Snagged a few Cheetos from your kids’ lunches lately?
Whatever your work life looks like now you’re still faced with the need to organize your surroundings. Only now, instead of raiding the company supply cabinet for what you need you’ve got to figure out how to organize your workspace on a dime.
Fortunately, there are ways you can organize your home office without breaking the bank.
Spend less for what you need
1. Repurpose
Depending on your needs, it’s possible that you currently have things around your house that can be repurposed to fit your needs.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Spice rack as an office supply caddy.
A DIY wall calendar using colorful sticky notes.
Dish drains can be found really cheap at dollar stores and thrift stores.
For a really creative filing tray option, why not repurpose cereal boxes like this?
As you can see, there are countless ways to repurpose items that you can use to organize your home office.
2. Get free or buy used
Need a chair or desk? You’d be surprised at what you can get for less than new.
Aside from the obvious Amazon or eBay, look for deals on Facebook, Craigslist, local auctions, thrift stores and even online business groups.
3. Network with others
Ask friends and family for help. They might have something they no longer need or use, or they know people and resources you can tap.
4. Go basic
There are a lot of neat, decorative pens, notepads, sticky notes, etc. out there…which you’ll often pay a premium for.
Save money and choose standard, “plain-Jane” office supplies and accessories, and of those, buy only what you absolutely need and will use.
5. Watch for sales
Make do with what you have and wait until you find what you need on sale. Often this will be around tax time, the first of the year and when school starts.
However, in the current situation we’re faced with, this trend could go out the window, so keep an eye out for sales at your favorite retailer.
6. Ask your employer for funds
If you’re an employee, ask your employer to contribute. Employers will very often provide the equipment and supplies that their employees need to get the job done.
7. Order in bulk
Depending on your situation you could spend less on office supplies by purchasing them in bulk.
However, we’re not talking hoarding here. Connect with other work at home employees or entrepreneurs and get an assessment of what everyone needs or wants for their own home office.
Admittedly, this is a time-intensive venture. Not only will you need to vet the people whom you connect with, but it is a way to save on costs that can help everyone.
Alternatively, if you have both the financial and storage capacity, you could save a significant amount of money by purchasing things you frequently use in bulk.
Tips for Organizing and Designing Your Home Office
