For most of us, we've got used to the idea of working from home. If you’re lucky, you probably have space for an office set up in your spare room, but that isn’t always the case. With more people living in shared accommodation than ever before, it can make working from home much more difficult.
A survey by the Office for National Statistics found that a third of 35 to 44-year-olds in England were renting from a private landlord in 2017, whereas in 1997 this was less than one in ten.
So, if you fall into this category and live in a shared house, you’re probably looking for hints and tips on how to transform your bedroom into an office-come-safe space especially if you're working flexibly alongside a return to the office.
There are lots of little things that you can do to make yourself more comfortable like investing in an office chair to use on your makeshift desk (you know, your drawers). Or, treating yourself to some nice décor bits to help you feel less stressed out.
Either way, we’ve found everything you need to buy to make working from home easier when you live in a shared house.
Everything you need if you're working from home in a shared house
1 of 12Dichlink Laptop Table
If you're living in a shared house, you may not have the space to fit in a desk in your room. That's why this portable and foldable stand is the perfect solution. You can use it on your bed, on a sofa or even if you're camping out on the floor. Plus, it can be used as a TV tray for when you eat your dinner, win-win.
2 of 12soges Need Folding Table Computer Desk
Can't fit a full-sized desk in your room? This small workstation will give you the feeling of being in an office, without taking up too much space. It also folds away, so can be stored neatly when it isn't needed.L: 80cmW: 40cmH: 75cmWeight: 12.2kg
3 of 12Subcold Eco50 Mini Fridge Black
If you're isolating or social distancing at home, you may want to spend less time in communal areas like the kitchen. Keep some fresh bits in your room with this mini-fridge.
4 of 12Echo Dot
Stay connected to the outside world by getting the news, setting reminders, playing music and checking the weather with the Echo Dot.
£39.99
5 of 12Fire 7 Tablet
Useful Amazon gadgets don't stop there! You can also enjoy endless hours of entertainment with this tablet. With the ability to browse the web, stream films and video, read books, you'll never get bored. Alexa, add to basket.
6 of 12Hartleys Solid Weave Hand Made Wicker Room Divider
We know that spending a lot of time in one room isn't great, that's why this room divider will help you separate your working space from your chill-out space. Each wicker divider panel is 39cm wide and 170cm tall.
£38.99
7 of 12Beautiful Beanbags
Create a zen place and be more mindful on this beanbag. If you don't have a desk chair, it can double up as one, also.
8 of 12VicTsing 150ml Essential Oil Diffusers for Aromatherapy
This affordable diffuser will release a cool aromatic mist to help prevent dry skin as well as refresh the air. Use essential oils to distress in the evening or to keep calm during a hectic work day.
9 of 12Lindy BNX-60 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Do you need to finish that important presentation? If you're finding it hard to concentrate without being disturbed by your housemate while they FaceTime their family, then these noise-cancelling headphones will drown out the noise and help you focus.
£69.99
- Rrp: £75.50
10 of 12Water Filter Cooler 8.5L Counter Top Dispenser
If you have space, invest in this water filter and cooler machine, which will save you from stocking up on bottled water or from visiting the kitchen tap eight times a day.
11 of 12HYDRATE 2.2 Litre Water Bottle
Can't squeeze a water cooler machine in your room? Bag yourself a huge water bottle instead. This one will hold up to 2.2 litres of water.
12 of 12Spathiphyllum Chopin Peace Lily
Not only will this beautiful plant look amazing in your room, but it'll also help breathe new life into it. No, we mean literally, as Peace Lilies can help to clean the air. This is super handy if you're spending a lot of time in one place.
£9.49
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Lily Anderson is a Senior Commercial Content writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Mother&Baby.
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