When I started doing freelance writing from home, I invested in computer, fax, and a great compact desk cupboard that I can close up when not in use. After a couple years, that space definitely feels cramped and no longer as spacious and adequate as it once did. I am sure that I am not alone in facing the reality of outgrowing my home business space.
I’ve written before about home businesses that might need extra storage space and some of the great ways to find more convenient storage without paying an arm and a leg. But what happens if your every-day business needs outgrow the space you have in your home? If there is a guest room or garage or other under-utilized space, it could certainly be accessed to accommodate a growing business. In my own case, every inch of my cozy townhouse it taken up with living space for myself and my three teenagers. I can’t help but fantasize about what it will be like when I have an empty room to turn into an office.
Meanwhile, keeping my records in order and trying to make sure I do not hang on to extra files, papers, etc. that I don’t need might be helpful. And I might be able to create a more “mobile” work environment so I am not limited by my home work space.
At some point, many home business owners need to evaluate if they can actually remain “home-based” businesses. Years ago, when I was running a consulting business with a business partner and we were both working out of our home offices—we did seriously consider getting a small, shared office space centrally located in town. We reached a point where we had enough work that we could have sustained an office and probably worked more efficiently. We were both reluctant to give up the flexibility of our home offices, however, and decided against it. It could certainly be a reasonable consideration for a home business that has outgrown its home space, however.
Flexibility is the hallmark of the home business and creative use of existing space is just one of our challenges. At some point, it may become necessary to create or find more space, or rearrange our home environment to accommodate a growing business.
See Also: Finding More Space