Due to the rapid rise of remote workers in recent years, a home office is becoming essential for many busy professionals.
Rather than blowing your income on turning a spare bedroom into an office space, you will be happy to learn there are many affordable ways to create a productive, creative environment within the home. In fact, the home office doesn’t even have to be in the home, it could be in the garden instead! The backyard office studio is quickly becoming the new home office, freeing up space in the home and creating a beautiful yet functional workspace outside.
If you want to improve a space that will help you to excel in your career, find out how to create a home office on a small budget.
Avoid Running to Big Chain Brands for Office Supplies
Unless you’re happy to pour your money down the drain, don’t rush off to a big brand to purchase office supplies, as they may charge extortionate rates for affordable items.
The internet is filled with value for money products, which will not blow your budget, and it is your job to find them.
For example, you can secure low price ink for the Brother MFC-J6530dw printer, which can considerably reduce your printing costs throughout the year.
Visit Charity Shops
Rather than buying a brand-new office chair or desk lamp, visit a charity shop to buy second-hand, affordable products.
The wonderful thing about a home office is that you can design it to suit your taste, so you can incorporate colourful chairs or eclectic pieces to create a space you would be happy to work in every day.
Check out Price Comparison Sites
If you can’t get what you need from charity shops, make sure you’re at least getting the best possible price on supplies that you need to buy new. You’ll often find out that bigger brands charge twice as much as brand you might not have considered, so take a look at Only Reviews for some inspiration on brands you might never have even heard of otherwise – you’ll be sure to get the best possible price, which will free up extra budget for you to spend on other office supplies that are more important like a new computer!
Go Green
Lower the cost of your household bills by going green.
For example, small computers and environmentally-friendly phone chargers can save you money on energy bills.
You also shouldn’t forget to turn off lights and unplug devices, which can cut costs while helping to improve the environment.
Become a DIY Expert
Rather than hiring painters or furniture assemblers to transform your spare room into a home office, become a DIY expert.
It will save you a huge sum of money, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment each time you step inside your personal office.
Wait for the Sales Before Buying Office Equipment
It is unlikely you will need to buy every item at once when creating a home office.
For example, if you need a new desk lamp or external hard drive, wait to buy them when they are on sale, which could cut your expenditure in half.
Write a wish list of items you need and hold off on buying items you don’t view as a priority, such as office artwork or a cosy, colourful rug.
Find Affordable Accessories
If you want to create a fun, colourful space that encourages productivity and lifts your mood each day, aim to incorporate affordable accessories that can transform the look and feel of your home office.
For instance, indoor plants are not only cheap, but they can be a great addition to your work space, as they are believed to improve creativity and well-being by 15% and productivity by 6%.
You could also create your own works of art to hang on the wall or can decorate your office walls with family photos and unique objects.