How to Start a Home-Based Business While Moving

Many entrepreneurs choose to run their business out of their homes. In fact, data cited by Chamber of Commerce show that over half of all small businesses are home-based. However, not all residences are suited for this purpose. In such cases, it is necessary to move to a more suitable location. Doing so may feel overwhelming, but breaking the process down into smaller goals makes the process more manageable. Ocean Blue Real Estate shares a few ideas here.

Plan the Business

Before you start looking for a home, you need to know what your business’s needs will be. The best way to do this is by writing a detailed business plan. This document includes a wide variety of information about your business, including:

Organizational structure
Description of product or service
Description of customer interactions
Financial projection
Market research data

You’ll also need to look for ways to easily market your business while you’re in the process of moving. This way, you can get engage with customers while you’re handling all of the responsibilities that come with a move. For example, creating shareable content like infographics is an easy way to drum up interest in your business. And if your content goes viral, you can continue to generate interest passively while you relocate. Make use of free tools to help you along; if you want to try infographics, an infographic maker can come in handy. All you’ll need to do is customize a premade template and then you’re ready to share.

Choose a Home

In addition to the traditional qualities that homebuyers look for, such as school district and home size, Discover reminds you that there are numerous special considerations when buying a home for both business and domestic use. Depending on the nature of your business, you may need space for:

Storing and using equipment
Storing merchandise
Meeting with clients

Research the zoning laws for any home you consider. If you will be operating loud machinery, having clients coming in and out of your home or engaging in other potentially disruptive activities, you may not be able to run your business in a residential area.

If you are not going to be hosting clients at your home, make sure there are suitable locations nearby for business meetings. Look for alternative meeting locations in case something interferes with your primary location. Keep distance in mind. If you meet with clients frequently, you likely don’t want to drive too far.

Make the Move

Once you have closed on your home, it is time to move. Move.org encourages you to make a checklist to help you stay organized and not forget anything important. In addition to standard household moving tasks, such as packing furniture and enrolling children in a new school, there will likely be certain business-related tasks to complete. For example, business documents and equipment may need to be packed separately to avoid being lost or damaged. Depending on the internet providers in your area, you may choose to purchase high-speed or business internet for your household.

Get Organized

Once you are in the new house, it is time to get your workspace organized. Set up your equipment and put together furniture. Create an organizational system for important documents. Start by filing away all paperwork related to starting the business. There are many online tools that can help you with document management. Also, consider setting up a calendar for work-related activities and deadlines. Consider getting a phone line exclusively for work to keep your business and personal calls and texts separate.

Make a Plan and Move On

Moving is not easy. Neither is starting a business. Doing both simultaneously can feel impossible. Fortunately, focusing on one step at a time helps make the process more manageable and less stressful.

Start with your business essentials, like a business plan and business structure, and create a great “to do” list for both home and business needs. And don’t forget to look for simple marketing tactics like infographics to help you promote your business while you relocate. It takes a little juggling, but soon you’ll be settled into your new and improved home office.

When you start looking for a new home, let Ocean Blue Real Estate put you in the perfect property. Get in touch with our team by calling (650) 713-5544.

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