Office space is the core foundation of many businesses. However, setting up an office can be a stressful and financially draining experience, particularly if it is a startup business. The list of things that will need to be organized for a startup is furnishings, equipment, employees, communications, as well as possible renovations. Writing a list of all the things you will need for your office is a great starting point. Once you’ve got this written down, you can start thinking about your budget, and how much you can afford to spend on each item or service.
The website leedslearning.org will provide you with affordable ways to set up an office for your startup. Whether you’re a bootstrapped entrepreneur or just trying to save money, we’ve got you covered. From finding a cheap office space to buying used furniture, we’ll show you how to create a functional workspace without spending a fortune. Don’t let the cost of setting up an office hold you back from starting your dream business.
To save your startup some money, we’ve listed a few ways small businesses can set up an office on a tight budget:
1. Buy second-hand office supplies, furniture, and equipment
There are plenty of places to get second-hand goods. These include flea markets, auctions, garage sales, thrift stores or online classifieds. These marketplaces are abundant with second-hand items every office needs, including chairs, desks, filing cabinets, stationary, computers, printers, whiteboards, and telephones – at half the price or less.
2. Reduce your energy consumption
Having an energy conservation plan is a way your start up can cut down on your energy bills, as well as be a sustainable business. Use electric fans instead of air conditioning units which consume a large amount of electricity. If possible, an even better alternative would be to open the windows to allow natural ventilation and light in. Turn off lights and equipment in areas of the office which are not occupied or needed, and make all your employees aware of the energy-efficient practices in the office. Visit the website lcb-brand for more tips on how to save energy in your business.
3. Recycle
Many of the things people consider as useless, old or outdated can be restored or sold. If moving into an existing building, keep an eye out for odd pieces which could be turned into something else. For example, old planks of wood or glass could be turned into shelves or built-in cabinets. Look around your own home to find pieces of furniture, fabrics or materials that could be transformed into office décor or furnishings with a little creativity, paint, varnish, sanding or sawing! Alternatively, if you can’t create anything useful from items you have laying around, try selling them through the classifieds; you know that saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”! This will give you some extra cash to buy some of the necessary items your startup will need.
4. Hire new grads or part-time employees
When you’re just starting a business, it’s good to hire new graduates or part-timers that are smart, driven and willing to learn new skills and prove themselves. This way, your startup won’t be risking paying out large salaries at such an early stage of the business. Part-time workers are great if you don’t have enough work to warrant paying a full-time salary.
5. Set up a home office
If renting premises’ is not financially viable, or if you don’t have any employees, running a home business can be a great option. You will need a designated ‘home office’ space however as trying to work from your living room or bedroom reduces productivity. Working from home will also save you money on transport, electricity, and food costs.
6. Decorate with plants
Aside from being an inexpensive décor item, fresh plants help reduce stress and enhance productivity. Encourage your employees to bring flowers from their own homes to put on their desks, and scatter large potted plants around the office – this will give an automatic boost to the look and feel of the place.
The tips mentioned above are just some of the ways startups can save money while setting up an office. It’s reasonable not to overspend when you’re first starting out; once the business has grown and the fiancés are stable, then you can start thinking about increasing the budget for new office supplies – or perhaps even a bigger office.
Looking to set up an office for your startup without breaking the bank? Check out the website search-zero affordable ways to get started. From co-working spaces to budget-friendly furniture, we’ve got you covered.
