Setting Up a Home Office on a Small Budget

Getting Started
To begin setting up your home office, start with some basic office equipment such as a desk or table, file cabinet or box, and a chair. Begin by searching for sale ads in newspapers, garage sales, thrift shops, used furniture stores, or online. There is a Yahoo group called, "Free Cycle," where you can find items that people in your area are giving away. You can also post items that you may be looking for as well. All items are free, and usually can be found within your local area. Ebay is also a great place to find bargains, but keep in mind that you may pay high shipping prices for office furniture.

When you begin buying small accessories such as paper, pencils, pens, calculators, and folders, check back to school sales. Notebooks and folders can be purchased for as low as a quarter. Stock up during back to school so that you have supplies to last you the whole year. If you have missed the back to school sales, be sure to always shop at a Family Dollar General store or Dollar Tree. Most writing accessories can be purchased at one dollar or two for a dollar.

Organization
If you need organization for your files, you can buy file boxes at retail giants like Wal-Mart. Most are ordered alphabetically or by different type of file names such as utilities, bank accounts, or insurance, etc. For those of you just starting out and can't afford to purchase a bunch of file folders, try asking old offices to see if they have old file folders that they be throwing out. Have them set older folders aside for you, and be sure that you pick them up.

Recycling
Contact schools or colleges to find out when and if they will be getting rid of computers and accessories. Sometimes the end of the year, a lot of schools get rid of old computers to make room for new ones. Most of the time, they are still in working order or just need a screen, keyboard, or software. This would be more affordable than buying a completely new desktop computer system. Be sure to keep in touch with any offices in your area or check listings for local auctions.

Summary
It doesn't really have to break a hole in your bank account to set up your home office. By knowing the right resources, and keeping in touch with sales, auctions, and garage sales, you really can set up the office of your dreams. And once you have the right equipment, add some decorations, personality, a good tune from the radio or a CD and you can then be thankful for the money that you have saved setting up your very own home office.