As I’ve mentioned, one of my 2013 goals is to renovate, redecorate and reorganize my home office. While future posts will highlight the before/after and various DIY projects I tackle throughout the process, today’s post is focused on the financial aspects of this endeavor. Or more importantly, how to save money while renovating and/or organizing your home office.

With this project, it’s all about the budget, baby.

Use what you have

I have plenty of shoe boxes, storage containers, cereal boxes, file folders, etc. lying around. With a bit of creativity and a small amount of supplies (duct tape, glue, a utility knife and yard sticks), I fully intend to turn these items into storage devices. Hopefully, I won’t also need a serious supply of Band-Aids as well!

Use-What-I-Have Budget: $50

Be a Discount Diva

I’m a self-proclaimed Curbside Diva, and I’ve been known to be a Discount Diva. By this I mean a dollar and thrift store connoisseur. I’ve never been too proud to shop in either type of store, and I’ve often found some great items at incredible prices while doing so. The plan of attack here will be seeking out sturdy baskets, a trash can, cheap frames, funky art pieces and a few other miscellaneous decorative/storage items.

Discount Store Budget: $100

DIY Your Heart Out

Much like my quest to make my own storage devices from items already in the house, I’ll also be tackling the larger parts of the project (desk, cabinets, etc.) on my own. I’m thinking a built-in desk, a la Young House Love’s sweet work space coupled with some overhead cabinetry ought to do the trick. I’ll also need to repaint the room as it’s currently a lovely terrible shade of mint green…ugh!

In order to keep the budget in-tact, I’ll be visiting the ReStore in my area, stalking the local second hand shops and making my monthly pilgrimage to Home Depot in order to find cheap options for this project. I’m also going to reach out to friends & family to see if they have any cabinetry they’re trying to get rid of and scour Craigslist for cast-offs.

DIY Budget: $350

Allow Only One Splurge

With my current plan to spend more time working from home, it’s a necessity to me that the home office be a calm, clean and uncluttered place. I also don’t want everything to be done on the cheap because I will be spending so much time here, and I think a balanced splurge will help the room feel more cozy. More Jen Zen Zone and less work, work, work. Therefore, I’ll be allowing myself one splurge item: A wall-sized mural.

Splurge Budget: $100

Account for Unexpected Costs

As with any major renovation or redecorating project, unexpected costs are bound to pop up. By budgeting for them in advance, you’ll be more likely to stay on budget for your home office renovation. The potential bonus is having money leftover to save or spend on overlooked items you need.

Miscellaneous Budget: $75

If everything goes according to plan, my entire home office renovation/decorating project will cost less than $700. Considering this sum includes furniture, paint, decor and storage, I’m pretty happy!

Total Project Budget: $675

 

Do you have a home office? How did you renovate or organize it on a budget?

 

 

Photo credit: clevercupcakes

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