How Much Office Space Does a Small Business Actually Need?

When your business starts outgrowing the kitchen table, spare bedroom or coffee shop, getting an office can feel like the obvious next step.

Then comes the bigger question:

How much office space do you actually need?

For many small businesses, the answer is probably less than you think.

Start With How You Work

Before thinking about square footage, think about what happens during your normal workday.

Are you primarily working alone? Do clients regularly visit you? Do you have a small team? Do you need privacy for calls? Are most meetings held virtually?

A business that mainly needs a quiet, professional place to work has very different space requirements from one with several employees working together every day.

Think About Clients Too

If clients visit your business, professionalism and privacy matter.

You want enough room to comfortably conduct business without necessarily taking on a large commercial suite just to create a professional impression.

Access to separate meeting or conference rooms can also give you more flexibility when a conversation requires additional space.

Give Yourself Room to Grow, Not Room to Waste

It’s smart to think ahead, but there’s a difference between planning for growth and paying today for space you might need someday.

For entrepreneurs and small businesses, a private office inside a flexible workspace can provide a middle ground between working from home and taking on a traditional commercial lease.

At MakerSpace in Waldorf, Maryland, private office solutions give business owners dedicated space to work while keeping them connected to the amenities and professional environment of a larger workspace.

Your Office Should Fit Your Business

There isn’t one perfect office size for every small business.

The goal is to have enough space to work comfortably and professionally without paying for space that isn’t helping your business.

Start with how you work now.

Consider what your clients and team actually need.

Then choose a workspace that gives your business room to move forward.

Sometimes the next step isn’t a bigger office.

It’s simply the right one.

— Team MakerSpace