The Smallest Home Lab That Still Feels Like a Real Datacenter #homelab #homeserver https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/2026/01/the-smallest-home-lab-that-still-feels-like-a-real-datacenter/

We are likely relocating for a new job. It means new housing. When I talk to builders in the destination state, they all wig out at the electrical customizations I'm asking about. To me, it doesn't feel like I'm asking for big things. It was a hassle to run wire here, and I'm thinking about what I'd do in a new home build. I'd just like to do as much as possible *before* the drywall goes up. In thinking about that, it occurs to me to think longer term, and plan it right. Hence the ask. I've attached two pictures to kinda showcase my setup here. I'm using the smallest bedroom in our house for my home office. A mini-split in the closet to keep the rack cool. 30A service for the UPS. I was thinking things like running cables of course. But extra ones for TV, and cameras and doorbell. Maybe also dead fiber drops (just in the office where the network stack is). I realize this sounds like overkill, but I'm going on 10y of homelabbing, and I've used this for both personal and work stuff consistently.

Check out my write up on the new features here: https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/2025/11/proxmox-ve-9-1-launches-with-oci-image-support-vtpm-snapshots-and-big-sdn-upgrades/

Check out my latest blog here. I took a dive into cloud-init in Proxmox, how to set it up and the possibilities. Wondering how far you all have taken it?https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/2025/10/proxmox-cloud-init-made-easy-automating-vm-provisioning-like-the-cloud/

What are you all using for Kubernetes in the home lab? Interested to see what is being used and any challenges faced there.