How to Create a Small Home Office with Limited Space

Homeowners who work remotely will need a home office. Sometimes, a residential home or apartment has limited space. When space is tight and work needs are pressing, property owners can find workarounds. Here are ways to create a functional home office in a small area.

1. Find a nook

The first step in creating a small home office in a limited space is to find an appropriate nook. Ideally, this place will be quiet and have limited distractions. A property owner should be able to accomplish work tasks without disruptions—making finding the right space paramount.

Someone who lives in a home with multiple bedrooms has plenty of home office location options. Simply turn one of the unused bedrooms into a functional office space. Or, if the home is a studio apartment, consider setting up room partitions to separate the work and living spaces.

The empty space under the stairs can be transformed into a small office. A hallway offers plenty of horizontal space for a creative home office. A walk-in closet or wardrobe area can be updated to serve work needs. In such tight spaces, every inch is put to good use.

The office nook should be a quiet one. This means finding a space where other householders do not normally congregate. Avoid setting up the office in the center of the busy kitchen, for instance. A functional home office keeps the professional and personal life separate.

2. Install equipment

A computer, office accessories, and a printer will need a desk upon which to sit. When looking for desks, choose one that maximizes the limited office space. Homeowners have multiple options: L-shaped desks that fit into corners, writing desks propped against the wall, or floating desks.

A flip-down desk can be made upright when not in use. Consider that spaces can have multiple uses. A dressing table in the guest bedroom can double as a work desk. Alternately, turn a nightstand, dining table or coffee table into a temporary or permanent workstation.

In small nooks with laminate flooring, add a faux fur rug to soften up the workspace. Keep office supplies, such as staples and paperclips, nearby. Divide drawers, reuse jars, or utilize hanging hooks to create inventive storage spaces for the office supplies.

Even when the space is small, a home office should feature ergonomic office furniture. Opt for a chair with back support. Ideally, the chair’s height will keep the user at eye level with the computer screen. This setup promotes healthy blood flow and reduces back and shoulder problems.

A small office space may prompt homeowners to use a desk chair that doubles as dining room seating. No matter what type of chair is utilized in a small home office, it should slide easily under the desk. For this reason, avoid choosing a wide office chair with bulky armrests.

3. Utilize vertical space

A small workstation may have limited horizontal space. Workers, however, can efficiently utilize the ample vertical space. The full height of the wall can be used for shelving. Drawers can be stacked. Repurpose the area below the desk and optimize storage space.

4. Add lighting

Natural or artificial lighting is important in a small home office, especially for those who work long hours at the desk. Two sources of light are recommended: a main light and a desk lamp. Combine overhead lights with adjustable lamps for ample lighting in the small area.

If practical, set up the home office near a window. Exposure to sunlight is important for not only physical but emotional well-being. Sunlight gives the body a healthy dose of vitamin D, while helping workers feel emotionally charged and alert.

5. Organize cables

A home office will be fitted with technology, from computers to printers. Electronics will cause a chaotic clutter of cables. Keep productivity up by maintaining a clean, clutter-free work environment. Tuck the cables away behind the walls. Prevent tangled cables by using bread clips.

6. Limit distractions

A small home office may have limited desk space. Nevertheless, it is important to keep essentials nearby. A water bottle or coffee mug, for instance, takes up minimal desk space, but keeps the worker refreshed throughout the workday. A visit to the kitchen, on the other hand, can be distracting.

7. Add accessories

House plants are perfect office accessories. Potted plants add visual interest as well as introduce a continual supply of oxygen to the home office space. Plants help to keep the home office user calm, as a result. Consider adding vertical shelving for the plants if desk space is limited.

While the smallest home or apartment can be creatively transformed to accommodate a home office, your company may be planning to relocate to a bigger or smaller facility. If so, choose a top-notch commercial mover, like Chicago Office Movers. We help companies of all sizes relocate successfully.

