Say, for instance, you work at a company that allows or even encourages its employees to work from home on a regular basis. Let’s also say that you don’t have a dedicated home office, and you don’t have a ton of finances to devote to building one from scratch. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, then know that you’re not alone. After all, a majority of businesses have remote workers, while the total amount of consumer debt in the US exceeds $13 trillion. With all that in mind, today we’ll explain how ambitious professionals can create an effective work space at home without breaking their budget in the process.
Repurpose Tech
Have a few old monitors that have been collecting dust in your closet? Or a pair of headphones that you hardly ever use? Then don’t waste your time or money buying new tech when you can repurpose products you already own. Old technology like laptops and smartphones may not be cutting edge anymore, but they still can provide remote workers with the tools they need to succeed.
Buy Second-Hand
Desks, chairs, and other office furniture can be extremely expensive –– if you decide to buy entirely new sets. The good news is that you don’t have to do that. Instead, look to purchase used furniture from online platforms or discount sales. A lightly-used desk, for instance, can be a significantly cheaper alternative to a new one.
Pick the Right Room
Is it possible to form an excellent home office in a room with limited space? Of course it is! Nevertheless, you can make your job of stocking a home office much easier by selecting the right room in the first place. What’s more, it’s a smart play to select a room that has large windows that allow for lots of natural sunlight to enter your office. Not only is sunlight great for productivity, but it can also help you save money on your electricity bill as well.
Customize Accessories & Decor
No two professionals’ work spaces should look exactly alike. For instance, a scientist needs to have models of sophisticated equipment like 48 well plates handy, just as a sales person will need a contact sheet for making cold calls. In that spirit, professionals should seek to customize their home office with accessories and decorations that enable them to perform at their best. Additionally, by choosing custom decor, you can avoid purchasing some common, yet costly products that you may not need at all.
Be Willing to Borrow
There’s nothing wrong with having a rather spartan vibe to your home office. Indeed, reducing clutter and forgoing unneeded items is a great way to boost efficiency and cut costs at the same time. Nevertheless, sometimes remote employees may need access to speciality products like a high quality microphone for a skype meeting or a touch-screen monitor to complete a design project. In such instances, it’s okay to borrow equipment from your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or employers. Just remember to ask nicely and to return any borrowed items quickly and safely. Doing this will help you save hundreds over the long haul.
