https://www.reddit.com/r/minimalism/comments/1i7dxun/portabletemporary_desk_setup_not_furniture/
created by blendedchaitea on 22/01/2025 at 15:40 UTC
6 upvotes, 9 top-level comments (showing 9)
Hello all. I have a need for a new workspace setup. The room that would've been my office is being happily sacrificed and turned into our upcoming baby's nursery/bedroom. I don't work from home exclusively but still need a space to sit down with my laptop and work on projects from time to time. The dining room table will work perfectly for this, but I need a way to stow all my things (laptop and papers, seat cushion) when I'm done.
When I search for "temporary" or "portable desk," I get furniture results. But I don't need the flat surface, I need the thought process of a pack-and-play Desk Concept, if that makes sense.
I figure y'all, my minimalist friends, have done some thinking about how to make the best use of flexible spaces. Do any of you do something like this? How do you make it work? TIA!
Comment by beginswithanx at 22/01/2025 at 18:57 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I have a small rolling cart that I use for this purpose. Got mine from ikea.
I store my papers, laptop, etc on it. Roll it to the dining table for work. Roll it away when done.
Comment by justatriceratops at 22/01/2025 at 21:57 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I would probably use a plastic milk crate. Like a nice sturdy one. Pop everything in and you can pick it up. Cushion in top of it doesn’t fit. And you can always use it for something else later on. I’ve got a couple that currently have clothes, but used to hold other things.
Comment by Brickarchitecture at 22/01/2025 at 17:16 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I was thinking of a desk caddy, something like this maybe https://www.ikea.com/nl/nl/p/vattenkar-bureauhouder-wit-80548661/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=nl_lc_a3_beh_0_ao_other_nl_shopping_generic_hfb18-homeorganisation_0_standard-lia&utm_content=&utm_term=&utm_id=google_ads_15696449161&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD6_7rOAEezuG9YCnKbM-NLW32mRq&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy8K8BhCZARIsAKJ8sfR_4VrmpkwED8bicwsOPVfhetkWMuRL-oQOnO_KBHZvSbdkME6BWP0aAvYEEALw_wcB[1] Not sure if something like this will fit a seat cushion though…
Comment by Bea_virago at 22/01/2025 at 16:48 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Vintage suitcase? Set your cushion in one half, then laptop in a protective sleeve, then a folder or leather portfolio—and the portfolio could hold pens too, so might be a good idea. If you need to make sure it doesn’t rattle add a fluffy lap blanket to take up space.
Comment by randomcoww at 22/01/2025 at 20:26 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Another option might be a very portable tripod stand like https://getthestand.com/products/the-stand[1][2] for the laptop.
1: https://getthestand.com/products/the-stand
2: https://getthestand.com/products/the-stand
Comment by [deleted] at 23/01/2025 at 00:30 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
[deleted]
Comment by reclaimednation at 23/01/2025 at 16:02 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Depends on the volume of those projects. I have a wooden box, like an old-fashioned paper tray[1], that my husband made for me to collect all of my in-process paperwork and other action items/task memory triggers (which had a tendency to get strewn all over the place). It's big enough that my laptop computer sits on top of it like a lid.
1: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1672195987/walnut-wood-letter-box-desk-organizer
It's basically my "bill pay" station. It's got a few extra things like the microphone earbuds for our phone, a pen, pencil, eraser, highlighter, a mini stapler, a pair of reading glasses and a pair of blue light glasses. Plus a sheet of address/return labels, a book of stamps, and a few business cards tucked in the front. It's a bit of a jumble and it would be better if it had a separate compartment (like the inside of this one[2]) for all those not-paper things, but I didn't know how/how much I would use it - but it serves me well.
2: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1837140528/curly-maple-wooden-lap-desk-wood-writing
I usually keep it on the seat next to me at the kitchen table, but if company comes over, I can put it on a shelf and it looks OK.
Comment by MinimalCollector at 24/01/2025 at 18:18 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
My floor desk before updating it used to be an ironing board sitting on top of a few boxes. It worked really well. I eventually just made one similar because I liked it so much. I sit on a floor cushion or floor chair when needed
Comment by jrock_697 at 27/01/2025 at 03:10 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I use a clear storage bin from muji. wrap all the cords and store in a plastic bag inside