As I traded in my plush Washington DC office for life on the homestead, I never intended to step foot in an office again. The thought of sitting behind a desk was unbearable, and so I stored all my homesteading supplies in baskets and worked from our dining table. But as time went on and the demands of managing a thriving homestead grew, I realized that having a dedicated workspace was crucial. It’s not about being fancy or formal, but about being intentional with your time and resources.
Just like any successful business, my homestead requires organization, planning, and focus – all of which can be facilitated by having a designated office space.
Homestead Office
While creating a dedicated home office may not be feasible for everyone, it’s essential to carve out a space where you can focus on your personal projects and business endeavors. In my case, I had to get creative and repurpose the guest bedroom that also served as a storage room and pet area. With minimal budget and an abundance of resourcefulness, I transformed this multi-functional space into a functional office. And I’m confident you can do the same!
Create Your Homestead Command Center
With the conviction settled, it’s time to dive into the specifics of setting up your homestead office. A well-organized space is essential for productivity and efficiency, so let’s explore the key factors to consider as you transform your area into a functional workspace.
Location, Location, Location
Having your office zone strategically located near essential resources can be a game-changer for maximizing productivity throughout the year. For instance, being able to quickly jump on your computer to look up recipes, reference pressure canning guidelines, or jot down notes about your garden’s progress can save you a significant amount of time in the long run.
In my case, my office is situated just inside the entrance to our guest room, which happens to be mere steps away from my back door.
This proximity allows me to effortlessly dash in and out, making it ideal for quickly checking on my garden or preparing a meal.
Desk Design
While traditional desks are often the norm, there’s no rule saying yours has to be conventional. I took the opportunity to repurpose a folding farmers market table as my new workspace, leveraging what I already had at home. Similarly, saw horses and painted plywood can be easily transformed into a functional desk using resources you may already possess. When building or buying a custom desk, it’s essential to consider your specific needs.
With multiple laptops – including a homestead laptop and video-making laptop – I require a spacious surface that accommodates both devices comfortably. A large table-turned-desk also provides ample room for opening books and jotting down notes while simultaneously accessing my computers.
Consider Computer Comfort
In today’s homesteading landscape, having a reliable computer is crucial for accessing information and staying connected. As you delve deeper into your research, it’s essential to prioritize your physical comfort while working at your desk. A well-placed computer setup can make all the difference in preventing long-term strain. For starters, ensure that your monitor is at an ergonomic height, allowing you to sit up straight without straining your neck or back.
This simple adjustment can significantly reduce the risk of chiropractic issues down the line. If you’re working with a laptop or tablet, consider investing in a shelf or stand to elevate your device and use an external keyboard and mouse. This setup can help alleviate pressure on your neck and promote better posture. In addition to these physical adjustments, incorporating lumbar and seat cushions into your workspace can provide added comfort during extended periods of sitting.
While personal preferences may vary, I’ve found that a sturdy kitchen chair paired with the right cushioning provides the perfect balance of support and style.
Good Lighting
As a homesteader, I cherish the flexibility to create my own daily routine. My preference is to dedicate daylight hours to work – whether it’s typing away on my computer or tackling other tasks. In the evenings, I unwind by cooking, cleaning, reading, and disconnecting from electronic devices altogether, which helps me sleep better. Whatever your schedule may be, you’ll want to ensure your lighting is optimized for comfort and productivity.
For instance, as someone who works near a Southeast-facing window that lets in too much natural light during winter months, I’ve learned to adapt. Initially, I used tissue paper to reduce glare, securing it with double-sided tape. If you’re looking for a more formal solution, you can use cornstarch and opt for soft-colored tissue paper to enhance the lighting experience.
In my recent upgrade, I replaced the tissue paper with a white, sheer curtain that still allows ample light in while minimizing glare. Additionally, I keep a standing lamp nearby to provide soft light on overcast days. It’s also important to consider using desk lamps instead of overhead lights for a more comfortable viewing experience. Soft-bulb options tend to be better than fluorescent tubes. Lastly, don’t forget to adjust your computer screen brightness to a level that suits you best.
Power Down
Despite being energy-efficient, computers and devices can still consume significant power when idle. A simple yet effective way to minimize this ‘phantom load’ is to plug them into power strips that can be easily switched off, ensuring these devices don’t drain unnecessary energy while on standby. With the increasing importance of reducing our environmental footprint, every watt saved counts, especially for those living off-grid where resources are limited.
