The new year often gets us thinking about revamping and refocusing to ultimately make life easier and happier. And, since work is a big part of life and with so many working from home now, you might think about creating a work space that does the same for your work-life. Whether you have an entire room to dedicate as your office, or a small closet to call your own, the home office is an integral piece of any home-based workspace or business. The good news is, setting up this space doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Just follow these tips on how to set up your home office on a budget.
1. There’s much more out there than just office supply stores to stock your office. Sure, they have tons of equipment and other essential office items like paper and file folders, but their prices are often much more expensive than stores like Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart. Check out the supplies and furniture available at other stores such as Big Lots, Family Dollar and even some pharmacy stores, such as CVS or Walgreens.
2. Go online to score great deals for your office. Visit www.dollartree.com to purchase supplies in bulk and save. Another great place to peruse is www.containerstore.com. While some of their items are on the pricier side, check out their sale and clearance areas for great discounts on many of their products. Or, just browse to gain some creative storage and organization ideas.
3. Need a new desk for your office? Check out local thrift stores, Goodwill and even antique stores. Many times, you can find a really nice desk for just $20. Facebook Marketplace and Mercari Local usually offer some great local options for new and gently used pieces. Just look around your area and see what’s out there.
4. Re-use what you already have. This method of setting up your home office is not only budget-friendly, but environmentally-friendly as well. You probably have many of the supplies you need to stock an office already on hand, such as printer paper, file folders and paperclips. Go on a treasure hunt around your house for these items and take stock of what you have before buying anything else to prevent buying duplicate supplies. For larger pieces like shelves and desks, you could even repurpose unconventional materials like file cabinets and an old door to create a fun and shabby chic desk with ample storage.
Bonus: Here’s a great site on organization with a free printable checklist of office supplies. Just keep in mind you don’t need all of this to make a great workspace!
We love hearing about and see what you do to save! Share you ideas or photos of your space with us on Facebook at facebook.com/membersfirstcu. Feel free to tell us your tips for redecorating on a budget!