This repository documents my current self-hosted homelab service setup, focused on running useful applications on a dedicated virtual machine.
The current setup is centred around:
- Paperless-ngx for document management
- Tailscale for secure remote access
- Netdata for single-node monitoring
This project reflects a practical homelab environment for daily use and future expansion.
The goal of this homelab stack is to build a simple, secure, and useful self-hosted environment that can be accessed remotely and improved over time.
Current priorities:
- Self-host a document management system
- Access services securely from outside the network
- Monitor system health
- Prepare for reverse proxy and custom domain setup
- Paperless-ngx — document management system
- Tailscale — secure access without port forwarding
- Netdata — single-node monitoring for the VM
- Dedicated virtual machine for Paperless and related services
Tailscale is used to securely connect to the Paperless VM from external devices without exposing services to the public internet.
Access flow:
- Connect to Tailscale on the client device
- Open the Paperless service using the VM's Tailscale IP
- Access the service securely from anywhere
Example:
http://100.x.x.x:8000
MagicDNS may be configured later for easier access.
Paperless-ngx is the primary service running in this homelab stack.
- Store and organise documents
- Manage scanned files digitally
- Create a paperless workflow
- Installed and running on a VM
- Accessible remotely via Tailscale
- Planned upgrade with reverse proxy and domain access
Netdata is installed as a standalone monitoring solution for the Paperless VM.
- Monitor CPU usage
- Monitor memory usage
- Monitor disk activity
- Observe overall system health
This monitoring setup is independent and only applies to this VM.
- A simple homelab is easier to maintain and expand
- Tailscale simplifies remote access significantly
- Separating different homelab projects avoids confusion
- Documentation should reflect the current working setup
- Set up reverse proxy
- Use custom domain (e.g. paperless.home.lab)
- Enable HTTPS
- Improve service organisation
- Add more useful self-hosted services
- This repository focuses only on the current Paperless homelab setup
- Other homelab experiments are maintained in separate repositories
- This project evolves based on real usage and learning
- Paperless VM created
- Remote access via Tailscale working
- Netdata monitoring installed
- Reverse proxy setup
- Custom domain setup
- HTTPS enabled