A conducive environment is the key to working from home effectively. Since remote work is picking up in speed and popularity, creating the ideal home office may be a wise investment – although you do not have to shell out a ton of cash in the process. With a few organizational tips and some strategic planning, you can create the perfect space for yourself while saving money as well. Rest assured, your return on investment will compensate for any expenses you make along the way.
Think about where to spend and save
Naturally, a desk should be one of your main considerations as this is where you will be spending most of your time. You can forget about looking at expensive catalogues for the perfect desk, as even a makeshift one will do. As you get your DIY juices flowing, you can put together a simple desk with a couple of filing cabinets with a board laid on top. After sanding the board’s edges, you can paint everything your chosen color. This makes for a cost-effective and multipurpose desk.
You can apply the same principle with other furniture and accessories. Have a look around your home or go to some yard sales for old shoe shelves or cabinets which you can put together to make more storage space and filing systems. This will allow you to dedicate more money towards an ergonomic desk chair, as it will improve your posture, giving you necessary support, and ensuring that you maintain good physical health while working from home
Look for good deals
You might see all these fancy home office setups online, but the truth is, you don’t need all the latest gear to get a similar effect. Don’t hesitate with opting for used office equipment as most of the things will generally be in great condition for a fraction of the price. You can easily turn your home office into a personal office cubicle, with printers or scanners, even if they aren’t entirely new.
If you don’t have a big monitor, you can simply find a stack of old books or magazines to place your laptop on for the optimal height which can be adjusted as needed. During the back-to-school rush, you might be able to score some good deals for yourself when it comes to buying office supplies in bulk, or even heavily discounted laptops at student-friendly prices.
Accessorize with things that inspire you
When it comes to home office accessories, you really don’t need much. For the finishing touches in your home office, it could be a good idea to surround yourself with things that inspire you. Include pictures of your family on your desk, and even consider framing some of your kids’ artwork for some added color and personalization.
Indoor plants are another affordable accessory choice that could serve as inspiration, and even contribute to the overall home office atmosphere. These act as air filters and natural humidifiers, and are suggested to enhance one’s mood and productivity. Adding just a few indoor plants of your choice can motivate and spark your creativity, and offer a needed distraction for when you need to take a break.
By choosing where to spend and where to save; when to buy and when to DIY; you can have a home office set-up that won’t break the bank!