Work with a Commercial Mover

A corporate move requires months of planning. At Chicago Office Movers, we’ll support you throughout the relocation process. Our experienced specialists offer advice and planning strategies. Moving crews are available to both pack and unpack office goods. We also provide short- and long-term storage.

Your office move will be handled with utmost care by our licensed, union movers. We have experience safely relocating a variety of delicate office goods, including IT systems, science lab equipment, and fragile electronics. We move office furniture of all sizes, as well as machinery and cubicles.

Working with Chicago Office Movers ensures that your business resumes operations in a timely manner. Disruptions to employee productivity are minimal when our movers handle the packing for you. Once at the new destination, our efficient unpacking services have your company back up and running fast.

Contact Us

Choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming office relocation and join the ranks of our countless satisfied corporate customers, like Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent. We facilitate a smooth office relocation that stays within budget and on schedule.

Contact us today at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.

Thriving businesses will have a need to upgrade facilities or relocate to a bustling hub in order to keep up with explosive growth. An office relocation is an exciting event. But insufficient planning can produce unnecessary stress. Follow this guide for out-of-state moves and relocate with ease.

An efficient and quick relocation is key to minimizing downtime and maintaining customer and employee satisfaction. Crossing state lines with a business in tow, however, is a daunting task. Coordinate logistics well in advance in order to return full speed to business operations.

1. Review the Current Lease

Six months prior to the office relocation, examine the current commercial property lease. Exiting the building sooner may result in losing the deposit. Be aware of any responsibility for costs associated with property damages (i.e., broken light fixtures or chipped paint) sustained during the move.

2. Look for Commercial Movers

Obtain quotes from at least three professional, full-service office movers. Experienced commercial movers improve the likelihood of an efficient and successful relocation across state lines. Opting for a low-cost mover with less handling experience could cost the business significantly more in the long run.

3. Create a Relocation Budget

Develop a relocation budget to deter overspending. Scale back on expenses (i.e., employees pack items, rather than movers). Consider moving coverage, especially if the business heavily relies on important machinery or equipment. Machinery that breaks during the relocation could halt business operations.

4. Designate a Moving Committee

Assemble a team of employees to execute the relocation. A moving committee made up of volunteers may be responsible for planning, packing, unpacking, and organizing. Appoint a move coordinator to ensure that employees have a point of contact for questions and concerns.

5. Notify Important Contacts

With the logistics in place, the moving committee should announce the upcoming relocation. Notify employees, partners, vendors, and customers about the move date. Provide the new office address and contact information to everyone who will be affected by a change in the business location.

For example, send the new business address to banks and financial institutions, phone company, insurance company, internet service provider, and printer service company. Also keep any professional organizations in the loop about when the new business address will go into effect.

6. Offer Relocation Program

Prepare employees in advance by arranging relocation bonuses and pay adjustments. Include site visits so that staff have the opportunity to scout schools and tour the new community. Offer reimbursements for moving expenses, like home buying, transportation, or temporary living.

7. Obtain the New Floorplan

In preparation for moving all equipment and furniture, obtain a detailed floorplan of the new office space. Plan the layout for existing furniture that will be transported to the new location. If necessary, consult a furniture company to purchase new office furniture.

8. Work with IT

Work with the IT personnel to devise a plan to set up computers and technology in the new space. If the IT team is unable to tackle the task, consult outside professionals. IT personnel should also be assigned to pack up company-provided employee laptops, monitors and other IT equipment.

Seek professional help for office equipment that requires special handling, such as complex machinery that must be disassembled or potentially hazardous materials. Moving companies will not transport flammable goods, like propane tanks, aerosols, or acids, so dispose of them prior to the relocation.

9. Pack Office Goods

Rather than utilize professional packing services, budget-conscious companies may elect to save on moving costs by instructing employees to pack their office goods. When pursuing a DIY route, provide employees with an ample supply of sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, and labels.

