5 Easy Tips to Organise a Small Flat: When Working from Home

Working from home in a small flat isn’t always easy, I know this first-hand as a mum of three, a Family Lifestyle Publisher, and the Soft Girl CEO of Adore Charlotte. Between school runs, running my digital brand, and keeping a home that actually feels calm, I’ve learned that small spaces can work beautifully if they’re set up with intention. My easy tips to organise a small flat and carving out a dedicated workspace can really help.

I’ve been creating online content for over a decade, and my journey has taken me from creating content for London apartments to now, a cosy family home in Essex. Whether you’re living in a studio flat or making a one-bedroom work double-time, I’m here to share tried-and-tested ways to keep your space organised and your workday flowing smoothly.

Let’s romanticise your routine and turn your flat into a productive (and pretty!) workspace.

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Top Tips to Organise a Small Flat

Even the smallest spaces in a London studio apartment can become an inspiring workspace with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of planning.

Clear Out What You Don’t Need

Clutter is the quickest way to make a small space feel cramped. Start with a good declutter—be honest about what you actually use.

• Donate: Clothes you haven’t worn in a year.
• Recycle: Old paperwork, magazines, or tech boxes.
• Store: Seasonal decor, coats, and shoes in vacuum bags under the bed.

Charlotte Tip: Even your wardrobe impacts your workflow. Keep a few “workday outfits” at hand in your bespoke wardrobes. Dressing the part can boost your motivation more than you’d think.

Make Your Rooms Multifunctional

In a small flat, no room should serve just one purpose. Think about how each space can flex:

• Living/Dining Room Combo: Add a slim desk in the corner and style it with plants so it blends in.
• Bedroom Office Nook: Use a small vanity table with drawers that can switch between beauty station and workspace.
• Hallway Space: A narrow console table can double as a desk for laptop work.

Soft Mum Hack: Use rugs, plants, or shelves to zone spaces without needing extra walls. When your brain sees “this area is for work,” focus naturally follows.

Redecorate to Organise a Small Flat

A clearout can make space for your new office area. But you can also take the opportunity to start fresh. Getting rid of everything and buying new (if you have the cash) can be a great way to reorganise your small flat for a home office.

For example, you can make much better use of space by buying a smaller corner couch, a dining table with benches to tuck under and a new L-shaped desk to make better use of corner space. And a lick of paint for your work-from-home office makes it feel fresher.

Style swaps to try:

• Choose nesting tables instead of a large coffee table.
• Replace heavy curtains with light linen to make rooms feel larger.
• Swap a bulky TV stand for a wall-mounted unit.

Choose a Dedicated Working Area

If you want to organise a small flat properly, a defined workspace is key. Even if it’s just a desk in the corner, creating a clear boundary between “work” and “home” makes a huge difference.

If you don’t have the time, money or motivation to decorate your flat, you must make a dedicated workspace. A cramped working area will not only feel uncomfortable, but it could cause Repetitive Strain Injury.

RSI is standard with office workers and causes musculoskeletal pain in your hands, wrists, back and neck that can last years. In the UK alone, over 20,000 cases of RSI are reported each year. So buy an adjustable chair and a suitable work desk.

This point is very much an obvious one if you’re a remote worker taking advantage of Short term rentals in Milan or anywhere else, which are typically small form factor apartments anyway. By giving yourself a dedicated space to work you’ll also be able to totally disconnect at the end of a work day and go out to enjoy your surroundings.

Soft Mum Hack: If you rent, use a folding screen or curtain to “hide” your office at night. This gives your mind the signal to fully switch off.

Look After the Workspace Environment

Once you’ve worked out how to organise a small flat, the finishing touch is your environment. Good lighting, fresh air, and cleanliness make a world of difference.

• Lighting: Place your desk near a window or use a daylight lamp.
• Air: Keep windows open when possible, and add a small plant for natural air-purifying.
• Clarity: A tidy desk clears mental space, keep only essentials in sight.

So always keep the area well-lit, well ventilated and very clean. In essence, try to make it look and feel as much like a genuine office as possible to stay in the working frame of mind. For tips on creating a comfortable and well-prepared home environment, especially during the winter season, check out my article on Winter-Proofing Your Home.

Small Home Office Ideas: Smart Solutions for Tiny Spaces

Are you eager to finally have that home office but need more space? Fret not! You can create a conducive work environment without taking over your entire flat. Here are three practical, easy-to-implement ideas to help you get started.

Floating Desks: Maximise Floor Space

One of the best ways to make the most of a small area is to go vertical. Installing a floating desk against a wall frees up valuable floor space and offers a clean, minimalistic look. You can even add a couple of floating shelves above for extra storage. When you’re done for the day, you won’t feel like your desk is dominating the room.

Murphy Desk: A Fold-Away Solution

Have you ever heard of a Murphy bed? Now imagine that, but as a desk. A Murphy desk is a wall-mounted desk that you can fold when unused. It’s a fantastic space-saver and is perfect for tight corners. You can store your laptop, notepads, and even a cup of coffee on it when it’s down. When you’re done, fold it back up, and you reclaim your living space.

Ottoman with Hidden Storage

Stash and DashOttomans can serve more than one function. Some come with hidden storage, perfect for tucking away your laptop or work documents at the end of the day. During work hours, lift the lid, grab your work essentials, and shop on your coffee table or any other available surface. Once you’re done, you can neatly stash it away.

Charlotte Tip: If you can’t commit to furniture changes, use trays. Having a laptop tray means you can “pack away” your office at night, even if your desk is your dining table.

Storage Solutions That Double as Decor

When you organise a small flat, storage is your best friend. The secret is making it look beautiful.

• Woven baskets – cosy textures that hide the mess.
• Under-bed drawers – perfect for out-of-season clothes.
• Wall-mounted shelves – display books and candles like styled decor.
• Storage benches – a two-in-one seating + storage solution.

Soft Mum Hack: Keep everything in colour families. Pastels, neutrals, or monochrome. It makes even hidden storage feel elevated.

Seasonal Styling Ideas 🌸☀️🍂❄️

To keep your flat inspiring year-round, swap out small touches with the seasons.

• Spring: Fresh florals, pastel cushions, airy curtains.
• Summer: Light throws, breezy fabrics, woven textures.
• Autumn: Dried flowers, amber candles, warm blankets.
• Winter: Chunky knits, fairy lights, frosted greenery.

Even in a small flat, these little seasonal tweaks make your workspace feel fresh without overwhelming your space.

Before You Go

A clearout can help you organise a small flat when you work from home. Starting fresh and decorating for this purpose is a huge benefit if you have the time and budget. But even without a makeover, a small, dedicated workspace kept clean and intentional can completely transform your day, and your work-life balance.