Entrepreneurship is at an all-time high, thanks to lay-offs and under-employment across the country. Many people tired of hunting for a job have decided it’s easier to start their own business than find a job. The Small Business Administration counted 26.8 million small business in the U.S. in 2006 and that figure continues to rise.

Many of these businesses are started on a shoestring, often from home offices. Often, office furniture and gear doesn’t figure into start-up costs, so why not furnish your office for free or nearly free?

Few people realize that CraigsList.com — a centralized free network of online classified ads — has a “Free” section for a wide variety of items. In addition to free kittens and couches, you’ll often find ads offering free or incredibly cheap office furniture and equipment, albeit with a few dents and scratches. The advantage of free stuff is that you can toss it when your budget allows for upgrades.

Shopping Craigslist requires some skill, and time so Mr. Freestuff has created a step-by-step lesson to help furnish your new office.

1. Go to Craigslist.com. There is no charge to consumers to use any portion of the site. This includes placing ads, replying to ads or just searching and browsing.

2. Click on your state and select the city or region closest to you. Many smaller cities now have their own sites.

3. You don’t need a user ID to read and reply to ads but will need an ID if you decide to place a “Wanted” ad.

4. Look under the “For Sale” section in the middle of the page. The “Free” category is listed in alphabetical order.

5. Scan the ad headlines for desks, filing cabinets, PC’s, printers, etc. Click on items that interest you and read the full ad.

6. When you find something that interests you, call the listed phone number immediately. If no phone number is included in the ad, copy the email address listed under “Reply to” into your browser. Some ads will not include any contact information except the address where you can pick up the free item, so you’ll need to drive by and check it out.

7. Act fast! Free items on Craigslist don’t last long.

8. Check Craigslist several times a day as new posts appear 24/7.

9. Watch out for scammers. Some advertisers will post an item in the free section and request money when you call or come by to pick it up.

10. If you’re alone, always meet your Craigslist advertiser during the day. Bring a friend along if you’re going to pick up the item after dark or ask the advertiser to leave it on the curb.

11. Consider using Craiglook and Search Tempest if you’re having difficulty finding an item. These more refined search options include items for sale as well as for free.

12. Finally, be creative with paint and accessories to improve the appearance of those freebies.