I’ll Be Working From My Closet During Lockdown!
Demo 1: Making yourself comfortable in your closet office during lockdown
I can’t take credit for this idea. Yesterday, a lovely lady confessed that, in order to have a coaching session somewhere she could actually hear, she resorted to hiding in a closet! She managed to have the entire call uninterrupted—even though her spouse and kids were on the hunt for her. Kudos!
Her innovative idea got me thinking: why can’t a closet be transformed into a private office away from the fray of family during lockdown? But why sit on a hard floor when you can introduce a little comfort? Maybe even a little luxury?
I played around with some options and felt like a kid again—especially when Xabbo decided to join in the fun. There’s something so satisfying about creating a mini world for yourself…and your furry friend!
If you decide to have a go, here are a few tips:
Needs must: most closets are over-stuffed with things that hardly get used, so this is the perfect time to de-clutter and clean the space.
Comfort is key: as far as Xabbo and I are concerned, you can never have enough cushions to sit on and lean up against! And don’t forget a blanket or throw—especially for afternoon naps. The experts keep telling us to get enough sleep to build our immune systems, so there’s your excuse! For nap time, flameless wax candles are a soothing antidote to news-overload.
Posture: if you prefer a desk-and-chair setup but space is tight, improvise with a large, sturdy cardboard box for a worksurface. Fold in the flaps for stability and comfortable legroom.
Soundproofing: managing sound will help your work output and reduce your stress levels considerably. Try: noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs; a fan or sound conditioner to create white noise; a wireless speaker to play your favourite music.
Provisions: bottles of water; a jar of biscuits (okay, fruit is healthier, but everyone needs comfort food at the moment); a flask of coffee, tea or something stronger.
Inspiration: use the inside of your closet door or walls to tape up images and quotes that uplift you.
Practicalities: an extension cord & chargers for all devices; a lamp if your closet doesn’t have an overhead light—the Hue smart light is perfect (see Resources below); a good book or your Kindle for when you get bored with work but aren’t ready to come out of the closet yet. And don’t forget that “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door!
If your closets are too small or you have narrow, built-in wardrobes, what other areas of your home could be reclaimed? A boiler room? An attic/loft? A corner of the basement? My ideal would have been my grandmother’s pantry. Or a wine cellar…!
I’d love to hear what you come up with and see your photos! Let me know if you have any questions.
In the meantime, stay safe and well.
Demo 2: spring cleaning your closet office during lockdown
RESOURCES:
Philips Hue Go Portable light: https://www2.meethue.com/en-us/p/hue-white-and-color-ambiance-go-portable-light/714606048
Bose Noise Cancelling headphones: https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/headphones/noise_cancelling_headphones.html
Leak-proof glass water bottles: https://smile.amazon.com/Brieftons-Glass-Water-Bottles-Stainless/dp/B01DN6001G/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=glass+water+bottles&qid=1585105876&sr=8-5
Inspirational reading: The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday by Sharon Blackie (https://smile.amazon.com/Enchanted-Life-Unlocking-Magic-Everyday/dp/1910463884/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=the+enchanted+life&qid=1585110406&sr=8-3)
The Garden Awakening: Designs to Nurture our Land and Ourselves by Mary Reynolds (https://smile.amazon.com/Garden-Awakening-Designs-Nurture-Ourselves/dp/0857843133/ref=sr_1_2?crid=VLC4OS2EY4P&keywords=garden+awakening+mary+reynolds&qid=1585110516&sprefix=garden+awakening%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-2)