Important documents can get lost during the shuffle of a major office relocation. Or, unanticipated obstacles at the new office can delay booting up right away. Prevent the loss or damage of correspondence and paperwork by creating electronics backups prior to the move.

10. Confirm Utilities Work

On moving day, the professional movers will load the office goods onto their trucks. Before the last pieces of office equipment are loaded, confirm with the utility company that all power, internet and water are working at the out-of-state office location.

11. Install Equipment

Once the moving truck arrives at the new office, refer to the floorplan devised earlier to lay out the furniture and equipment. Work with the commercial movers to install the office equipment. Test that the technology, such as Wi-Fi, cable, phones, and computers, are functional.

12. Settle In

Unless the commercial movers handle the unpacking of office goods, designate employees to handle the task. Restock supply cabinets with items needed immediately. The more individuals involved in setting up an operative workspace, the faster the business can resume operations in the brand-new location.

Settle into the new space by welcoming employees with an office warming party. Consider leaving a welcome gift on each staff member’s desk. A welcome pack may consist of brochures about restaurants in the new state, treats to further energize employees, or a coffee mug.

Don’t forget, after you have moved to a new office, there are more to do besides decorating and organizing the new office! Read this blog to find out what you need to update when you relocate to a new office.

Full-Service Commercial Mover

A successful office relocation across state lines requires more than detailed preparation and organization. You need an experienced team of movers behind you. Companies on the move will find top-notch moving services from the commercial, long-distance movers at Chicago Office Movers.

As a highly rated commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers provides comprehensive relocation services for businesses of all sizes. We understand that an efficient move is critical to minimizing downtime. Businesses receive help with all facets of moving, from packing to move management and unpacking.

Companies with fragile equipment are also in good hands when they work with Chicago Office Movers. Our office relocation crews are experienced in machinery moving. We’ve moved office goods of all types, from appliances and server rooms to office furniture. We also assemble and install furniture.

Expect an efficient out-of-state relocation when you work with the experienced crews at Chicago Office Movers. We have earned a reputation for excellence with the Chicagoland businesses we serve. When you are planning an interstate office move, contact us for a free estimate.

Relocating a business to Chicago requires that the essential utilities be set up beforehand. Once the utilities are turned on prior to the move, businesses can resume operations without further interruption. Setting up business utilities in the Windy City is a straightforward process.

What are basic business utilities?

A utility company is responsible for delivering utilities to a business. In addition to everyday operating costs, the business will pay utility bills. At a minimum, relocating companies require basic utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, trash pickup, internet, and phone.

Utility costs vary significantly from company to company. Variables that affect the price of monthly utilities include the square footage of the building, geographic location of the company, industry, energy utilization, and several other factors. Energy is among the biggest overhead costs for a business.

1. Electricity

Electricity is one of the major utilities a business needs to operate. The local electric company will set up and physically deliver the electricity to its service area. Energy is required to power the office’s lights, computers, AC, refrigerators, and printers. The business will pay a supply and delivery charge.

As a northern Illinois city, Chicago receives its electricity through Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd). A subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (the nation’s leading competitive energy supplier), ComEd distributes electricity to four million local customers. Businesses can set up and manage an account via the ComEd website.

2. Water and Sewer

Water and sewer are essential utilities to set up when relocating to the Windy City. Company bathrooms, kitchen sinks and water fountains rely on the water supply to function. Every business, whether it sells food, electronics, or other consumer items, depends on water as a resource.

Prior to relocating to Chicago, businesses will be required to contact the City of Chicago Water Management, which delivers clean drinking water. The Department of Water Management is also responsible for removing storm runoff and wastewater through the sewer system.

3. Natural Gas

Natural gas will soon be the fuel of choice for various corporations. In commercial buildings, natural gas powers heating systems, water heaters, and air conditioners. Manufacturing facilities depend on natural gas to run machines that prepare electronics, home furnishings, and appliances for consumers.