Reference Materials
While computer research offers many conveniences, there’s still value in traditional learning methods. Writing things down in journals can help reinforce knowledge, record observations, and plan for the future. Additionally, seed and plant catalogs can provide endless inspiration. Even digital homesteaders may find themselves needing dedicated spaces for their favorite cookbooks or mental notes on homesteading.
The key is to organize materials in a way that makes sense to each individual’s usage patterns. To start, consider designating a ‘quick access’ shelf for frequently used reference books, such as ‘How to Grow More Vegetables’ by John Jeavons, which contains valuable information on planting densities and methods. Resource books like the ‘Modern Herbal Dispensatory’ by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne may also require frequent access during peak herb harvesting times.
Next, sort materials into categories based on their subject matter or department. For example, all gardening books can go together, while cooking and livestock care resources can have their own dedicated shelves. This approach helps keep similar materials organized and easy to find. If there are items that don’t fit neatly into these categories, consider creating an ‘unsorted’ shelf for miscellaneous items. This section should be small enough that it doesn’t become overwhelming.
Finally, designate a specific area for paperwork and notes, such as handouts from classes or meetings. Once you’ve reviewed the information and found it useful, punch holes in the document and include it in a garden binder. After a year, if you haven’t referenced the material, consider shredding it and feeding it to your worms. In terms of storage, date order is a good approach for notebooks, journals, and calendars.
Magazines can be stacked with the newest editions on top, and when space runs out, pull out the bottom half of the pile and give away any items you no longer need to reference.
To File or Not to File
Two years ago, I devoured Marie Kondo’s book on The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, finding many of her principles resonating with me. Yet, when she delved into papers – mail, documents, and the like – our paths diverged. As a homesteader, you’ll inevitably encounter records to keep and equipment manuals to store. Certain situations necessitate maintaining paper records.
For instance, if you’re involved in livestock sales or heavily regulated processes, such as processing poultry or running a commercial kitchen, it’s crucial to maintain accurate records of customer transactions, be prepared to personally contact customers in the event of recalls, and have physical copies for inspector visits. Additionally, when selling taxable goods or operating a homestead business, it’s essential to keep receipts and records in case of tax audits.
In other words, even homesteaders need to file certain documents! You can utilize traditional filing cabinets or exercise your freedom by customizing your storage space – perhaps with antique dressers, hope chests, binders, and plastic sheet protectors organized by date. Ultimately, the approach you take is up to you, but it’s vital to consider dedicating a homestead office space to accommodate these records and ensure efficient organization.
Homestead Specific Office Needs
While the fundamental tools and resources are essential for operating and managing a large-scale business, there are certain specialized elements worth incorporating into your workspace. These distinctive additions can help enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall workplace ambiance.
Seeds and Such
As an avid gardener who cultivates throughout the year, I rely heavily on my seed library for inspiration and planning. Rather than trekking to another location to retrieve seeds and then returning to review my planting guides, I’ve made it a habit to keep them readily accessible in my office. The idea of incorporating vintage library catalogs to organize and display my seeds has long fascinated me, and although that goal remains on the horizon, for now, I’ve found a functional solution.
To maintain order and protect my seeds from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations, I categorize them by crop rotation and store them in repurposed plastic containers originally designed to hold dishwasher tabs. These compact storage solutions have earned a dedicated spot within my office closet, allowing me to efficiently manage my seed collection while minimizing the risk of damage or degradation.
Craft Supplies
As homesteaders, we often find ourselves in need of an array of craft supplies that go beyond the standard fare for office users. When budget is a concern, it’s natural to get creative and make do with what you have on hand. This might involve whipping up homemade gifts or crafting decorative elements from scratch, rather than purchasing them.
As a result, a veritable treasure trove of materials like ribbons, twine, rubber bands, paints, and more can quickly accumulate in your home if you don’t have a dedicated space to call your own. Given the resourceful nature of homesteading, it only makes sense that your office doubles as a craft room, streamlining your operations and keeping everything organized under one roof.
Conclusion
While the initial list of essential items may be sufficient for some homesteaders, it’s crucial to consider the unique needs of your own operation. Depending on the specific activities and pursuits you engage in on your property, there might be additional items that warrant inclusion.
The key takeaway is not just that a homestead office is necessary, but also that with a bit of creativity, even limited space, time, and resources can be leveraged to create an efficient workspace that enables smart decision-making and effective management of your homesteading endeavors.
