Home Office On A Budget
A home office has become an essential space for many, since the invasion of COVID-19. Businesses, large and small, are moving their office into the home and communicating through instant messaging platforms such as Skype, Evernote, and Zoom to delegate tasks. Depending on the type of business you run, working in an office space will soon be a thing of the past.
If you are starting to work from home, there are several ways to create a home office on a budget. The key to a successful home office design is to plan it out, make the right furniture selections and make sure your selections can function in the capacity you need to be productive and not just a showpiece.
DEFINE YOUR SPACE
Find a designated area that will work as your office space. Whether it’s a large stair landing, a small closet, a spare room, or an unused corner of the living room; seek out an area you will be comfortable and happy to work in. If possible, use a room with a door. This will keep out the noise when you are on a call and when you need a bit of quiet to think. If not, make sure the office space has enough room for you to work and be productive.
Take time to measure your space and create a floor plan on graph paper. Take your measurements when you are shopping for your office furniture. This will keep you from making major design mistakes. Create a flow that is conducive to how you work, create order.
MAKE A CHECKLIST OF OFFICE ESSENTIALS
Make a list of the office essentials you will need (i.e., desk, desk chair, file cabinet, printer, internet, computer, …). Invest in a printer that has scanning capabilities; this will save you money by not having to purchase a fax machine and having a designated phone line to send and receive faxes.
Check out my Amazon finds for the home office by clicking HERE or on the image below.
When seeking furniture options, shop your home to see what you can use in your new home office. You may be able to cut costs tremendously by using what already exists. If you conduct a lot of Zoom/Skype calls, create a nice background behind your desk. Hang a nice piece of art or a collection of art on the wall.
Incorporate decorative pieces on your bookshelves or organize your books by the color of the spine to add interest. Whatever you decide to do, keep it organized. Visit your local resale or Goodwill store for decor that inspires you. Their prices are good and you may be able to find something interesting that will add a sophisticated feel to your home office. Ikea and Walmart are great places to shop as well.
Take time when setting up your home office; you don’t need everything at once. But prioritize what’s most important (i.e. desk, desk chair, printer,…). Create a wish list of items you want and watch for sales. This way, you can get what you want without breaking the bank. Your workspace should inspire and motivate you to be productive.
