Due to the advancement of technology and changes like work, working from home is becoming increasingly popular. Many people are now doing freelancing, IT support, customer support, online tutoring, project management, small business work, and various remote jobs from home. Considering your work style, necessary furniture, and the surrounding environment, it is possible to set up an office effectively as planned. With smart planning and some necessary materials, you can set up an effective home office within a limited budget.
(1) Plan your essentials and budget
Make a list of the things and furniture you need according to your work style and set a budget. For example – a desk, a comfortable chair, a shelf, a computer or laptop, an internet connection, gadgets, a lighting system, accessories, etc.
Try to save money, but avoid buying discarded or outdated items at low prices. Plan a rough budget. For example, a new or old table and chair (BDT 3,000 – BDT 10,000), desk lamp and table fan (BDT 2,000 – BDT 4,000), headphones (BDT 350 – BDT 500), refurbished or new laptop/desktop (BDT 15,000 – BDT 100,000), old monitor (BDT 3,000 – BDT 5,000), Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (BDT 1,000 – BDT 1,500), and various cables and accessories (BDT 500 – BDT 1,000).
(2) Choose affordable office furniture
Shop smartly and furnish your office space with only the essentials. Choose old but sturdy computer tables, chairs, tools, etc. You can get this furniture at a good price from Facebook Marketplace or second-hand furniture stores. Choose a comfortable chair that is suitable for working for long periods. You can use an extra table or chair in your house temporarily. If space is limited, you can use foldable plastic tables and chairs instead of wood, which are relatively inexpensive. Instead of wood, you can also order board items according to the size of the office.
(3) Choose a place with plenty of light and air
Choose any quiet place in the house. For example: one side of the bedroom, a space in the balcony or drawing room, a store room, etc. You can install doors or curtains if necessary to ensure a quiet environment. Remember, adequate light and air bring peace of mind. Closed and dark places create mental stress. You can buy good-quality LED desk lamps at affordable prices to work at night. If clients need to come to your office, then you need to provide enough space for them so that they do not feel uncomfortable.
(4) Ensure necessary tech devices and internet connection
If you want to work smoothly from home, you need to ensure good-quality tech devices and an internet connection. These are essential for management, customer support, or any freelancing work. Choose a good quality intern connection and Wi-Fi router. It is better to have an optical fiber internet option for good speed. If mobile data is affordable for you, keep that in your plan too.
For typing, document, browsing, data entry, customer support, and translation-type work, a standard quality refurbished laptop/desktop will do. However, for heavy work like graphic design, digital marketing, video editing, software development, etc., you will need a high-quality device. You can get high-quality laptops/desktops at low prices from certified resellers or second-hand gadgets markets.
(5) Arrange your shelves and desk vertically or horizontally
Home office spaces are usually small, so you should ensure effective use of the space. Arrange the computer, keyboard, printer, pen holder, etc., on the desk in such a way that there is no obstacle while talking to clients. For example, keep the computer on one side of the desk, which will leave your front empty. You can place the shelves vertically or horizontally, and keep office files, printers, photocopiers, scanners, etc., there. You will have everything at your fingertips.
Some more general tips for arranging a home office on a low budget –
(1) Use as many free resources as possible for all kinds of work.
(2) Use a multi-outlet power strip for cable and electricity safety.
(3) Try to make some Do It Yourself (DIY) furniture.
(4) Ensure maximum use of limited space.
(5) Invest in buying essential things step by step.
(6) Keep an eye out for discount offers in furniture and technology markets.
(7) Keep an eye out for online marketplaces like Bikroy, Facebook Marketplace, etc., to get various essential items at low prices.
Finally, setting up a functional and effective home office doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. All you need is a little planning, making good use of things you already have at home, and a little investment. With smart planning and step-by-step investment, you can build a productive and peaceful workspace at home, even on a tight budget. By keeping the necessary furniture, technology, and environmental considerations in mind, you can create a comfortable and effective office space for your work.
