When you first shifted to temporarily working from home, you made do with the equipment and furnishings you already had. Now that your house has become your permanent workspace, it’s time for some affordable upgrades to improve your productivity and comfort. Here are the best ways to makeover your home office without busting your budget.

Maximize Productivity

Working efficiently means getting the most out of every minute of your workday, so a small investment in the right office equipment really pays off. Start by outfitting your space with technology that serves multiple purposes, like an all-in-one printer that also faxes, copies, and scans, and power strips that accommodate several devices while functioning as extension cords, surge protectors, and USB chargers.

A low-cost Bluetooth headset untethers you from your phone for hands-free conferencing while keeping you connected to your office when you step away to see who’s at the door or put in a load of laundry. A second monitor hooked to your laptop improves workflow and makes it easier to take notes and access reference materials during video meetings. If the latest models of the devices you need are too pricy, consider buying refurbished tech to stretch your budget.

Cut the Clutter

Productivity isn’t maximized solely through tech upgrades. Working in an untidy office makes it difficult to focus, and wasting time shuffling through piles of documents or drawers full of supplies in search of something you urgently require is the ultimate inefficiency.

Keep items you need daily close at hand and then tuck away the things you use less often. Don’t break the bank on built-in cabinetry; a basic cubby unit from a big box store provides flexible storage for books, binders, file folders, and office necessities.

Finally, wrangle and untangle your cords and cables. They’re not only eyesores, but they’re also tripping and fire hazards. Simply ways to manage unruly cords include using Velcro, plastic tubing, or zip ties, so getting them out of sight is one of the cheapest ways to declutter your workspace.  

Don’t Overlook Aesthetics

While acquiring the right technology and decluttering your office improves productivity, your work area should also include elements that boost your mood so you feel motivated and engaged. Bring in artwork and family photos to add warmth and a personal touch, and incorporate greenery via houseplants or floral arrangements. Research has shown that plants improve health and reduce stress.

If space permits, add a comfy corner chair to plop down in for occasional recharging. To reduce eye strain, install blinds to let in natural light while maintaining privacy.

For the finishing touch, dress up your uninspiring blank walls with wallpaper. Durable peel-and-stick paper is adhesive-backed, making it easy to apply, remove, or reposition, and it’s available in a wide range of designs, from funky to elegant. If you want to design your own wallpaper, you have the option to have it printed on-demand, so your perfect wallpaper is never out of stock.

From adding affordable technology to decluttering and sprucing up your surroundings, there are a lot of great ways to transform your temporary home office without breaking the bank. With so many affordable options, you’ll have room left in your budget to book a hard-earned getaway at HOMES123, and then return to your revamped workspace refreshed and ready to get back to work! 

Image via Pexels

Redecorating Your Home with Purpose

When you get the itch to redecorate, it’s best to have an intended purpose for the changes you’ll be making. When you decide on a theme or a purpose, it can help guide the entire decorating process. Often, however, people try to decorate based on form rather than function. If you’re planning on redecorating your rented apartment or home sometime soon, why not think of function over form? Vandergetawaysis here to give you some tips to give you some focus for the next time you redecorate.

Decorating for Work

Since the start of the pandemic, many people have started to work from home. Working from home comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. However, decorating your home the right way can help make those challenges nonexistent.

Tip 1: Eliminate Distractions

To be a productive worker at home, you need to set up a designated workspace that gets rid of any possible distractions. Often, this is done by creating an office space away from your television or personal devices. It also requires that your desk be in a space that’s private, like an additional bedroom.

Tip 2: Get Organized

There are many ways to decorate your workspace to give it better organization. Get filing cabinets for any documents that you may have. Hang calendars and cork boards on the walls to help you stay focused on your schedule and the tasks you need to complete. Decorate your home office the same way you would if it were in an office building.

Decorating for Kids

Decorating when you have kids can be a tough challenge. Kids are inherently messy thanks to a lack of coordination at younger ages. Here are some decorating tips for when you’ve got kids at home.

Tip 1: Cover the Floors

Many children’s playrooms are decorated with a large area rug. They tend to be vibrant and playful. A great example is the town rug that many kids had growing up. While these are fun, they also serve a purpose. These large area rugs help protect the floors from any accidents, like spilled art supplies or food.

Tip 2: Get Used Furniture

Kids are notoriously rough on furniture, so when you’re decorating with them in mind, pick up furniture second-hand. When picking up anything covered in cloth, be sure to inspect it thoroughly before bringing it home. Then, if your children spill things on the furniture, you won’t be too upset about it.

Decorating for Relaxation

When you come home at the end of the day, it’s likely that you’re going to want to sit down and relax. If that sounds like you, check out these tips for creating a relaxing space.

Tip 1: Houseplants

Houseplants provide a relaxing feeling in any room of the home. Green spaces, like rooms filled with plants or the great outdoors, naturally relax most people. Putting houseplants in a room you want to relax in is a surefire way to achieve bliss.

Tip 2: Background Music

A second-hand turntable and a set of speakers can turn any room into a relaxing coffee shop. Put the music on low, grab a cup of tea and a book, and kick your feet up. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in your own private cafe.

Decorations Can Have Purpose

When you decorate your home, plan it out. Pieces should have meaning and be versatile. You want to feel at home when you look at your decorations, even if you don’t own the place you’re living.