Starting a business from home can be very rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. New business owners often find themselves working from the couch, taking over the kitchen table, or squeezing a desk into a crowded storage room. But these simple home office solutions are sure to hurt your productivity. Instead of making sacrifices, consider buying a home that better fits the needs of your business and family. To make your life easier, we’ve outlined some tips to help you buy a home and launch your business at the same time.
Map Out Your Home Buying Process
You have a lot on your plate right now. Don’t add new responsibilities that you can easily delegate to someone else. For example, working with Dream Homes By Jen will save you a lot of time — and many headaches — while you’re hunting for the perfect home.
Another way to ensure your home buying process goes smoothly is to create a detailed to-do list of the tasks you have to tackle along the way. Determining your home buying budget should fall near the top of your list, especially if you’re upsizing into a bigger home. Add up your household income and subtract your monthly expenses to determine what kind of mortgage payment you can afford. Bigger homes typically come with higher ongoing costs for things like maintenance, utilities, and taxes, so remember to budget for these as well.
There are a few ways to save money on your new home purchase so you can afford an accommodating space for your home-based business. For example, you could get a great bargain on a home if you buy an “as-is” property. If you decide to go this route, make sure to examine the land records for red flags, have the property inspected, and include a provision in your contract that will allow you to back out of the sale if your home inspection reveals major issues.
Establish Your Home Business Workspace
After getting settled into your new home, you can finally design the home-based workspace of your dreams. Set up a space that aligns perfectly with your workflow. Of course, the best home office setup will depend on the kind of work you do. The Balance Small Business recommends creating a list of your unique home office needs, whether it’s a large filing cabinet for important financial paperwork, a spacious desktop for artwork, or storage space for photography props. Whatever your business entails, make sure your home workspace feels spacious, bright, refreshing, and clutter-free!
When it comes to office equipment, invest in high-quality tools that will enable you to work efficiently. There’s nothing worse than dealing with a slow computer or a jammed printer when you’re facing a time crunch! Consider purchasing a new desktop computer or laptop if your current hardware has become outdated. With a little shopping around, you should be able to score online deals on popular desktop computers from manufacturers like Lenovo. If you need a new printer, go with a laser printer to save money on ink and enjoy super-fast printing and copying.
Master the Art of Working from Home
Working from home isn’t as easy as it sounds. If you’ve never done it before, be prepared to face an adjustment period as you develop your personal schedule and learn what works best for you. Planning out your day can help you stay on task and ensure you get to everything on your to-do list. Stick to regular work hours and schedule your breaks so you can avoid taking long lunches or getting distracted by household chores. Once you get into the swing of things, you’re bound to love the freedom and flexibility that comes with running a home-based business.
Buying a home and launching a business at the same time is no easy feat. While both projects can be stressful and time-consuming, they’re also incredibly exciting. Stick to a thorough to-do list to keep your thoughts organized and avoid missing key steps along the way. Dream Homes By Jen can make the house-hunting process even easier, so when you’re ready to start looking, send a message or call at 816-405-2439!
