I run a small e-commerce business selling handmade leather goods. All I need is my laptop, phone, and a trip to the post office. I've been working from my kitchen table for two years. Lately I've been wondering if I should get a small office just to separate work and home. But the rent is like $800/month here. Is it worth it? Anyone been in this situation?
Remote Work
I run my entire business from a laptop, do I need an office?
Honestly, $800/month is a lot for what sounds like just a change of scenery. Have you considered a coworking space? Might be cheaper and you get people around.
I had an office for a year. It became a very expensive storage unit for boxes and a place to go when I wanted to avvoid my kids. Not worth it unless you have clients visiting.
Kitchen table = bad for your back. Get a proper desk first. Also, your business already works without an office, why mess with it?
Yeah, what grumblefish said. i work from home too and the biggest upgrade was a decent chair, not a separate building.
I do have a decent desk setup actually. It's more about the mental separation. When my living room is also my warehouse, I never feel 'off'.
Have you tried a fake commute? Like a 10-minute walk around the block before and after work. Sounds dumb but it helped me.
Fake commute? I jeust go to the mailbox and back. Twice if I'm feeling wild.
I think the real question is whether you can afford to set aside a room at home. A spare bedroom as an office is way cheaper than rent. Even a corner with a screen.
No spare room, sadly. It's a one-bedroom apartment. So it's either coworking, a cheap office, or keep the kitchen table.
Keep the table. Put your laptop in a drawer at 6pm. Poof, office closed.
Or just embrace the chaos. My living room has been a warehouse for three years and my only regret is not buying more shelving.
Coworking day pass might be the best test. Try it for a week before signing any lease.