Working Remotely in a Tiny Flat | Productivity Hacks & Home Office Setup

When I first started working remotely, I pictured myself living the dream; rolling out of bed, sipping coffee at a perfectly organised desk, and being effortlessly productive. Reality? My tiny London flat quickly became a blur of work, life, and Clarkie demanding attention every five minutes.

Working remotely in limited space is a challenge, but after some trial and error, I’ve found ways to stay focused, set boundaries, and make my flat work for me. Here’s how I do it.

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1. Carving Out a “Work Zone” (Even in a Small Flat)

When you live in a tiny space, the last thing you want is your work-life bleeding into your actual life. My best move? Creating a designated work spot, no matter how small.

✔ I claimed a corner – A small desk by the window = better lighting and a “separate” workspace.
✔ A foldable desk was a game-changer – When work is done, I tuck it away, avoiding the constant reminder of emails.
✔ Noise-cancelling headphones are essential – London is loud, Clarkie barks, and the neighbours have questionable music taste.

If you can’t dedicate a whole area, even just setting up at one specific chair and sticking to it helps train your brain to switch into work mode.

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2. Productivity Hacks for Small-Space Remote Work

When your home is also your office, distractions multiply fast. A few things that keep me on track:

• The Pomodoro Technique – 25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute break. Perfect for keeping my brain fresh.
• A “fake commute” – I take Clarkie for a walk before starting work; it helps me mentally shift into work mode.
• The Two-Minute Rule – If a task takes less than two minutes, I do it immediately. It stops small tasks from piling up.

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3. Separating Work & Life When You Live Where You Work

London flats aren’t big, so when work ends, I make a conscious effort to disconnect. My golden rules:

✔ No working from bed or the sofa – I keep those spaces strictly for relaxing.
✔ Closing my laptop at the same time every day – It stops the temptation to “just check one more email.”
✔ Switching up my workspace occasionally – When I need a change of scenery, I take my laptop to a dog-friendly café.

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Final Thoughts

Remote work in a small flat isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible with the right setup and habits. Creating boundaries, finding focus, and keeping work and home life separate has been a game-changer for me.

And Clarkie? He still thinks every Zoom call is an invitation to say hello.