How to Shop Frugally for Home Office Gear

Many of us began working from home when the pandemic started. Most of us thought it was a temporary situation, and some even went back to the office over the summer. However, there are many still working from home with positions that became fully remote as the pandemic progressed.

Are you still working on your couch, at the kitchen table, or even in bed? You’re probably considering making the transition to an official home office. I've been working from home since 2001. I’m, personally, a fan – although I understand you may be feeling cramped – or still a bit unsettled.

If you ask for my prediction, I’d say working from home is just the reality for most of us for the foreseeable future. So… get fully set up for a great work from home environment if you aren’t already. Here are a few ways to create a comfortable home office space on a budget!

Find Deals On Furniture

Office furniture, if you have the space for it, can really change your work-from-home environment. Studies show that working in bed or even on the couch can have detrimental mental health effects. These studies also show that working in a dedicated space designed to accommodate your remote job increases productivity and improves your mood. You deserve an environment which will increase your productivity and overall well-being.

Tech Deals

Consider upgrading your tech with open box deals at the electronics store. Instead of replacing your whole computer, you might look at upgrading specific parts to give more life to your device. You may be amazed what upgrading your RAM, processor, video card, or moving to a solid state hard drive can do.

Odds and Ends

Need some other odds and ends to make your office area perfect? Check out Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, or look for local notices for closing offices who are having an estate sale of sorts on their office items. If you’re a big Zoom user like I am, you may consider buying a green screen or simple backdrop to your office to add a splash of color to your decor with some plants.

At the end of the day, how you set up your home office is totally up to your preference (and wallet!) As 2020 progresses, we are seeing more and more companies transitioning work roles to be permanently and fully remote. Consider this if you’re still working from home and are unsure about when you’ll be returning to your brick-and-mortar workplace. It may be wise to invest in a home workspace – it just might become your permanent office!