There has never been a better time to set yourself up in business, indeed, the number of Australian entrepreneurs is constantly rising, as more people decide that there is a future in working for yourself. Of course, many set up business on a shoestring budget and that usually means setting up an office at home, which we explore in this article.
Spare room offices
Most have a spare bedroom at home and that is perfect for a small office; a large desk, an office chair and a desktop PC is really all you need. A small filing cabinet for documents, a printer/scanner, a table lamp and you are good to go. You will need a stable Internet connection and we recommend setting up a wireless router for easy connectivity, then you can wear a headset and Zoom with people from any location in the house. If you store your data on the cloud, you won’t need to worry about cyber-security, plus that means less IT hardware.
Virtual business address
If you are concerned that having an office at home is not good for your image, worry no more, as you can rent a registered business address in Sydney CBD. You can also get a registered telephone number that goes with your new address, plus a virtual receptionist service, where a remotely located receptionist answers all your incoming calls. They are fully briefed on your business and are happy to use your script if required; this service is very affordable and if image is important to you, you can boast a prestige business address and phone number.
Manageable expenses
The main reason to set up a home office is to save running costs; there’s no rent to pay and aside from the initial investment to set up the office, costs are minimal. There will be a bit extra on your energy bill but nothing to worry about and most people do not require a secretary, they would hire a local bookkeeper to manage the books.
Exterior office
If you don’t have a spare room in the house, you could construct a single storey structure in the garden and that can make for an excellent office. Some choose a container that has been refurbished for an office, while others prefer bricks-and-mortar. Search online for suppliers of container offices and see what they can do; all you need is a solid concrete base and you are good to go.
Rising costs
Costs are constantly rising and this is a major reason why many small business owners choose to set up their HQ in their home. The cost of renting an office along with utility bills and plush furniture can be prohibitive and many entrepreneurs simply don’t have the budget for an office in the city. It might be temporary and when the business expands, a separate office might be feasible.
Convenience
If your home and office are in the same building, you don’t have to travel to work and that saves you both time and money. The extra work you can do is considerable and that is an attractive proposition for any businessman. Of course, you have to manage your time well when working from home, some find it hard to separate work and home life, but after a while, you slip into a routine.
To summarise, more and more Aussie entrepreneurs are setting up an office in their home and the future looks uncertain; if the economy recovers, we may see a sharp rise in office rentals. If you are thinking of creating a home office, you can find all the equipment and furniture from a leading Sydney supplier.
