If you’ve ever tried to run a side hustle from the kitchen table, you’ll know it’s not always ideal. Between the clutter, distractions, and lack of space to properly spread out and get stuck in, it can start to feel like you’re constantly juggling home life and business life in one messy bundle. That’s where garden rooms can come in, offering you a little sanctuary right outside your back door.
But before you start sketching out blueprints and browsing Pinterest, let’s talk about whether your side hustle actually needs a garden room—or whether it’s just a lovely idea that might not be essential right now.
What Is a Garden Room, Exactly?
A garden room is a standalone structure in your garden—like a posh shed, but fully insulated, powered, and ready for year-round use. Think of it as an extension of your home, but without the full-on cost and faff of a home extension.
You can kit it out as a home office, studio, workshop, therapy room, or storage space. It’s become especially popular with remote workers and side hustlers looking to carve out some dedicated space away from the chaos of home life.
Why Your Side Hustle Might Need a Garden Room
Here are some solid reasons to consider making the leap:
1. You Need Space for Stock and Storage
If you’re selling on platforms like Vinted, you’ll know the chaos of trying to store inventory in drawers, wardrobes, or random boxes scattered around the house. A garden room can give you a clean, organised space with shelving and storage dedicated entirely to your items.
You can hang items, prep parcels, and even set up a mini packing station—all without taking over the hallway or spare room. And if your Vinted shop is growing, having a proper setup can save you loads of time and stress.
2. You Want Better Lighting and Backgrounds for Photos
Whether you're listing clothes on Vinted or creating content for social media, photos matter. A garden room gives you the chance to create a consistent, clutter-free space with great natural lighting—perfect for taking clear, attractive product photos without having to move laundry off the bed first.
Add a neutral backdrop, a mannequin, or even a ring light, and suddenly your listings look 10x more professional.
3. You’re Running a Digital Side Hustle Like Blogging or Freelance Writing
When you’re trying to write a blog post, edit videos, or jump on Zoom calls while someone’s hoovering or asking what’s for dinner, focus goes out the window.
A garden room offers separation. You can shut the door (literally and mentally) and get into work mode. Whether you're writing blog content, managing social media, or dealing with brand emails, having a quiet, dedicated space makes a big difference to your productivity.
4. You Want Clearer Work-Life Boundaries
One of the hardest things about side hustling from home is switching off. When your laptop is always within reach, it’s easy to let work bleed into evenings and weekends.
Having a garden room helps draw a line. When you leave the house and step into your workspace, you’re ‘at work.’ And when you leave it at the end of the day, you’re done. That little walk back to the house can feel like a reset.
Things to Consider Before You Commit
Of course, it’s not all dreamy cabin vibes and Instagrammable moments. Before investing in a garden room, consider:
- Cost – A fully kitted-out garden room can range from a few thousand to well over £20k.
- Planning permission – You usually don’t need it, but check your local council’s rules.
- Heating and insulation – You’ll want it to be cosy in winter and not boiling in summer.
- Electricity and Wi-Fi – Factor in installation and make sure your signal reaches!
- Tax implications – If you're running a business from your garden room, you might be able to claim expenses—but this can affect capital gains tax later. Definitely chat with an accountant.
Bonus Benefit: It Could Boost Your Property Value
Aside from being practical, a well-designed garden room can actually increase the value of your home. Buyers are increasingly looking for flexible spaces—whether for home working, hobbies, or even running a business—and a garden room ticks all those boxes. It’s seen as a lifestyle upgrade, offering extra usable square footage without needing a full extension. While you might not recoup the full cost instantly, it can make your home more appealing and competitive on the market, especially in the current climate where remote work is here to stay.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
A garden room won’t magically make your side hustle successful—but it can give you the physical and mental space to treat it more seriously. If your business is growing, your home is overflowing, or you just can’t focus indoors, then yes—a garden room might be a worthwhile investment in both your hustle and your sanity.
But if you’re just getting started, or your side hustle is still in the ‘bit of extra cash here and there’ phase, don’t stress about having the perfect space. Start where you are, use what you’ve got—and upgrade when it makes sense for you.
