Navigating the Chaos of Working from Home
- Laura Doman
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
Quiet isn't always an option! Finding Peace When You Need to Sound Professional
Working from home can be a blessing… and a bit of a circus.
Especially when your “office” is also the family living space, the kitchen, or the spare bedroom that doubles as your Zoom studio, podcast corner, and laundry staging area. It's manageable - until you have a video to record, a masterclass to lead, or a job interview to nail, and your housemates decide this is the time to make smoothies, start a Netflix marathon, or practice their trumpet. (Yes, it happens.)
I recently had one of those days. I had a short video to record for a client. Nothing big. A quick, polished message shot in my usual quiet home studio… only this time, my husband came home earlier than expected.
Not a huge deal - until he started talking. Loudly. Think “booming voice echoing through the hallways” loud. And then? The blender. Because nothing says “healthy living” like a mid-morning smoothie. Except maybe a loud, whirring, five-speed kitchen appliance humming like a leaf blower in the next room.
Don’t get me wrong - I’m all for healthy eating! But let’s just say the timing was a little less than ideal. And yes, I paused the video and gave him the look, though he still didn’t quite get it. Sigh. Let's just say the marital diplomacy had to become a little louder on my part....
If you’ve ever faced this kind of home-office hustle, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up (some the hard way!) that might just save your next recording session or live presentation.
Creating a professional video or presentation from home is possible even in a noisy house, if you plan smart, soundproof creatively, and stay flexible.
"Silence is golden... unless you work from home, then it’s just rented by the hour." —Unknown
Dealing With Noise When Working From Home
Try to schedule important recordings or virtual presentations when the house is at its quietest. For some, that’s early in the morning before anyone else is up. For others, it’s late at night after everyone’s turned in.
If you're lucky, you know your family’s rhythms well enough to predict when the blender is most likely to make an appearance. Timing is everything!
Simple Soundproofing Tips from a Voice Actor
A little soundproofing goes a long way. As a voice actor, I’ve picked up a few tricks that help turn an echoey room into a more controlled environment. Think soft.
Use heavy curtains or blackout drapes.
Lay down a rug or carpet to absorb sound.
Add fabric wall hangings or invest in affordable sound panels.
Choose a room that’s away from the kitchen or family room if you can.
If you want a little advice from the good folks at NPR, check out this article. But don't rule out a closet full of clothes. In a pinch, it can be a surprisingly good recording space. Just add in a physical or virtual backdrop... unless you're a fashion consultant, of course!
Video Recording Equipment That Helps You Look - and Sound! - Professional
Using a quality microphone can help tremendously. I personally like a lavalier mic clipped just inside my shirt—discreet, effective, and close enough to pick up my voice while reducing background noise.
Pro tip: Choose a lav mic with an extra-long cord. That way, you can step away from the camera, move around a little, and still be heard clearly.
I've created a few very short videos that give you easy and inexpensive options for good sound and indoor and natural lighting, including an overview of everything you'll need to get started.
What's the biggest noisemaker at home?
0%Spouse or partner
0%Kid(s)
0%Neighbor's leaf blower or construction crew
0%Electric appliances in the home
Places You Can Record Outside the Home
Sometimes, home just isn’t the right place for a recording. If that’s the case, consider renting a space:
Local podcast studios often offer affordable hourly rentals. Search by entering: "affordable podcast studio rentals for your (city)" - just plug in your location or type "major cities."
Chamber of Commerce offices may have quiet rooms you can book—some even have recording equipment. Search for one near you here.
Libraries are underrated gems. Many have study or conference rooms you can reserve for free.
Friends or family homes - with a heads-up and a bit of coordination - can make a perfect temporary studio if they’ll be out or occupied in another part of the house.
Just don’t forget to bring your gear, and maybe a light or two for good measure.
Bottom Line: It’s Not Always Going to Be Quiet
Life happens. People come home. Kids need snacks. Dogs bark at delivery trucks. Blenders blend. And despite your best efforts, the perfect moment for peace and quiet might not arrive.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find your workaround. With a little planning, a dash of creativity, and a healthy dose of humor, you can carve out the space and quiet you need to show up as your professional, polished self - even if you’re just a few feet from smoothie central.
Good luck out there, fellow remote warriors. May your Wi-Fi be strong and your household distractions be mercifully brief. And if you need a little help, let's set up a time to talk.
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I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
