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5 Ways to Create a Better Work-From-Home Space
Working from home can be incredibly convenient, but it also means your home has to work a little harder.
Your dining table might become a conference room. A spare bedroom may need to serve double duty as an office. And when your workday happens in the same place you relax, creating some separation between the two can make your daily routine feel much more manageable.
Whether you have a dedicated home office or you’re working with a small corner of another room, here are five simple ways to make your work-from-home space more comfortable and functional.
1. Bring Some of the Outdoors In
A home office doesn’t have to feel like a corporate cubicle.
Natural materials, plants, artwork inspired by nature and plenty of daylight can make the space feel warmer and more inviting.
If possible, position your workspace near a window—but think about glare before putting your monitor directly in front of it.
You can also incorporate natural materials through wood furniture, woven baskets, rugs or other accessories. A few plants can add color and personality without taking over the room.
The goal is simple: create a workspace you actually enjoy spending time in.
2. Make Comfort a Priority
If you regularly work from home, your chair and desk shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Think about how your body is positioned throughout the day. Your chair should provide appropriate support, and your keyboard, mouse and monitor should be positioned so you’re not constantly reaching, twisting or looking down.
An adjustable desk can also give you the option to alternate between sitting and standing.
You don’t necessarily need an elaborate office setup. Sometimes a better chair, monitor stand or small adjustment to desk height can make a noticeable difference.
3. Build Movement Into Your Day
One of the easiest things to do while working from home is…not move.
Without a commute, trips between meeting rooms or walks out for lunch, it’s surprisingly easy to spend hours in the same position.
Look for natural opportunities to move throughout the day. Stand up between meetings, take a short walk during a break or walk around while you’re on a call that doesn’t require a screen.
You can also keep some open floor space near your desk for stretching.
The best setup isn’t necessarily the one with the most equipment. It’s the one that works with your actual routine.
4. Keep Water Within Reach
This one is incredibly simple: keep a water bottle or glass at your desk.
When you’re focused on work, it’s easy to realize late in the afternoon that you’ve barely left your chair.
Creating a designated spot for water—and actually refilling it when you get up—can make it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day.
And while we’re talking about the desk: giving coffee cups, papers, chargers and everything else a designated home can help prevent your workspace from slowly taking over the entire room.
5. Create an End-of-Day Routine
One challenge of working from home is that your office never technically closes.
When the workday ends, create some kind of transition.
Shut down the computer. Put away work materials. Take a walk. Exercise. Make dinner. Close the office door if you’re lucky enough to have one.
If your office is part of a bedroom, living room or dining area, consider storage that allows you to tuck work equipment away when you’re finished.
That physical transition can help your home feel like home again instead of an office that’s always open.
What If You Don’t Have a Dedicated Home Office?
You don’t necessarily need an extra bedroom to create a functional workspace.
An unused nook, landing, alcove or portion of a guest room can sometimes accommodate a desk and storage.
For smaller homes, furniture that serves more than one purpose can be especially useful. A desk can double as a console when you’re not working, while cabinets or built-ins can conceal office supplies after hours.
When you’re designing the space, think about what you actually need rather than trying to recreate a traditional office inside your house.
A Home Office When You’re Selling Your Home
If you’re preparing to sell, a home office can also help demonstrate how flexible space can be used.
The key is keeping the presentation objective.
Rather than marketing a property as “perfect for remote workers,” it’s better to show the space clearly and describe what it actually offers: a dedicated office, bonus room, built-in desk, additional bedroom or flexible living area.
Buyers can then decide how that space fits their own needs.
If you’re thinking about selling a home in San Jose, Willow Glen, Cambrian, Almaden or the surrounding area, I can help you decide how to present flexible spaces so buyers can easily understand their possibilities.
Michelle Elliott
Coldwell Banker Realty
408-839-7915
DRE #01777533
GET YOUR FREE HOME SELLING BOOK
About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