Close to 850,000 local customers rely on Peoples Gas for the regular supply of natural gas. Companies relocating to the Windy City can connect service by accessing the Peoples Gas website, following the online prompts, and finally setting up an account. Bill management is available online, too.

4. Internet

Internet is increasingly becoming viewed as an essential utility, much like electricity. Businesses without access to the internet are severely disadvantaged. Companies that conduct online activities, utilize online content providers, or make use of social media networks require an internet connection.

Chicago’s largest internet provider is Xfinity. Through the various bundles offered by Xfinity, even small companies have access to big business capabilities. Buying a monthly package is as easy as visiting the Xfinity website, choosing a plan, and following the online prompts.

5. Trash Service

Waste removal services are necessary for the disposal of garbage, recyclables, and organic waste materials. An office may be provided different types of bins to hold various waste products. Each of these bins are picked up by the trash service at different rates.

Chicago businesses rely on the various trash services offered through the DSS. Not only are DSS crews responsible for trash pickup and recycling, but they also handle tree trimming, graffiti removal, rodent control, towing, snow removal, and lot cleaning—which are relevant to major area corporations.

Trash service can be set up through the City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS). The DSS makes an impact on the cleanliness of the city by responding to over one million service requests annually. Visit the DSS website to set up an account and manage monthly bills.

6. Security

While the utilities are the basics, large corporations might include security services as an essential part of their utility budget. Companies who require security are advised to consult a public utility security service to safeguard the facility against threats.

Do companies need an EIN to set up utilities?

A company does not need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to set up and administer business utilities. However, utility companies may accept the EIN in lieu of a social security number. An EIN is a type of federal tax ID that can be useful when applying for business utilities.

When relocating a business to Chicago or starting a new one here, setting up utilities is critical to success. Employees require running water, electricity, internet, and a clean workspace to perform. Ensure workflow continues without interruption by setting up utilities before the move.

Work with a Commercial Mover

Setting up utilities is just one step of many in the relocation process. Before packing up the office, consult a professional corporate relocation company, like Chicago Office Movers. Our years of experience in office relocation will ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible.

When choosing Chicago Office Movers for your corporate relocation, you can be assured that the move will stay within budget. Our moving crews are highly trained and experienced—which allows them to perform their job efficiently, skillfully, and without delays.

Countless local companies continue to rely on Chicago Office Movers for our quality service, professionalism throughout the relocation process, and affordability. We’ve helped universities and major corporations, like Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent, move seamlessly, earning us multiple five-star ratings.

Working with us gives your company access to professional packing services, short- or long-term storage, relocation planning assistance, and moving equipment that is guaranteed to protect fragile office goods. We also move items securely, which is a benefit for security-conscious companies.

Contact Us

When you seek a reliable office mover, schedule Chicago Office Movers to handle your relocation from start to finish. We are available to help you move locally, long distance, or internationally.

Call our office at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.

Some people are natural leaders who like to be in charge or be their own boss. This can make every day corporate life unappealing for these individuals and the idea of starting their own small business an attractive pursuit. But not all businesses are suited well for every area. When you are considering starting your own small business, you must consider the area, its people, and its needs. Otherwise, you may not achieve the success you are striving for.

There are a variety of small businesses that are well-suited for a major city like Chicago. So, if you want to start and/or invest in a profitable small business in the city, then continue reading for the best types of businesses to pursue.

1. Tour Guide Agency

Chicago is a top tourist destination, making a tour guide business a great investment if you have the expertise to be an informative, knowledgeable tour guide. To begin working as a tour guide, you just need to obtain a license. While general Chicago knowledge is excellent to have if you want to be a tour guide and/or start a tour guide business, consider starting a niche tour guide business to separate your agency from others. For example, instead of starting a tour guide business for Chicago in general, focus on Chicago sports, art, history, or food.

2. Marketing Agency

Chicago is a vast city with a seemingly never-ending list of businesses in the city and suburbs. While some places will be able to handle marketing on their own, a great number of businesses will need outside help. So, if you have the marketing savvy to help other people sell their products and push their services, then you could find your own success in marketing.

