Setting Up Shop: Ways To Save On A Home Office Space

Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas

There are over 38 million home-based businesses in the United States, generating over $427 billion dollars. If you’re ready to start a business and want to work from home, getting your office space set up can seem daunting. According to Remodeling Magazine, the average cost to renovate a room into a home office is $28,375! However, not every home-based business requires such a large investment. Here are some ideas for keeping your costs low while still creating the home office of your dreams.

Think Carefully About Your Home
If you’re an artist who needs natural light for photography or painting, a home office that is shaded by trees half of the year might not be the best. If your master bedroom faces the light and is unobstructed, are you willing to set up your work space there and use a smaller, guest bedroom for sleeping? If you are creating a stop-motion video or work on a computer all day, the basement may be wonderful due to the insulation from outside noise and light. Think about light, space, noise, and other aspects before you begin, as a false start could wind up costing you a bundle.

Consider How You Work
If you’re a freelance writer who has spent the last few years writing perched on the end of your bed on a laptop, the idea of a huge desk can seem wonderful. The same can be said if you’re a sculptor who has been working in a frigid garage and wants a climate-controlled loft. However, be wary of huge changes right away. Consider renting furniture or space before you buy, and before you make the necessary changes to your house. This can teach you that, no, you really don’t find typing at a desk comfortable, or your clay doesn’t work as well in a warmer room.

Look for Bargains on Larger Items
Once you’re sure about what you’d like in your home office, look at used outlets and commercial warehouses open to the public. If you need equipment such as desks, tables, restaurant equipment, or hand tools, there’s usually little reason to pay full retail price. Retailers often have a scratch-and-dent section or amazing sales with in-store coupons. Look online for discount coupons for big brand furnishers. If an item works properly and is perfect for your needs, some scratches and dings might not matter and can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Hit the Thrifts and Flea Markets
Once you have all the major pieces of your office put together, you will probably need items like lamps, artwork, office supplies, trash cans, and other small items. There’s no need to pay full retail price for a lot of these things. Scout around the local thrift shops, flea markets and swap meets. You can find amazing deals on almost new items for a fraction of the price.

Converting space in your home into an office can be a big task. Acquiring the proper furniture, having the room renovated, and fleshing it out with everything you’ll need to work may seem next to impossible on a budget. These tips will allow you to get the home office you need at a price you can afford.