For millions of Americans, the home office is no longer a temporary setup, it’s the new workplace. But plenty of people are still grinding away in uncomfortable chairs, fighting tangled cords and trying to stay focused in spaces that weren’t built for work.
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A full home office remodel could cost between $5,000 and $22,000, according to HomeAdvisor, which isn’t attainable for many. However, a smart $1,000 upgrade is entirely doable, even for a space used just for studying or the occasional remote day.
Here’s what a $1,000 budget could cover if you’re looking to invest in comfort, focus and time-saving systems that make work or study smoother.
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Ergonomic Chair That Doesn’t Destroy a Back
A cheap chair might seem like a money-saving opportunity at first, but an ergonomic chair with real lumbar support and adjustable features will last much longer. A solid midrange option on sites like Amazon costs around $300, and will help improve posture and reduce pain. That means long hours at the desk will feel much less brutal.
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Under-Desk Cable Management Kit
A nest of wires under the desk can make a home office feel chaotic, and it’s not particularly practical, either. A cord hider kit with cable raceway and fittings can clean up the mess and remove the stress, all for around $25.
Task Management Software Subscription
An annual subscription of an app like Todoist Pro or Trello Premium costs around $100. Task management apps help break through mental clutter and get things done faster. Bonus: No more scribbled Post-it chaos.
Desktop Organizer or Drawer Unit
Pens, paperclips and sticky notes don’t belong scattered across the desk, and a clean surface improves focus. Invest $50 in a sleek organizer or compact drawer unit to help clear up the clutter.
LED Desk Lamp With Temperature Control
Bad lighting wrecks focus and causes eye strain. An adjustable LED lamp with warm and cool light settings can make long days feel a bit easier. Expect to pay around $60.
Standing Desk Converter
A top-rated full standing desk can cost from a few hundred dollars to upwards of a thousand, according to Forbes. But there’s no need to shell out for a full standing desk, when a standing desk converter that sits on top of the existing setup and switches positions with minimal fuss costs around $150 to $200.
Smart Storage for Paper and Peripherals
A small filing cabinet can keep paperwork, chargers and gear out of sight, but easily accessible. Add one for around $75.
Plants or Artwork
Any change from the $1,000 budget can go toward personalizing the decor, if it’s needed. A decent office shouldn’t feel like a supply closet, and real plants, ornaments and prints can boost mood and make the space feel intentional.
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Sources:
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HomeAdvisor, “Home Office Renovation Costs“
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Forbes, “The 6 Best Standing Desks, Based On Months Of Testing“
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Smart Ways To Spend $1,000 on a Home Office Upgrade
