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So, you’ve decided to start a business out of your home. If you’ve thought about this for a while and/or have done any amount of research, you know there are many steps involved in getting a home-based business off the ground—from brainstorming business ideas and conducting market research to drafting a business plan and promoting your opening.
Perhaps one of the most essential parts of running a business, however, is having the right kind of space for it. Particularly when using your home as a business headquarters, you must be vigilant about creating a suitable workspace that allows you to work distraction-free and productively. And we’ve provided a few practical tips for making that happen:
Choose where.
The first step in creating a workspace or home office is determining where in your home to put it. If there’s not adequate space in your home for your home office and storage, you will need to consider finding a new home, particularly if you are planning to invest heavily in your business. Figure out the size and layout of the type of home you need and look into the sale prices of such homes in Mukilteo, for example. To make the whole process go more smoothly, work with an experienced real estate group like Better Homes & Properties.
Once you are ready to set up your home office, it’s time to determine where in your home the office will go. The first consideration here should be that you need proper separation from the main living areas of your home. Garages, basements, and even walk-up attics can make for great home offices. However, a spare bedroom or other space with a door can often suffice as well. Along with choosing a place that will help to minimize distractions, try to put your space somewhere with windows so that you can have access to natural light.
Outfit the space.
So, you know where you are putting your home office. Now comes the outfitting. Making improvements and getting the right furnishings will probably require you to invest. If you need help with funding as you create your home office, be sure to look into all of the government and non-government financial assistance programs available to small businesses these days.
You will want your home office to be a place that inspires you to work day in and day out. Make any improvements necessary to accomplish this—from installing drywall and insulation to replacing the flooring, from painting the walls a vibrant color to adding area rugs throughout the space. Also, put in a quality desk, ergonomic office chair, desk lamps, and task lamps. And add any final touches, such as your favorite artwork, family photos, house plants, or anything else that helps to make the space yours.
Get quality equipment and tools.
Finally, you will need to ensure that you have any other equipment and tools necessary for running your business effectively. Along with a reliable laptop/desktop computer, make sure that you have a good internet connection, and consider putting in a separate phone line that is used only for business. And research the plethora of tools and software on the market that can help you stay productive, communicate with clients and team members, and manage your finances.
If you want to get the most out of your home-based business, you must make the space for it. Remember to set up your home office in a location that best serves your needs, make the necessary improvements, and outfit it with the right furnishings and decor. Lastly, invest in high-quality equipment and helpful tools that can help you maintain success for the long term.
Will your current home allow your business to thrive now and in the future? If not, Better Homes & Properties can help you find and purchase the perfect home for your home-based business! Call today to speak with one of our expert agents! (425) 213-3700
About the Author: Tina Martin started her career in business administration but eventually decided to pursue something that actually inspired her: becoming a personal fitness instructor. After realizing that personal improvement is about more than just physical health she became a life coach and never looked back. She started ideaspired.com as a side project to reach as many people as possible, and encourage them to put their dreams first.