When is it time to move out of the home office?

Whilst working from home might seem like a dream come true, it may hinder your ability to reach certain business objectives.

So how do you know when it’s time to move out of the home office and try a coworking space or take your first lease? The main reasons for making the change are usually due to a need for growth and a more professional work place.

1. Your office is taking over your home

Maybe you started in the garage, or the spare room, but if that home office clutter has spawned a colony or is taking over your entire house it might be time to think about moving out.

Perhaps you need a warehouse facility for all that stock so you can fit the car back in the garage, or to outsource the mailing so the dining table is free.

But maybe the clutter is a sign of growth and shows you need to move out altogether to gain more space.

2. The blurry divide

Are you finding it hard to switch off from work?

When you work from home, it can be difficult to distinguish ‘work’ from ‘home’. This can create a mental trap.

So if closing the door or setting discrete time frames for work and leisure is increasingly difficult it might be time to shift for your own peace of mind (as well as your family’s sanity).

3. Your clients want or need to visit

Some businesses can co-exist nicely in a more casual home environment – family day care, day spas, home tutoring, or the back office of a small trades company.

But not all clients feel comfortable visiting a home – it can seem somewhat unprofessional depending on what kind of business you operate. And not all homes are located near enough to a CBD to be convenient.

So if you need to entertain and meet with prospective clients and you’ve outgrown the local cafe it might be time to think about other options like serviced offices, coworking spaces with dedicated meeting rooms, a business centre or your own office space.

4. You need to employ staff

Depending on your home office set up you might be able to take on a few staff members, but most households become a little cramped and awkward when they’re also used as offices and it is no longer just a “family” business.

What if the kids are home sick or on school holidays? How do you negotiate use of the toilet or kitchen? And are you located near enough to transport and amenities?

Employing staff is usually a sign of growth, so if you’re expecting this trajectory to continue and you’ve done the financials it might be a good time to look at options for moving.

5. Domestic distractions

Are you spending more time doing the washing, talking to your mum, making cups of tea for your flatmates, patting the cat, or having a nap?

Working from home is not for everyone – it requires discipline, and an ability not to be distracted from the endless domestic chores, interruptions and sidetracks of a home environment.

If you’re not one of these people it’s likely you’d get more done in an office environment. Even if it costs you more money upfront to rent a small space, or a desk in someone else’s office, it’s likely you’d get an instant return in productivity.

So, where to next?

There are so many kinds of office space available – from a traditional office lease to a serviced office, shared office, short term lease or coworking space. No matter which one is right for you, one key consideration remains: you need to have done the maths.

If, or when, you decide to make the move from home to office, remember it needs to be financially viable and in line with your company’s projected growth.

Don’t overcommit, and make sure any steps you take have enough flexibility for unforeseen changes.

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