You’ve outgrown your home office, and you’re now renting a small space in a shared office building. Business is booming, and you’re ready to take things to the next level. But when is the right time to move to larger, commercial office space? Here are four signs that it might be time to start looking for a new office.
Running Out of Space
Office spaces are about 50 to 149 square feet in the United States. However, if you add inventory to this space and various furniture, you won’t have enough space for your business to grow. If you’re constantly tripping over boxes of inventory or bumping into employees because there’s not enough room, it’s time to start looking for a bigger space. A lack of physical space can also lead to decreased productivity and employee morale, so it’s essential to ensure your team has the room they need to do their best work.
Spending Too Much on Rent
Of course, moving to a larger office will usually mean paying more in rent. But if you’re spending excessive money on rent relative to the size of your space, it might be time for an upgrade. A good rule of thumb is that you should be spending no more than 10% of your gross monthly revenue on rent. So, if your gross monthly income is $10,000, you should pay no more than $1,000 monthly rent. In addition, you shouldn’t spend over $500 per square foot on your office space. This should be a good benchmark if you’re looking for a new office.
No Room For Growth
If your office space is maxed out and there’s nowhere else to put any new employees or equipment, it might be time to start thinking about a move. It’s important to have room for growth in your office to continue expanding your business without worrying about running out of space.
Better Location
Sometimes, a business will outgrow its current location before it outgrows its office space. So if you’re located in a less-than-ideal spot—for example, in a high crime area or far from public transportation—it might be worth considering a move to a better location, even if it means downsizing your office space slightly.
Deciding whether or not to move to a larger office space is a big decision for any business owner or entrepreneur. But if you’re experiencing any (or all) of the four signs listed above, it might be time to start looking for a new place for your business. Moving to a larger, commercial office space can help you save money, increase productivity, and accommodate future growth—but only if the timing is right. However, if you don’t have the money to move, making a few changes to gain more space in your office might work out. Here are a few options.
Renovations
Sometimes, a renovation can be much cheaper than a full-on office space change. If you have extra office space, consider knocking down a few walls to create an open floor design. Additionally, you might consider removing a few shelves or cabinets to make more room for employees and equipment. You should hire an experienced general contractor to do these jobs. It should drastically reduce the time you need to spend to create more space in your office.
Multifunctional Furniture
These days, there’s no need for bulky desks and filing cabinets that take up valuable floor space. Instead, invest in a few pieces of multifunctional furniture that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a bookshelf can double as a room divider, while a coffee table can be used as a work surface. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it’ll also help free up some much-needed space in your office.
Utilize Vertical Space
When it comes to adding space to your office, don’t forget about vertical space! Adding shelves or installing hooks can help you better use the empty wall space in your office. This is a great way to store frequently used items within easy reach, freeing up valuable desk and floor space in the process.
Lease Space
Another option is to lease space from a coworking company. Most coworking companies have facilities that are well suited for small businesses, and you might find something in the same area you currently work in. In addition, they often have fantastic amenities like break rooms, conference rooms, and private offices.
Your office space is one of the essential elements of your business, so it’s crucial to make sure you’re using it wisely. If any of these four signs apply to you, it might be time for a change. You can either renovate your office or move to a new space. Doing either can help you grow your business in no time.
