Creating a Productive Home Office in a Small Space

February 5, 2025

Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or someone who occasionally brings work home, having a dedicated and productive workspace is essential. However, if you live in an apartment with limited space, setting up a functional home office can feel challenging. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning, you can create a productive home office even in the smallest of spaces.


Choose the Right Location


The first step is finding a spot where you can focus without too many distractions. In a small apartment, this might mean turning a quiet corner, an unused closet (yes, a ‘cloffice’!), or a section of your living room into a home office.


At Reside Living properties in Chicago, apartments are designed with modern living in mind, offering flexible layouts and open spaces that make it easy to carve out a dedicated work zone. Many of Reside’s apartments also feature bright windows and stylish interiors, perfect for creating an inspiring workspace.


A woman is stretching her legs in front of a standing desk.

Optimize Lighting


Good lighting is crucial for productivity. Natural light helps reduce eye strain and improves mood, so set up your workspace near a window if possible. If that’s not an option, use task lighting with adjustable lamps to brighten your workspace.


Many Reside Living properties in Chicago, like Reside at Belmont Harbor, feature large windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating an ideal atmosphere for work and relaxation.


Declutter and Stay Organized


Clutter can be a major distraction in any workspace, especially in a small one. Use wall-mounted organizers, under-desk drawers, and desktop organizers to keep your space neat and tidy. Decluttering regularly will help you stay focused and make your home office feel more spacious.


Incorporate Personal Touches


Make your home office a place you enjoy spending time in by adding a few personal touches. Consider adding plants, artwork, or motivational quotes to enhance the ambiance.


At Reside Living, you’ll find beautifully designed interiors that serve as the perfect backdrop for your personal style. Whether you prefer minimalist decor or bold, colorful accents, you can create a workspace that reflects your personality.

A desk with a laptop and a lamp on it

Create Work-Life Boundaries


One of the biggest challenges of working from home is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Try to set clear boundaries by designating specific work hours and physically stepping away from your workspace when the day is done.


Living at a Reside property means you have access to great amenities that can help you unwind after a long workday. Whether it’s a fitness center, rooftop lounge, or nearby parks, Reside Living offers plenty of options for relaxation and recreation.


A city skyline is reflected in a lake in a park.

Lincoln Park, Chicago


Why Reside Living is Perfect for Remote Workers


Reside Living properties in Chicago are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern residents, including those who work from home. With spacious layouts, ample natural light, and access to top-notch amenities, Reside apartments provide the perfect environment for both work and play. Plus, their prime locations in neighborhoods like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and North Center mean you’re always close to local coffee shops and coworking spaces when you need a change of scenery.


Whether you're setting up a home office in your apartment at Reside on Barry, Reside North Park, or Belmont Harbor, or taking advantage of the great work-from-home amenities in our buildings, you can count on a stylish and comfortable environment that enhances your productivity and lifestyle. Belmont Harbor offers a newly renovated lobby with multiple workplace locations, a business center, and a reservable conference room. State & Chestnut also features newly renovated common areas perfect for remote work. Other great options include Reside on Green St, Gild, and Reside on Surf, all offering convenient spaces designed to support your work-from-home needs.


Reside at Belmont Lobby.

Reside at Belmont Harbor Photo


Final Thoughts


Creating a productive home office in a small space is entirely possible with smart planning and a little creativity. By choosing the right location, investing in space-saving furniture, and maintaining an organized and inspiring environment, you can create a workspace that boosts your efficiency and comfort.


If you’re looking for an apartment in Chicago that offers the ideal setting for both living and working, explore Reside Living properties. With thoughtfully designed spaces and modern amenities, Reside makes it easy to work productively and live comfortably in the heart of the city.


June 9, 2026
Moving to a new home comes with a mix of excitement and chaos. Between packing, scheduling movers, setting up utilities, and adjusting to a new neighborhood, changing your address can feel like just another stressful task on an already long list. Planning a move to Chicago? While forwarding your mail and updating your address are important steps, staying organized throughout the entire moving process can make your transition much easier. Check out our complete Chicago moving checklist for helpful packing tips, setting up utilities, budgeting for your move, updating important documents, and preparing for moving day with less stress and more confidence. Unfortunately, forgetting to update your address or forward your mail can lead to missed bills, lost packages, delayed documents, and unnecessary frustration. The good news is that forwarding your mail and updating your address is much easier when you handle it early and stay organized.
City skyline with tan and glass mid-rise buildings under a blue sky
June 5, 2026
At Gild in the Gold Coast, enjoy top service, amenities, & more. We looked at recent 5-star feedback to highlight what residents are saying about life at Gild.
Person using a laptop while sitting on a couch with striped and gray pillows
May 22, 2026
Moving into a new apartment in Chicago is exciting, especially when you’re settling into one of our city’s vibrant neighborhoods like Lakeview , Lincoln Park , Gold Coast , or West Loop . Whether you’re relocating across the city or moving to Chicago for the first time, setting up your utilities is a crucial step to ensure your home is move-in ready. At Reside Living , residents enjoy convenience, connectivity, and support, but understanding your utilities is key to a smooth transition.
Person relaxing on a beige couch, smiling with hands behind head, wearing an orange sweater.
April 23, 2026
Learn how to make your rental feel like home without losing your deposit. Discover renter friendly tips for decor, storage, and layout.
Modern glass office building entrance with revolving doors and reflective windows
April 23, 2026
Discover why residents love State & Chestnut in Chicago’s Gold Coast—top-rated team, prime location, luxury amenities, and a standout living experience.
A happy light-colored dog stands on a wood floor under a table, looking up toward a nearby modern chair.
April 9, 2026
If you're moving into a Chicago apartment, this guide covers how to live with a dog in order to create the most pet-friendly home you can.
More Posts