3. Placement Agency

As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago is home to many businesses small and large covering a number of different industries. There are plenty of jobs to be had in Chicago and many people looking for a good job. Starting a placement agency is a great way to capitalize on this and help people find the best jobs for them while helping business fill their staff with the best possible candidates. Starting a placement agency requires a small initial investment and charging a reasonable commission for job placements will earn you good profits.

4. Hostile Business

People come to Chicago from all over the U.S. and the world for education, work, and to visit the city. You can cater to Chicago’s many tourists, students, and jobseekers from out of town by starting a hostel.  If you can acquire a building downtown close to corporate centers and educational institutions, you should invest in turning the building into a hostile. Charging reasonable rates will attract those coming to study or work in the city which will not only help you earn back your investment but also make a good profit.

5. Event Management Business

In a popular, lively city like Chicago, there are many events going on throughout the year. This means that someone needs to be coordinating and managing these events. Starting an event management company is a good choice with a lot of potential if you have great managerial skills.

6. Catering Company

Where there is an event, there is usually a need for food. Beginning a catering business is a great choice, and you do not have to be a gourmet cook to do so. You simply need the commitment, professionalism, and management skills to run a successful business. You can run the business yourself, hiring a lead cook, assistant chefs, and servers to handle the cooking, serving, and setup of the food. To help distinguish your company from other catering businesses, focus on a certain type or style of food to cater and offer.

7. Food Truck

A great thing about food trucks is that they are mobile businesses and not stationary storefronts like other restaurants. This expands the business’s reach and can also make it seem more exclusive as customers are aware that the truck will not always be around. A food truck is a low investment and a good way to showcase some of the food Chicago is known for.

8. Coffee Shop

Many adults enjoy indulging in a fresh cup of coffee and often need it to help them get the workday started. Some people even seek fresh coffee in the middle of the day, finding they need a pick-me-up to help them get through the rest of the workday. If you start a coffee shop in a good location, market it well, and offer a fair-priced selection of drinks (and food if you desire), then you could have a thriving small business on your hands.

Trusted Help from Commercial Movers

If you are looking to start a small business and will be moving into an office space or storefront, it will take a lot of work to get all your contents and equipment to the property. You can make this move less stressful by seeking assistance from Chicago Office Movers. We are commercial movers who can be of assistance to small businesses in need of office moving and office relocation services.

We are the most trusted moving company in Chicagoland, having satisfactorily worked with major corporations as well as renowned universities. All our movers have undergone a background check and possess the necessary training, proper licenses, and experience to provide exceptional office moving services and customer service.

Within our office moving services, we use climate-controlled moving trucks that ensure your business belongings and equipment will be safe and secure. The trucks use air-ride suspensions and lift gates to safely move and transport your goods. Furthermore, we provide our customers with consistent tracking updates using professional tracking equipment, allowing you to follow along with the moving journey.

No matter what small business you are looking to pursue, Chicago Office Movers can help with your office moving.

Get a Free Estimate

Call us at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) for a free estimate regarding our office moving services.

Shifting to a new office space is a major milestone for a company. The move may signal business growth, or downsizing may be a practical reason to relocate. Moving a company, however, comes with many responsibilities, one of which is to make updates to keep customers and partners in the loop.

Companies relocate for many reasons. Expansion is one common cause for business relocations. The need to reduce operational costs can also spur a move. On the other hand, companies may see the value in consolidating offices and seek a lease with less surplus space.

Another good reason that companies relocate is to attract top talent. A new location may be closer to prospects, clients, and a skilled talent pool. Plus, outdated facilities will prompt any growth-oriented business to shift gears and relocate to a contemporary office that boosts employee productivity.

No matter what the reason for relocating a brick-and-mortar business, it is important that the company update existing and prospective customers, partners, and vendors. The last thing a business wants is for an outdated website to send customers to an empty storefront.

