The explosion of startups in recent years has led to many people working from the comforts of their homes. But at some point, every business that intends to be a success will have to move out. The home office is comfortable, cheap, and easy. But if you want to achieve and grow, it is unsustainable. In today’s guide, we’re going to walk you through a few things you need to know before moving out of the home and into a more professional environment.
First of all, ask yourself if it is truly necessary to move. The cost of renting out an office is going to create a strain on your profits. Is looking more professional enough to justify the costs? There are some more concrete reasons for moving, however. If you are starting to hire people, it is always best to open up an office. You might just run out of space by yourself, too. And, of course, your lifestyle might change. A new addition to the family can be distracting, and your business could suffer if you don’t find somewhere else.
When you are looking for office space, make sure you take plenty of measurements. Every yard of space that you rent will cost you money, so it is sensible to keep your costs down as much as possible. Think about the type of space you need, too. Sure, everyone would love a beautiful office with exceptional views and facilities. But if you don’t make the profits to justify it, you will end up in serious financial strife.
You also have to understand that traveling to and from work is going to cost you in time. There will be no more waking up and starting work in your pajamas. You’ll have to factor in the time it takes to get across time in rush hour. There are fuel costs to consider, too. And you should also remember that you might need to travel to see clients as well. It makes sense to locate yourself as close as possible to them, so you aren’t wasting time – or money – on too much travel.
There’s another cost you might need to consider – your fixtures and fittings. Most offices come with desks and basic equipment, but you might need to dip into your profits yourself. There are extra equipment costs to think about, too, as well as potential charges for cleaning and maintenance. Security is another big issue. Make sure you factor all these costs in when you are getting rental quotes from office landlords.
Finally, be aware that once you are in an office, everyone is under your care. You have a duty to provide a healthy and safe environment for workers, visitors, and suppliers. It can be a complete culture shock after working from home, so start preparing for your new responsibilities right now.
Good luck with the move. It’s a great chance to grow your business, so let us know how you get on!
Main Image: Via – Chris Sampson
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