Moving a small business from your home office to a commercial space can be an intimidating process. It involves researching and selecting a space, negotiating leasing terms, and getting the space ready for your business. It is important to take the time to properly plan and execute this transition so that it doesn’t disrupt your business operations or strain your budget. Here are 10 steps you should take when moving your small business out of your house.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Before you start looking for a new office space, you must identify exactly what type of facility you need. Consider factors such as the size of the office, location, parking availability, and any special amenities or services you may require. This will help narrow down your choices so that you don’t waste time considering spaces that aren’t suitable for your needs.
Step 2: Research Properties
Once you have determined what type of office space would best suit your needs, research potential properties online or contact local real estate professionals, like White Strand Development, for assistance. Make sure to look at multiple options before making any decisions about which property is best for you.
Step 3: Get Financing
Depending on the cost of the property, you may need to secure financing in order to pay for all or part of it. Talk with banks and other lenders about possible loan options that may be available to help fund the move. Finding the best money lender is not easy and thus you must scout with care.
Step 4: Negotiate Terms
Once you have found a property that meets your needs and secured financing if necessary, negotiate lease terms with the landlord or building owner. Make sure all terms are clear before signing any agreements so that there are no surprises later on down the road.
Step 5: Check References
Before signing a lease agreement with a landlord or building owner, check references from past tenants or clients who have worked with them in some capacity in order to get an idea of their professionalism and reliability. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they will be reliable partners throughout this process and beyond.
Step 6: Inspect The Property
Once all terms are agreed upon between yourself and the landlord/building owner, schedule an inspection of the property with a licensed inspector before signing any paperwork. This will ensure there are no major structural issues or problems with the building before any money exchanges hands and responsibilities become official between parties involved in the transaction.
Step 7: Finalize Lease Agreement
After passing inspection, finalize all paperwork related to leasing terms between yourself and landlord/building owner including setting up payment arrangements if necessary (e.g., first month’s rent).
Step 8: Set Up Utilities
You will need access to utilities such as electricity, water, internet connection etc., so make sure these services are set up prior to moving into the new office space in order to prevent any disruptions in service once moved-in day arrives!
Step 9: Prepare For Move-In Day
Prior to move-in day make sure everything is prepared according to plan including having movers scheduled if needed along with packing materials like boxes etc., arranged ahead of time so there won’t be any unexpected delays when it comes time for moving day!
Step 10: Make A Grand Opening Plan
After settling into your new office it’s time for celebration! Brainstorm ways on how best promote this milestone moment by developing grand opening plans such as hosting events like open houses/networking opportunities, inviting media outlets/local news stations, launching special discounts & promotions, sending press releases out announcing grand opening, reaching out directly via email campaigns, & more!
Taking these 10 steps when transitioning out of running a small business from home will help ensure that everything runs smoothly without disrupting operations or straining budgets during this exciting next step. Proper planning is key here so make sure not take shortcuts!