1. Update Business Address

All correspondence must be sent to the new business location. This requires that the business address be updated with the post office. Forward any mail to the new location, so that any correspondence sent to the old address will be received at the new one.

The business’ online presence should also be updated. It is a time-intensive effort to update the Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, Yahoo Local Basic Listing, Bing Places for Business and Angie’s List. If the business is travel related, like hotels, make updates to TripAdvisor.

Update online business directories on which the company is found. Examples of popular online business directories include Manta, EnrollBusiness, Hub, Find-Us-Here and The Business Journals. Listing a business on these sites is free, so unless upgrading, making updates will have no added costs.

The IRS and State Department of Revenue will need to know the new business address. It is important that company leaders receive all federal and state tax documents at the correct address. Inform government entities about updated phone numbers and information about licensing, too.

City or town governments also need to know about a new address. Local permits and certifications should be kept up to date. One way to keep these important documents updated is to notify the city or town government of the business relocation.

2. Update Social Media

The business’ social media accounts are ideal places to notify followers of an upcoming business relocation. Companies on the move are advised to update the company address and phone number (if applicable) on all their social media sites. Customers will head to social media for information.

If the business has a social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, update these sites with the new business information. A Facebook cover image may be redesigned to inform customers about the upcoming relocation and relevant new business contact information.

3. Update Marketing Materials

All marketing pieces should be updated with the new business information. Patrons of a business’ services or products hold onto physical items containing company information and reference them from time to time. Marketing collateral should not only be updated but redistributed.

Examples of common marketing materials include business cards that provide the company address, phone number and business name. Direct mail marketing reaches consumers in a specific area and needs an update. Brochures and posters are additional pieces of marketing collateral to be revised.

Businesses also communicate with consumers via newsletters. Sharing the new business address and phone in newsletters is simple and cost-effective. If using outdoor signs to reach customers, point to the new business location on updated signage. Also update email signatures.

4. Update Advertising Campaigns

Paid search campaigns that focus on a particular market should be updated to reflect the new market to which the business is advertising. Pieces of key information that require updates include the new address or location extensions. Updating ad campaigns will send customers to the right locale.

5. Update Credit Card Company and Bank

The company’s credit card company should be notified of the new business location. Banks, too, should be updated with accurate business information to prevent fraud. All financial entities should be made aware so that important financial documents will be sent to the right place.

6. Update Vendors, Clients and Customers

A new business location should prompt a call to all vendors with whom the company works. Inform existing customers of the relocation, so that they know where to find the business. It is helpful to even directly reach out to existing customers to inform them of the move.

7. Update Industry Associations

Trade associations provide useful information about the industry, such as legislation that could impact the business, so it is important to update industry associations. Industry trade groups should be able to find the business at its new location, so they can provide leads or pass along credentials.

Work with a Trusted Commercial Mover

Relocating to a new office is an exciting yet stressful time. Eliminate unnecessary stress by partnering with Chicagoland’s most trusted moving company, Chicago Office Movers. We skillfully assist large and small companies with their corporate relocation needs, whether locally, interstate and internationally.

Our numerous satisfied customers include prestigious universities and major corporations. Chicago Office Movers’ customer service is unparalleled in the industry, and our Chicago movers are licensed, background checked, trained, and experienced. Expect professionalism, affordability, and efficiency when you work with our crews.

Your office goods will be safe and secure in our climate-controlled moving trucks, featuring lift gates and air-ride suspensions. Our customers receive regular tracking updates via professional tracking equipment so they can follow the progress of the moving trucks during the relocation.

Whether you are moving office furniture, lab equipment, or fragile IT systems, Chicago Office Movers will take care of your possessions. Our specialists will also help your company with planning the move. As the Windy City’s most reputable moving company, choose us for your upcoming corporate relocation!

Get a Free Estimate

For a free estimate on your next business move, give us a call at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form.