Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question, “what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
The time has come to move your small business from your home office to a dedicated business space of your own. Congratulations! This is a milestone moment for your business (and a great reason to write a press release)! While similar to moving residences, moving to a new location takes careful planning,
Consider investing in office furniture
With a new space, your old home office furniture might not fit. This is a good opportunity to invest in some pieces of office furniture for your place of work that are timeless and will last unless your new location comes with furniture. Your business location may need some updates to transform it from a e it a retail to an office space or vice versa.
A professional look and feel
Your new location won’t have the same look and feel of your home office but it should reflect your business personality and be a place you want to go. You can add a few personal touches and still give your office a professional look and feel. For ideas and inspiration, sites like Pinterest can be incredibly useful.
Choose the right insurance policy
The chances are, as until now you worked from home, you didn’t have a separate work insurance in place. However, with a dedicated space, should come dedicated insurance. All businesses, big and small, should have adequate insurance in place to protect themselves. Insurance might be another cost to cover but by getting it you are protecting yourself in case the worst should happen, and you’re sued. As a business owner, insurance is definitely not something that you should scrimp on.
Security is important
Security should become a priority once you move out of your home office. The last thing that you want is the equipment, merchandise or intellectual property that you worked hard for to be stolen. In addition to good quality locks in place, you may want to have more high-tech security systems installed. A wireless alarm system that links to the police or fire department may be the right choice for you and you can also consider 4K camera systems inside and out and security lighting if applicable. Cameras can not only act as a fantastic deterrent but also can be useful for identifying intruders.
You may need to hire some help
Now that you’ve got your own business location and your company is expanding, you may need to hire some help. This could simply be getting helping with building or landscape maintenance, or it could be assistance with your daily tasks. This is also an opportunity to consider part-time staff or outsourcing some tasks. Outsourcing can help you with communication and customer service and bookkeeping.
Moving your business from a home office to a dedicated location is exciting and may be an investment worth making. Prior to the move, calculate all of your income and expenses and make sure the move fits in your budget. If you can have a couple of trial months where you pay the equilivent of your office rent to a separate account. If you don’t need to dip into that account at any time during the month, you’re probably in a good place to move forward wiht your plans!