With the rise of remote work, building a home office has become a worthwhile investment. You’ll enjoy a dedicated space where you can focus on projects, while reaping all of the money-saving benefits working from home offers. So, how can you create a home office on a budget?
The first step is to find a place in your home where you can comfortably and quietly complete your work. This space could be anywhere from a spare bedroom to a corner of your kitchen or living room. After you’ve set aside an area for your home office, you can focus on how to make the space work best for you.
Through DIY projects, thrifting, and keeping an eye out for sales, you can assemble something you’re proud of. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your new home office.
Shop at Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
You can find stylish and durable desks, chairs, bookshelves, and more when you browse thrift stores and flea markets. Secondhand stores will often sell furniture that’s a fraction of the cost of buying new. It’s also a sustainable alternative. With a DIY mindset, you can even turn your secondhand furniture into pieces that fit your existing décor.
Repurposing furniture is another way to get more for your money. For example, old dining room tables can be ideal for home offices that require a large amount of desk space for creative work, shipping preparations, or computer equipment. You can also repurpose other furniture pieces like end tables to create stands for printers and copiers.
If you need to purchase a lot of furniture or even do some remodeling to optimize your home office, you might consider our Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Our HELOC is an easy way to make your home’s hidden value work for you, offering flexible access to money through a low-rate loan option. With no PSECU application fees and competitive rates, our HELOC option is a smart option for homeowners looking to improve their workspace.
Take on Projects Yourself and Build Your DIY Experience
Building a home office is a great time to try new DIY projects and expand your skill set. With just a little elbow grease, you can create your setup with customized secondhand furniture to fit your aesthetic and home office needs. You can turn items you already own into repurposed DIY shelves, desks, and organizers.
DIY projects are also great for customizing your old furniture’s look and feel, turning it into the piece you’ve always wanted. Instead of splurging on expensive furniture or equipment in an exact color or finish, options like resanding, repainting, reupholstering, and refinishing allow you to create stunning statement pieces without paying a fortune. In as little as a weekend, you can turn a basic desk or chair into one of your favorite pieces of furniture.
There are also a lot of quick and easy DIY projects that can spruce up your workspace. Finishing touches like chalkboard calendars, washi tape labels, and pencil holders made from recycled materials let you personalize your home office on a budget.
Look Into Smaller Computers and Used Equipment
Your computer setup doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate to be effective. With more companies turning to cloud storage, your job might not warrant a large and complicated computer setup. A smaller computer may be the most useful and cost-effective choice for your home office. It’s a good idea to choose one that will maximize your productivity without breaking the bank.
Before you make a purchase, get in touch with your employer to determine the equipment you’ll need. Many companies will provide the necessary hardware and software or offer stipends.
If you run your own small business, check to see which technology companies have cost-effective computers and office equipment at small business discounts. When you opt for less expensive computers and equipment, you can potentially save both money and energy with your investment.
PSECU Can Help You Finance Your Home Office
If you’re planning on building a home office, we can help you reach your goals. A HELOC can give you access to the funds you need for your next home improvement project.
In addition, you’ll pay no application or appraisal fees and receive a variable interest rate that offers affordable payments. If you’re interested in a HELOC, learn more about this option today.