Most people have the perception (often a false one) that work-at-home moms (or dads) have elaborate home offices decked out with accessories that would rival a CEO’s. After all, a home office is where a work-at-home parent must manage not only the entire household (budget, children’s schedules, etc.), but it is also the headquarters for business operations, which generate income. Unfortunately, in many homes (ours included), the home office is really not an office at all. I work from a designated area off the living room that doubles as an “office.” While I would love to have an entire room designated as “my office” (we used to have one, but when we decided to add to our family, the office became a playroom), I learned how to make the most from an existing space.
However, it hasn’t stopped me from dreaming… and researching (some day I will have the home office of my dreams). In doing so I found that experts agree, if you are designing a new office from scratch, you should set aside about $5,000. That money would cover the cost of: a new computer, software, a four-in-one system (printer, copier, scanner and fax), high-speed Internet service, separate phone line, paper shredder, desk, chair, file cabinets, good lighting, and smaller items, such as paper, pens, ink cartridges, folders, and a bulletin board.
Five thousand dollars is a lot of money (but remember, that was the total estimate for an office being created from scratch). So, how can you get that number down to something a bit more reasonable? Here are some suggestions:
Five thousand dollars is a lot of money (but remember, that was the total estimate for an office being created from scratch). So, how can you get that number down to something a bit more reasonable?
Here are some suggestions:
· Purchase only critical items—don’t go overboard with the frivolous. I would love to have a dry erase board, a bulletin board, a magnet board, and a separate calendar for all the members of our family, but I know with a bit of organization I can make do with just a couple of the aforementioned items.
· You don’t have to buy “Brand New.” A secondhand or donated desk can hold a brand new computer.
· Design the office around your career. Think about the product or service you are offering. For example, if you like my cousin (a professional speaking trainer who often coaches clients from home), you’ll want to invest in a comfortable desk, chair, laptop computer, and the best technology available so you can conduct sessions using a web cam.
· If you are on a really strict budget make a good computer the priority, and “borrow” furniture from other rooms in the house.
I have found that my computer is the most important item. Then, the desk/computer work station, and my filing cabinet. Again, if you are on a limited budget, used office furniture stores, resale shops, even rummage sales are great places to start looking for home office items. As for my chair…well, there are days I type standing up while a two-year-old clings to my leg, so for me, having an expensive chair really is a waste of money.
Check back for more tips in my next blog: Creating An Affordable Home Office—Part 2