7 Tips for Working Remotely in Your Apartment

The COVID-19 pandemic may have necessitated remote work — yet, years later, 35% of people who can work remotely continue doing so full-time. While remote work offers many benefits, such as more autonomy and increased flexibility, it can sometimes be challenging to maintain productivity levels in an apartment. 

Whether you follow a hybrid schedule or fully work from home, making a few changes to your home office setup will help you perform at your best. Read on to discover top home office setup tips to enhance your work-from-home routine. 

1. Upgrade Your Home Office

Designating places in your apartment to work, sleep and relax is paramount to maintaining a positive work-life balance. If it’s not possible to set up your workspace in a separate room, you should ensure you have a dedicated workspace in your bedroom. Here are some working-from-home essentials to include in your setup: 

• Desk or table: Eliminate the temptation to type emails from bed by investing in a sturdy desk. You can choose a conventional desk or a standing unit to achieve health benefits like reduced back pain, lower blood pressure and weight loss.
• Ergonomic chair: As most workers spend the majority of their day in a seated position, it’s important that you invest in a quality chair. Look for one with sufficient back support so you can work in comfort. 
• Mouse pad: Computer accessories like mouse pads are practical — and they’re a good way to customize your space. With numerous fun designs to choose from, you can add a wonderful pop of color to your desk. 
• Pen holder: Keeping your space organized helps you find your favorite pen when you need it. Pen holders or other desk organizers help you create a more inviting and orderly space. 
• Pot plant: Many remote workers spend their entire day indoors, looking at a screen. Bring a touch of nature into your space with a low-maintenance potted plant, such as a peace lily or pothos. 

2. Create a Routine

The role of routine in remote work cannot be underestimated. In a conventional office, the sight of your co-workers packing up for the day signals it is time for you to do the same. You’re also likely to stop working and take a lunch break when your colleagues start reaching for their packed lunches. Remote work means there is an absence of these social cues, so you need to be more intentional about structuring your day. 

When defining your routine, establish a consistent start and end time. As your energy levels are likely to dip throughout the day, planning structured breaks will help you recharge so you come back to your workstation refreshed. Additionally, while it might be tempting to do household chores during break times, you should try to do something enjoyable, like reading a book or heading out for a coffee. 

You may also want to incorporate certain activities into your routine before or after the workday. For example, showering and getting dressed before you sit down at your desk will help you shift into working mode. 

3. Reduce Noisy Distractions 

From noisy roommates to the loud hum of traffic, working remotely from an apartment comes with its fair share of distractions. Optimize your productivity by considering these noise management strategies: 

• Invest in noise-canceling headphones: A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones helps you facilitate better video conferencing, and they also aid in blocking out background sounds. By reducing the sound of barking dogs, children playing or emergency sirens, you can work more effectively. 
• Curate a melodic playlist: While music with lyrics can pull your focus away from work, many people consider classical music to facilitate deep work sessions. Playing music at an appropriate level also helps to diminish external sounds. 
• Set boundaries with roommates: If you live with others, consider establishing quiet hours so you can work in peace. Defining these hours from the get-go prevents loud interruptions in the middle of a meeting.

4. Boost Internet Speed and Connectivity

A reliable internet connection enables you to connect with your co-workers on calls and send emails throughout the day. If you’re working from home permanently, it’s worth partnering with a reliable provider. In addition, you should consider the distance from your computer to the router — setting up these devices nearby helps to ensure seamless connectivity. 

Some organizations include internet connectivity as a remote worker benefit, so be sure to ask your human resources team about your eligibility. 

5. Optimize Your Lighting 

Another critical aspect of your home office setup is lighting. While artificial light sources — such as desk lamps or overhead fixtures — will illuminate the room, it’s best to leverage natural lighting if possible. Placing your desk near a window helps you benefit from the sun’s blue light, which helps to regulate your body clock. A regulated internal clock offers many health advantages, such as: 

• Better quality sleep.
• Boosted immunity.
• Lower stress levels. 
• Improved mental focus.
• Increased mood stability. 

6. Review Remote Work Policies 

Remote work policies will likely detail everything from communication protocols to available resources. Since there are often fewer opportunities to ask your supervisor questions, reviewing policies from time to time helps you feel more empowered. 

In addition to highlighting valuable information about your role, remote policies can help bring more structure to your day. For example, work policies may detail working hours and break times, helping you plan your day accordingly. 

7. Prioritize Social Time 

Working from home eliminates sporadic social interactions with co-workers, such as an informal chat around the water cooler. While this helps to avoid wasting valuable work time, it can also be quite isolating. 

Prioritize your social needs by making time to attend online or in-person work events and meetups. If your workplace does not host these events on a regular basis, be sure to allocate enough time outside of the workday for activities with family and friends. 

Live and Work in Triple Crown Corporation’s Rental Communities 

With an increasing number of employees working hybrid or fully remote roles, finding an apartment that supports your work-from-home lifestyle is paramount. When weighing up your options, make a list of your specifications, such as good natural light or additional space, to help you select a home you love. 

At Triple Crown Corporation, we make it our mission to help young professionals find a rental community that supports remote work. Explore our apartments online or contact one of our rental experts today for personalized assistance. We’ll take into account your unique needs and help you find a new home that ticks all the boxes!