Setting Up a Home Office on a Budget

Working from home can be convenient for you and your family, but it can also be costly. If you are a small business, buying in bulk does not really pay. There are others ways to save when preparing your home office. Take the following tips into consideration.

Furniture can be very costly. However, if you check your local paper for going-out-of-business sales where they are selling everything in the store, you can purchase pieces for very low cost. Buying used furniture is another way to save.

While you are looking through the paper, check for yard sales. People discard many things in good condition just because they no longer have use for them. Do not skimp on a good chair, though; it is hard to focus if you are not comfortable. Buying a new chair for your home office is where it does make sense to spend a little more money.

Putting together your own shelving can be very cost-effective. A little labor goes a long way here for your budget. There are always sales going on for lamps and accessories. Purchase these items on sale. If you shop at the discount stores, you can buy overstock items at even cheaper prices.

When it comes to setting up your computer for your home office, keep in mind that there are many sample programs available online for a free trial run. Search the web and see what programs may work for you. It is always a good idea to try software first, before you buy it and find it to prove useless.

While you are on the computer, you can find templates to create your own business cards. The cost will be minimal compared to having them professionally designed. Also, creating your own website, while it can be challenging at times, saves the expense of paying someone for the service.

Additionally, buying a refurbished computer and printer will also help to spread the budget if you cannot afford brand new. Refurbished items are readily available at your big box stores, or you can find them for discounts on eBay.

Setting up a successful home office does not have to entail spending a fortune. Many of the items can be found used or on sale. Use a bit of creativity and not only will you have a nice home office, it will be completely functional as well.

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Author: jm

Joan Mullally has been doing business online for more than 20 years and is a pioneer in the fields of online publishing, marketing, and ecommerce. She is the author of more than 200 guides and courses designed to help beginner and intermediate marketers make the most of the opportunities the Internet offers for running a successful business. A student and later teacher trainee of Frank McCourt’s, she has always appreciated the power of the word, and has used her knowledge for successful SEO and PPC campaigns, and powerful marketing copy. One computer science class at NYU was enough to spark her fascination with all things digital. In her spare time, she works with adult literacy, animal fostering and rescue, and teaching computer skills to women.