Design Your Home Office, Even With Limited Time And A Limited Budget

Photo Courtesy of Upsplash

This week I am excited to share a guest blog post from fellow blogger, Alice Robertson, of A Tidy Home.  Be sure to visit her website for great organizational tips for your home.

You’ve spent countless hours perusing Pinterest and gazing in awe at all the gorgeous home office spaces, but they all seem to be designed with two things in mind: a big budget and big space. Unfortunately, you have neither of those things, leaving you wondering if you’ll be destined to use the living room couch as your makeshift desk. Fear not; there are plenty of ways to create a fully functional home office with limited space, all without forking out a ton of cash.

Get Creative With Your Office Location
Building an extra room will cost you a pretty penny, but utilizing the space you already have won’t. There are several creative places where you can squeeze in an office. If you have a spare closet, convert it into a small office space and use the shelving at the top as bonus storage. Perhaps your home has a random nook or corner that a desk could easily fit into. Think about rooms you never seem to use such as the dining room or a child’s playroom. You eat most of your meals in the kitchen or on the couch, and the toys end up in the living room anyways, so make use of this space however you can. The fact that you aren’t building on an addition paired with a small space equals savings that can be used to furnish and decorate your home office. If you’re having trouble picturing it, these home office photos courtesy of Apartment Therapy will get your creative juices flowing.
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Stick to the Essentials
Once you’ve got a space carved out, it’s time to start filling it with the essentials, but if you aren’t careful costs can add up quickly. To maximize savings, scour your house for things you already have such as office supplies, desk lamps, and décor. Check out your local thrift store to find unique and affordable items, and personalize your space with DIY touches. Of course, there’s no need to count out the chain office stores as long as you know how to make them work for you. For example, you can fill your office with many of the supplies and technology you need by shopping at stores like Best Buy. Before you go, do your homework and look for Best Buy coupons and promo codes to help you save money, and make note of any upcoming sales. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family via word of mouth or social media to inquire about any unused office supplies they are looking to part with for free or a fair price.

Focus on Productivity
It’s easy to get caught up designing your office space, but don’t forget about its ultimate purpose – providing you with a productive, distraction-free workspace. Clutter makes an office feel chaotic and stressful, making it hard to focus. Having the right desk, chair, and office technology is important, but proper storage is right up there too. Thankfully, storage is an area you can DIY, and it’s budget-friendly too. Install wall shelving above your desk and paint or wallpaper the wall to add a pop of color. Use storage containers in various sizes to keep your desk and office area neat, and don’t forget about desk organizers to prevent drawers from becoming a chaotic mess.

Comfort plays into productivity as well, so invest in things that truly make a difference such as an ergonomic office chair, extra lighting, or a diffuser filled with your favorite scent. Keep in mind that working from home is filled with distractions, so take advantage of tech tools that keep you focused such as a social media blocker, sound machine apps to block out noise, and a digital to-do list to hold you accountable.
 
There’s no reason to let your small space and budget keep you from having the home office you want and need. You might have to get a little creative with the location, but it’s all part of the fun. All you need is an idea and a budget-friendly mindset, and you’ll be setting up shop in your office in no time.
 
 
 

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