You don’t need to spend a fortune on a home office. While electronics and specialty equipment costs might eat into your budget, the overall cost of setting a home office doesn’t have to be through the roof. Here are three things you can do to cut down on costs:

1. Don’t worry if you don’t have a whole room you can dedicate to an office. The cheapest way to deal with space is to choose a corner of the kitchen or living room and use it as an office. Don’t think about buying a whole new set of furniture but instead use what you already have. Any small table can be used as a desk and in pinch a regular kitchen chair (rather than a desk chair) will do as well.
2. Build your office slowly. Add bookcases, desktop accessories and even equipment as you go. For a start, you’re unlikely to need anything except a place to sit and write and maybe a computer and a phone. In the meantime, search garage sales, thrift shops and flea markets so you can get the items you need at a discount.
3. Think of alternative uses for things. A small kitchen table might be cheaper than a desk, and is basically the same. If you can’t afford bookshelves, look into kitchen shelves or even shower caddies to see if they can double as bookshelves. A small flower pot will cost you pennies –A lot cheaper than a penholder and both are likely to look pretty much the same.

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Whether you work from home, run your own business or simply want a place where you can sit down to sort your bills, a home office can turn into a welcome haven. While having a dedicated room for it would be ideal, even a small corner in the living room or kitchen can be turned into a home office if you’re willing to make some sacrifices in space and design. Here’s how to set up a home office in five simple steps:

1. Choose the location. Make sure it’s in a quiet area where you’ll be able to concentrate and out of the way from major family traffic. You can convert a spare bedroom into a home office if possible or have a room play both duties.
2. Buy furniture that fits the space. Don’t buy the furniture first and then choose the placement, or you might be stuck with a piece that doesn’t fit properly or wastes space. For small areas in the kitchen or living room, a small rectangular table with a drawer or a corner desk should be enough. If you can have your own room, consider an L-shaped desk, so you can maximize the surface space.
3. Make a list of the equipment you will need. If budget is tight, start with the basics and then add other pieces as money becomes available. Essential items include a computer, phone (with its own line if you’re running a business), printer (or invest in a 3-in-1 scanner, printer and fax machine) and answering machine. You will also need a hutch or a filing cabinet where you can store office supplies and paperwork.
4. Invest in a good lamp, so you can work without straining your eyes. Even if you have good overhead light, get a desk lamp.
5. Personalize the area. Make it inviting so you will want to spend time there. Add some picture frames with either personal photos or images you love. Make sure your chair is well padded, especially if you decide not to go with a standard office chair. Keep small baskets and penholders on the desk so it’s easy to organize everything at the end of the day.

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