Running your own business or going freelance can instantly cut down on all the money you’re spending on commuting, but it can raise a lot of other costs and become quite expensive. Renting a serviced office, hotdesking and coworking office space costs money. Setting up a home office is therefore the most cost-effective and worthwhile investment choice for many but even this can become expensive when all the costs are added up.
These are a few good ways to create a low-cost home office for you.
Sourcing Technology
Technology is incredibly important, whatever type of business or freelance work you are doing. Don’t head out to the nearest electronics shop and purchase a brand new computer, printer and all sorts of other unnecessary gadgets though, as this will quickly put a big dent in your budget. Use your existing computer or laptop or search for bargains online, think about how much you would use a printer and whether it’s necessary too.
Choose software-as-a-service (SaaS) over ‘boxed’ software. SaaS allows you to use only the features and resources your need, thus reducing your tech adoption costs. The costs may only rise as your needs for new features and more resources increase.
You might find it more cost-effective to use a local printing company or library instead. Or if you have clients working in the tech industry, try and see if you can get free or reduced-price equipment in exchange for some work.
Affordable Furniture
Similar to sourcing technology, don’t go out and buy expensive or unnecessary furniture. Clearly plan what you need in your office, with the main essentials being a comfortable chair, desk and storage cabinets.
Second-hand shops will be the cheapest place to look first, while you might have friends or family members with furniture they’re willing to give away for free. And yes, visit garage sales – you may surprise yourself with the bargains you get.
Go Green
There are other costs you might not think about that can soon rack up, such as your energy bills. Going green with technology can quickly reduce these costs, whether it’s installing solar panels to power some of your devices or looking at smaller computers to save energy.
Simple things such as turning off lights and electrical devices when you’re not using them can make a big difference as well.
DIY Decorating
Don’t pay for professionals to design and decorate your office, take charge of it all yourself. You’ll have the freedom to choose a design that suits your tastes but it’s important to do all the decorating in your own time rather than working hours. Otherwise this will be eating into the time you should be spent making money.
Aside from the obvious furniture, it’s important to have a window for natural light, as well as a few plants for greenery and personalising it to make it a nice place that motivates you to work.
Plan Your Space Well
Make use of any spare space you already have, rather than paying to have an extension or loft conversion done to your home. If you don’t have a small free room that can be easily turned into an office, consider using the garage, space in the hallway or even just a section of your dining room.
Using what you already have is always the cheapest way to begin building your home office.
