How to Work from Home Without a Dedicated Space

Written By Sarah Stacey

According to Forbes, as of June 2024, 14% of people in the UK work entirely from home, and 26% split their time between home and the office. If you’re one of these home workers without a dedicated office, you’re probably familiar with the unique challenges it brings. We’ve all been guilty of working from bed, or the sofa, but it’s not a long-term solution. Not only will it cause you back pain, it doesn’t create the right mindset for productivity.

The good news? It’s entirely possible to work from home without an office, with a professional set-up and still keep your home feeling like home. Here’s how you can do it.

As someone who works from home without a dedicated office, I’ve had to get creative with my workspace. My kitchen table serves as my office during the day and transforms back into a family eating space by dinner time. This “pop-up office” method has been essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring my home remains a comfortable living space that doesn’t feel like a stuffy office.

In this article, I’ll share some of the ways I stay productive and organised with my pop-up office setup.

It’s entirely possible to work from home without an office, with a professional set-up and still keep your home feeling like home

Embracing the Flexible Home Office

Flexibility is key when you don’t have a dedicated office space. Whether you find yourself working in the kitchen, bedroom, a hidden corner of the house, or even in the cupboard under the stairs (my husband suggested this when we first moved in but I resisted!) the goal is to create a setup that maximises productivity and comfort, but with the flexibility to hide all signs of work when you’re done.

Having a set-up that can be packed away at the end of each day helps create a mental separation between work and home life.

Choosing the Right Laptop

A good laptop is essential. I use a laptop with a large screen (17.3 inches). Using a large screen allows you to use the split screen function (available on Windows 11) without the view being so small you feel like you're working from a phone screen. You’re effectively achieving what a second monitor would without needing extra space. This setup helps me stay efficient without the need for large additional equipment.

To maintain good posture and prevent neck strain, use a laptop stand to keep the screen at eye level. Pairing this with a separate wireless mouse and keyboard creates a setup that feels like a desktop but is easy to pack away when not in use.

Comfort Without Compromise

You don’t need an office chair to stay comfortable. I didn’t want an office chair in my kitchen, so I use a kitchen chair with a gel seat cushion. This simple addition makes a huge difference in comfort without compromising the look of my space.

You might also consider a footrest to keep your feet at a comfortable angle, reducing strain on your lower back. Ergonomic accessories can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and productivity.

Are Digital Notepads Worth It?

For those who love jotting down notes (guilty!), a digital notepad can be a game-changer. I recently bought the Remarkable2, and it has helped me stay organised without the mess of Post-It notes and scraps of paper or chunky notepads. It’s slim and fits into my laptop bag at the end of the day, making it a perfect companion for a flexible workspace.

Digital notepads also allow you to sync your notes with cloud services, ensuring that your ideas and reminders are accessible from anywhere. This can be especially useful if you occasionally work from different locations.

Creating the Right Office Vibe

Getting the ambience right in your workspace is crucial for boosting productivity. I’m obsessed with good smells! Adding essential oils to a diffuser (my current fave is called Caribbean Escape) and playing music on a speaker can transform your work environment. Whether it’s a Spotify playlist (currently listening to a playlist called “WFH but make it a vibe”) or the radio, background music can help you stay focused.

A good coffee machine and milk frother also make a big difference, allowing you to enjoy barista-style coffee at home without the daily cost. This little luxury keeps me motivated throughout the day.

Lighting also plays a significant role in creating the right vibe. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, invest in a good-quality lamp that mimics daylight. It can help reduce eye strain and improve your mood.

Get a window open too. It’s amazing what fresh air can do for your mood.

The Importance of Routine

Maintaining a routine can help you separate work time from downtime. I’m strict with my routine; I don’t allow myself to sit on the sofa until the evening. This helps me switch off and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Setting specific work hours and taking regular breaks can prevent burnout. I like to follow the Pomodoro Technique where possible, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. It keeps me focused and productive throughout the day.

Exploring Alternative Workspaces

While working from home is convenient, sometimes a change of scenery is refreshing. Consider signing up for your local co-working space and using their hot desking facilities occasionally. It’s nice to see people in 3D from time to time! Also, if you’ve got your “pop-up office” sorted, you can literally set up and work from anywhere.

No co-working space nearby? Working from a café or a library once in a while can provide a much-needed change of environment and help spark creativity.

Best Office Snacks!

Working from the kitchen comes with challenges such as resisting the urge to open the fridge every hour! My work involves a lot of sitting down so I try not to snack too much during the day. That said, we all like a snack from time to time. My current fave is dried mango.

My Home Office Essentials

What’s your essential item for a home workspace without a dedicated office? Here are some of my essentials that might inspire you:

My Home Office Essentials:

Final Thoughts

Working from home without a dedicated office space is entirely possible with a bit of creativity and organisation. By setting up a flexible workspace, using ergonomic tools, and maintaining a strict routine, you can create an effective home office environment that works for you.

Oh, and one more thing- don’t forget to use a blurred background during your online meetings. A kitchen sink in the background while you’re trying to close a sale is never a good look!

Feel free to share your setup tips and essential items. Let’s inspire each other to create the best home working environments!

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Disclosure: Some of the links included are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Sarah Stacey
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