you a lot of money.

When working with a limited budget, consider used office furniture and equipment.

Choosing functional office furniture

• The desk. The surface of your desk should have enough room for your PC, phone, lamp, pencil holders and other items you’ll need at hand. Make sure the desk is the right height, too - the screen of your PC should be at eye level or a little lower. A slide-out keyboard holder and an attachable shelf are great office desk upgrades.
• The chair. The chair you’ll be sitting in should be comfortable and ergonomically-correct. It should be the right height and provide proper back and arm support. A small footstool would be a nice addition if you like to put your feet up.
• You should also think about your clients’ needs when building an office in an apartment. Ample seating is necessary if your clients will be coming to your office. You’ll need a comfy sofa or a couple of extra chairs. If you have pets, invest in a furniture cover you can easily clean. A coffee table in the waiting area is another must-have.

Invest in a high-quality office chair when building an office in an apartment.

Creating storage space in your office

Keeping an organized office has multiple benefits, especially if your clients will be stopping by. An untidy office, on the other hand, can reduce efficiency and make you look unprofessional. Even though most files are stored digitally nowadays, every home office needs storage space. If you live in a small apartment, try to be creative and come up with alternative storage ideas for your home office.

You can buy or build a desk that uses file cabinets as its base. Placing vertical file folders on your desk will help you keep important documents in order. If you like a clean, clutter-free desk, floating shelves on the walls will help you keep documents and office equipment off thedesk. It is a good idea to install shelving behind your desk so you can reach frequently used items with ease. If necessary, create a separate area for storing files and office supplies in another room or rent a storage unit nearby.

Brightening your office

With balanced lighting, you will be able to work longer and protect your eyesight. Although recommendable, moving your desk closer to the window won’t help you after the sun sets. Since overhead lights are usually not enough, add a table lamp and a floor lamp (or two) for additional brightness.

With proper lighting, you will avoid eye strain and headaches.

Decorating your office

If there is still some money left after building an office in an apartment, add some plants, wall art, a decorative wastebasket or a nice rug. The choice of colors and patterns can affect your mood and productivity, so be careful when decorating your apartment office. Decide what works best for you. Some people need bright, cheery colors, while others prefer calming shades.

A general rule of thumb is that your home office should complement the rest of your apartment. For example, if your apartment has traditional décor, we suggest staying within the same theme instead of going in the opposite direction. Still, this is your home, and the most important thing is that you surround yourself with things that you find beautiful. So, if you wish to do something different with this room and escape to some other style, go for it.