For many people, a commute and working in a shared office space gets them into a professional mindset. So if you’re new to home-based work, transitioning to working on your coffee table at home can be challenging. Whatever your industry or niche, there’s a way to carve out space for your enterprise at home – and stay productive while doing so.
If you’re in the market for a new property that can fit both business and personal life, LifeStone Realty Group can help. Read on for guidance on how to overhaul your home workspace for business ownership.
Prioritize Paperwork for Legitimacy
Working at home when you’re running your own company is different from working remotely for an employer. Not only do you need to handle your own taxes and other expenses, but you’re also responsible for ensuring that your business is legitimate.
Starting a new business can require specific paperwork, depending on your state and local laws. But you may also decide to form an LLC if you’re starting a new business venture. Streamlining the process with a formation service or going the DIY route can save you money on lawyers and other fees.
Orient Yourself on the Current Home Buying Process
Now might be the ideal time to buy a new home to make space for your home-based company. After all, plenty of people are choosing to move despite the pandemic, and the market may be moving fast in your area for both buyers and sellers.
Application requirements can be strict, however, so preparing your paperwork in advance is a smart step. You’ll also need the right home buying resources to get started. Setting aside cash for unexpected expenses is also a smart step.
Plus, you’ll need to outline your budget and determine what you can spend on a mortgage. Applying for pre-approval is another crucial step. And finally, partnering with a real estate agent and beginning your search – whether online or by perusing local neighborhoods – makes the experience feel real.
Plan a Household Re-Design
If moving isn’t in the cards for you, you can still create the office space of your dreams. Even if limited square footage has you balancing a laptop on your knees, there are ways to make it work.
Adopting regular work-at-home routines, like working in the same room each day, can get you into the right work mindset. In some cases, changing things up might be just what some creative minds require to be their most productive, suggests Capital One.
Even if you’re not able to dedicate a full-size desk to your business endeavors, consider a streamlined option that offers the utility you need in a smaller package. With laptop desks, folding tables, standing desks, and more, there’s no need to force a conventional workstation setup unless it’s what you truly need (and have room for).
Add Office-y Elements
When you’re moving to a new home, you want a cozy, homey feel. But for an office, incorporating traditional office elements can help elevate the professional atmosphere. Just like dressing up for your workday can change your mindset, the right aesthetics can help your work area feel more professional.
Think about hanging abstract art on your walls, adding some greenery, and even moving your coffee pot to your office area. Whatever encourages your brain to get down to business is fair game. It also doesn’t hurt to use every design trick in the book to enhance your productivity.
Whatever you decide to fit an office into your living space, balance is essential. Separating your professional responsibilities from nonprofessional ones is one way to ensure both your business and personal life remain healthy and productive.
Need help navigating buying or selling to accommodate your home-based business? Contact LifeStone Realty Group for expert advice and help in finding the perfect blank canvas for your future work-at-home space. Call 678-491-9652.
Photo via Unsplash
Guest Editor, Tina Martin