Whether you're moving to a corporate apartment for a short time, or working at home is part of your long-term plan, there are many reasons to set up a home office in your Houston apartment. More and more companies allow employees to telecommute some or all of the time, many Houstonians run their own small businesses, and it's great to have a dedicated office space just to organize your daily life. Whatever your needs and your budget, you can have a home office. All it takes is a little planning, and it's best to start while you're hunting for your next apartment.
Plan while apartment hunting
Keep your home office needs in mind while you're looking at Houston apartments. Let Houston Apartment Insiders know what your needs are, and we'll help you find the right space within your budget. Of course it's easiest if you can afford to rent a larger apartment with a separate room for your office, but even if you can't, look for spaces that would make great work stations. Watch for a nook in the living room, a large closet, or even a bit of hallway that could be transformed into a comfortable workspace. Think about your neighborhood and community, too. Our earlier post on choosing a quiet apartment can help you avoid potential problems with neighbors and traffic.
Legal and tax considerations
If you'll do a significant amount of your work from home, think about taxes, zoning, and your lease while you plan. The most important thing to consider is whether your landlord will be okay with your plans to work from home. Doing some work from home, even in a dedicated spot, should be fine, but if you plan to run a business solely or primarily out of your Houston apartment, check with the landlord before you sign your lease. Any business can cause problems for your landlord's liability insurance, so it's best to ask first to avoid problems after you're moved in and doing business. As for taxes, there's good news: If your home office is your main place of business, and you have a dedicated space just for that work, you may be able to deduct part of your rent and utilities when you file your taxes.
Explore design ideas—especially for small spaces
Once you've chosen your space, have fun with apartment interior design. This post from Rent.com can get you started. Consider your personal working style and how it will fit with the space you have available. If you can't afford an entire extra room for your office, this article from HGTV will help you find space in creative places. For more inspiration, surf the internet for fun ideas like these from Re-Nest and House Beautiful. Remember, even if you work for someone else, your apartment home office is your space. Enjoy creating an office that works for you.
Posted by Melanie Belasco Levy on 11/03/11
