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If you're temporarily living in a furnished apartment for work, travel, or personal reasons, you might find yourself needing a functional home office setup.
Not to worry—setting up a productive workspace in a furnished apartment can be straightforward, even in a short-term rental! Whether you're staying for a few weeks or a few months, following a few smart strategies can help you create a comfortable, organized, and effective home office in no time.
At Compass Furnished Apartments, we’ve helped thousands of professionals set up temporary workspaces in our fully furnished apartments across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
As a trusted provider of short-term housing solutions, we know the unique challenges of working remotely while on the move. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials to help you turn any furnished apartment into a home office that fits your needs.
1. Choose the Right Spot
The first step to setting up your home office is choosing the right location within the apartment. Many furnished apartments provide a variety of spaces that can be adapted to your needs. When selecting a spot, consider the following:
Natural Light: Look for a space near a window to take advantage of natural light. Studies show that exposure to daylight boosts productivity and improves mood.
Quiet Area: If possible, choose a room or corner away from distractions like the TV or kitchen. A quiet area can help you stay focused, especially if you’ll be taking calls or joining virtual meetings.
Comfort: Make sure the spot you choose is comfortable and easy to access. The last thing you want is to feel cramped or awkward while working.
Many furnished apartments already include spacious living rooms or even designated office nooks, which makes it easier to set up your workstation without disrupting the rest of your living space.
2. Maximize the Furniture You Have
One of the big advantages of staying in a furnished apartment is that most of the essentials are already there. Depending on the setup, you may have access to desks, chairs, and even shelving units. However, even if your apartment doesn't come with a dedicated office desk, you can get creative:
Repurpose a Dining Table or Kitchen Counter
If your apartment doesn’t have a desk, a dining table or kitchen island can double as a workspace. Just make sure it's the right height to avoid discomfort!
Comfortable Seating
If the provided chair isn’t ideal for long periods of sitting, consider swapping it out for something more ergonomic if you have the option. You can also use cushions to improve comfort and posture.
3. Set Up Your Tech
A temporary office isn’t complete without the right tech. Make sure you’re fully equipped to get the job done, even from a short-term rental. Here’s how:
Reliable Internet
Most furnished apartments should come with high-speed Wi-Fi. Double-check your connection as soon as you arrive to ensure it meets your work requirements. If the internet is slow or spotty, consider using a mobile hotspot or requesting an upgrade from the property manager.
Laptop and Accessories
If you’re working on a laptop, it’s worth investing in a few accessories to improve your workspace. A wireless mouse, keyboard, and laptop stand can make a big difference in comfort, especially if you’re working long hours.
Monitors and Screens
If you need extra screen space, look into portable monitors that can connect to your laptop. They’re lightweight, easy to set up, and can seriously help boost productivity.
4. Personalize Your Space
One of the challenges of working in a temporary space is feeling comfortable and productive, but adding a few personal touches can make a big difference. Here are some ideas to make your home office feel more like your own:
Lighting: While natural light is great during the day, you may need extra lighting for early mornings or late nights. Consider using a desk lamp or repositioning an existing lamp to brighten your workspace.
Plants and Décor: A small plant or framed photo can make your temporary office feel more welcoming. Most furnished apartments are designed to be neutral, so adding your personal touch helps bring the space to life.
Office Supplies: Bring along essential office supplies like notebooks, pens, sticky notes, and chargers. Having these items on hand can help you stay organized without needing to leave your apartment.
5. Keep Your Workspace Organized
When you’re working from a temporary home office, it’s easy to let things pile up. Staying organized is key to maintaining productivity and keeping your living space clutter-free. Here’s how:
Use Portable Organizers: If your apartment doesn’t have built-in storage, invest in portable organizers or trays to keep your papers, devices, and supplies in order. This also makes it easier to pack up your workspace if you need to move locations.
Declutter Regularly: Since you’re likely sharing your workspace with your living area, take a few minutes each day to clear off your desk or table. This will help you start fresh and stay productive.
Make Use of Cabinets or Closets: Many furnished apartments come with ample storage options. Use these spaces to tuck away items you don’t need on a daily basis.
6. Set Boundaries Between Work and Life
When you don’t have a separate room for work, it can be hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance. To help keep things separate, create boundaries between your work hours and personal time:
Stick to a Schedule: Set specific work hours and stick to them. This helps establish a routine and prevents burnout.
Take Breaks: Use your breaks to step away from your workspace and relax in other parts of the apartment. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block or making a cup of coffee, these small breaks are important for staying refreshed.
Pack Up at the End of the Day: At the end of your workday, tidy up your workspace and “close” your home office. This will help signal the end of your work time and transition to relaxation.
7. Enjoy the Flexibility of a Furnished Apartment
One of the greatest advantages of setting up a home office in a furnished apartment is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re in town for a week or a few months, the convenience of having a ready-made living space means you can focus on what matters most—your work and personal life.
At Compass, we take pride in providing fully equipped and comfortable spaces that feel like home, even for short-term stays. Our locations across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York are perfect for both remote workers and business travelers, and we offer everything you need to set up a productive home office without the hassle.
For more tips on finding the perfect furnished apartment for your work or travel needs, visit Compass Furnished Apartments today.
With these steps, you’ll be able to work comfortably and efficiently from your furnished apartment, no matter how temporary your stay might be!
