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If you’re an entrepreneur running your business out of your own home, you’re in a great company. According to American Express, big names like Amazon, Hewlett-Packard, and Mattel all started in home garages. That said, as your business grows and expands, you may find that your house can no longer comfortably accommodate your professional and personal lives. At this point, you might consider consulting a real estate agent like Kevin W. Bartlett in Southwest Florida to help you find a larger property that can meet your needs.

This isn’t the only option you have when it comes to upsizing your home to accommodate a burgeoning business, however. Read on for a rundown of your options.

Streamline your office organization to create more space

Assess your existing space. Are there ways to maximize it? Start with a Marie Kondo-style declutter. If you’re not familiar with the Kondo method of tidying up, Good Housekeeping provides a quick guide. Investing in compact organizational systems keeps clutter to a minimum day-to-day and ensures your valuable small business documentation stays safe. Family Handyman offers innovative storage tips, from using cascading file folders to making the most of wall space (for example, with wall-mounted shelving).

Also, take a look at larger pieces of office furniture. You may be able to win space by replacing bulky items with more streamlined models; a standing desk is a great way to make room, for example. You can also look for furniture pieces that serve double-duty. A rolling filing cabinet provides storage but can also be moved as needed, for instance. When outfitting your office, look for online coupons and promo codes to save cash.

Renovate unusable spaces and make them usable

Odds are that you have areas in your current home that you rarely use, if at all. The attic and basement are great examples. Remodeling these areas to make them suitable for home office use will give you added functional space. Even a garden shed can be made into a workspace. According to USA Today, Americans have increasingly been transforming their backyard sheds into offices as more people are working from home due to COVID-19.

When transforming these kinds of less-hospitable spaces for home business use, there are a few things to consider. First, there is the ventilation issue. You want sufficient airflow to ensure your comfort and safety. Then, there are heating and cooling considerations. HVAC.com provides some tips on how to ensure a temperate climate, such as installing a ductless heating and cooling system and installing insulation.

Upgrade to a larger property

If your decluttering isn’t doing the trick and you don’t have space to remodel, it may be time to upsize your home in order to accommodate your business. This offers a few advantages. You can choose a property that suits your needs in terms of location, size, and layout. Additionally, if you own your home, you can use the money from selling it to fund the deposit on your new house. A professional valuation will let you know the general market value.

Before you start your property search, Discover recommends checking whether your city has any zoning laws or similar restrictions that might limit where you can establish a home-based business. This is the kind of information a local realtor can likely help you with. What else should you look for when buying a house? Consumer Affairs flags issues like school district (if you have kids) as well as walkability, crime, and overall atmosphere.

A home-based business has many benefits. According to Forbes, you can expect lower overhead costs and zero commute time. As your business grows, however, your home may have to grow with it. This is an investment of time and money worth making, thanks to the advantages you’ll enjoy by keeping your business home-based.

For help buying or selling a home in southwest Florida, turn to Kevin W. Bartlett. I cater to each client’s needs individually, providing personalized attention to ensure we find the perfect property to suit your needs. Contact me to get started.