Storing To Stay Calm

Out of Space in Your Home Office? 4 Cheaper Alternatives to Renting a New One

14 February 2017

Lois King

Running a home-based business creates a lot of challenges for the small business owner, but it also comes with many benefits. But, when your tiny empire grows enough to make it hard to work out of your basement or spare room, what can you do? It probably seems like you have to move into a more expensive regular office, but you may still have some alternatives. Here are 4 ways to get the space without the cost.

Rent Storage

If you have inventory or equipment that takes up valuable space in your home, one inexpensive option is to simply store it elsewhere. Many companies offer self storage units that are easily accessed, climate-controlled, and secure. You can store things like less-used equipment, client or vendor files, extra office equipment, or inventory and goods, making room in your home office for you to get back to work.

Share Office Space

Cooperatives can help small businesses get perks that they couldn't afford on their own, and one of these may be office space. A growing trend among individuals in need for work space is "co-working" or "office hoteling". Co-working involves sharing the cost of a rented office space among several different entrepreneurs, each of whom has his or her own space. "Hoteling" is even leaner and means sharing the same office space and desks in coordinated shifts. Both methods lower the expense of maintaining a space, provide a physical address for meetings and shipping, and alleviate isolation often felt by home workers. Combine this option with a rented self storage unit if you need more than desk space. 

Add to Your Property

If you own a home, you may actually be able to add on to the property or house to provide some custom-designed work space for less money. While initial costs may be higher than renting, adding an outbuilding or extra room -- or even renovating an existing space like the garage -- usually involves less ongoing monthly costs than renting a separate unit.

Go Digital

Depending on your home business, you may benefit from reducing your space needs rather than expanding outward. You can start reducing paperwork, client files, and legally-required backup documents by scanning and digitizing them. Look for ways to get rid of paper trails and save space -- such as by taking advantage of online payment or inventory systems and using online meeting tools.

Whatever type of business you have at home, you're sure to find ways to avoid the added costs of expanding by utilizing one or more of these handy ideas. Get more info on the subject.

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