In the whirlwind of motherhood, with five energetic boys running around, managing two businesses can seem like an impossible feat. However, for the ambitious mompreneur, creating a productive home office right in the heart of the chaos—the living room—can be the key to success. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips and tricks to design a functional and inspiring workspace that caters to the needs of a busy mom juggling both her professional and family life.
Strategic Space Planning:
Choose the Right Corner: Find the spot that will make you the happiest while you work and while you mom. While being in the living room just plain guarantees that I won’t have the quietest space to work, there are options to maximize the comfort of working in the middle of everyone. I found the best corner for an office, and even though it’s right at the front door, it works best for us.
I have a nice bright window for some natural light, and have my back to the wall so I don’t feel cramped while working. Plus I have an unobstructed view of the boys should I need to sprint to the backyard to save someone hanging from the ninja course (yes, this really happened)!
Multi-functional Furniture: Invest in furniture that serves dual purposes. I found a great folding divider that matches the aesthetic of the house, they even come with shelves (Amazon Link – room divider), so when you walk in, you don’t see the backsides of my computer. Plus, while I’m working, I have a pretty wall to look at when I’m not keeping my side eye on the kids.
I also opted for a beautiful credenza to hold my belongings that looks good on camera for those video calls. But what my client’s don’t know, is that right off camera is Jack’s changing table. And with that, comes the fact that his diapers are actually stored in the top drawer of the credenza, keeping them out of site but super accessible at changing time!
Organizational Oasis:
Declutter and Simplify: Keep your workspace clutter-free by organizing cables, using storage bins, and having designated spaces for work materials. A tidy environment fosters a clear mind, and that also means I keep the living room clean too as it’s an extension of my office. The living room in our home is for TV watching only, therefore we have a TV, a couch, some throw pillows and a basket of blankets… that’s it! This keeps the boys and their toys out of here and gives me some peace while I work.
Personalized Organization: Customize your storage solutions to accommodate both work and family needs. That credenza I mentioned? Oh yeah, it also stores the DVDs and videos for family movie nights. Finding the organization that fits both your business and your personal life is key when you work right in the middle of it all!
Family-Friendly Zoning:
Designate Work Hours: Establish clear boundaries by setting specific work hours. Communicate these to your family so they understand when you need focused work time and when you’re available for family activities. Because I’m right in the living room, it’s very easy for the boys to run in and ask mom to whip up a snack, even if I’m in the middle of a call. So I am very clear, and very repetitive, when letting them know when they need to be patient, and when I am available to help them.
Kid-Friendly Workspaces: Create mini workspaces for the kids within the living room, complete with age-appropriate materials if you need to. There are so many kid friendly work top options (Amazon Link), from tiny desks for small spaces, to all out workspaces, fit just for kids! This helps instill a sense of responsibility in them and makes them feel included in your work routine. While I keep these items out of the living room because my boys are really independent, kids who need more reassurance may benefit from having their own little desk near mom so they can color, or play quietly, allowing mom to work.
Balancing Act:
Schedule Breaks: Breaks are crucial for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Plan short breaks to spend quality time with your kids or engage in a quick workout to recharge your energy. I work diligently from school drop off until school pick up. So from 8:30am to 3:00pm, my clients have my undivided attention. However, every day at 3pm, I take a break, go grab the boys from pick up line, and plan in 30 minutes so I get to hear all about their day when they are most excited about it.
Flexibility is Key: Embrace the unpredictability of family life. While having a schedule and boundaries is key, you also have to balance being flexible with your schedule. Learn to plan around your family chaos, but also be ready to adapt to changes without sacrificing your productivity. I make sure to handle my most pressing or priority items first thing in the morning. That way, whenever I get the dreaded call from school for a sick child, I’m not stressed trying to get it done while also nursing a snuggly little boy back to health. I got my best work done, and I get to focus on my baby and those cuddles without distraction.
Conclusion:
Designing a productive home office in the living room as a mom of five boys running two businesses is undoubtedly a challenge, but with the right mindset and strategic planning, it can be a rewarding experience. By creating a well-organized, inspiring, and family-friendly workspace, you’ll not only enhance your productivity but also foster a harmonious balance between work and family life.