Before moving into my tiny house in 2012, I worked at a traditional company for several years. I started there in 2004, and some of the technology used was already outdated. After several years, the company changed computer systems and moved to the cloud, which would have made remote work possible. Of course, in the mid-2000s, remote work was still considered a luxury.
In January 2011, Atlanta had a terrible snowstorm that covered the city in ice that didn’t melt for almost a week. Because we could work from home, though we rarely did, we were now expected to do so. And that week, working at my own pace in my own home solidified the idea of working for myself. I quit in April 2012 and moved into my tiny house a month later.
Now, I can work from anywhere as long as I have my laptop and planner. When the pandemic hit, my work life didn’t change at all. I had already been working that way since moving into my tiny home.
Today, my home office is a small room in a 700 square foot bungalow that I share with my partner, who also works from home. I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to maximize working from a small space, whether from your tiny home, a hotel, an RV on the road, or anywhere else you can imagine.
Choose the Right Computer
I have been through a handful of laptops since starting my own business. When you are on a shoestring budget, sometimes you have to buy the computer you can afford rather than the one you want. I finally invested in a good system that should last me a while. Knock on wood.
For me, my laptop has to have a full keyboard, including a number pad. Because my job is typing all day, that’s my most important thing. I used 15-inch screens, but my new laptop is 17 inches, and I love it. Your mileage may vary. A smaller, more compact laptop may be a better fit for you.
Have a Laptop Bag Available
Have office, will travel. I can work from anywhere, and I have. I have taken work to London, Amsterdam, Brussels, and more. We frequently head further south for a month in the winter. I can also pack up my laptop and planner and head to the local coffee shop or up to my tiny house for a change of scenery.
Choose your laptop bag carefully. Make sure it has a protected pouch for your laptop. I like backpack-style bags, but you could also choose a briefcase or messenger bag. It needs to be big enough to take whatever you need with you. For me, that’s my planner, notebook and pencils, my laptop, and any necessary cables.
Digitize and Organize
Next, you want to utilize the current technology to optimize your ability to work from anywhere. If you are still working for an employer but are free to work from anywhere, you have to access their systems through the cloud. You may also want to use a VPN for added data protection. If you are a freelancer like me, using online tools like CRMs or calendars can be a game changer.
I admit I love using my pencil-and-paper planner. There’s something about writing down my tasks and crossing them out when I’m finished that works best for me. But I also keep an online calendar with meetings, mainly so a business partner can see my schedule.
Plan for Video Conferencing
Since COVID-19 created a more robust remote work situation for most people, video conferencing has become the new normal. Zoom is now a household name. Even as a solopreneur, I do more video conferences than ever. So that means you have to be prepared for them.
Take Breaks
“But Laura,” you say, “Doesn’t it drive you crazy to work in such as small space?” Not all the time, for sure. I could work comfortably in my tiny house for quite some time. And I love my office space in my bungalow. But here’s the trick: you don’t have to be chained to your desk for nine hours daily. Get up, walk around, and go outside. Take a break.
This should have always been the case in more traditional workplaces too. We’re not machines. Sometimes a quick walk can jog the brain and make us even more productive, not less. You should make the most of any workplace by taking breaks. And don’t forget about your vacation time. Disconnect entirely once in a while, and you’ll be grateful.
Written By :: Laura M. LaVoie for Tiny House Magazine Issue 119
