Up the Ladder: Tips for Renting an Office Space

Taking the leap into your first office space can be daunting. But like any other move, it can also be one of the most exciting chapters of your life. If you're reading this blog, you're probably in the midst of wondering whether now is the time to move into your own office space. If you've already committed to a space, you might be wondering how to start the planning process.

We've got you covered on all of this. The key point to remember as you read is that you should view moving into an office space as moving into a home. You'll be spending lots of time there. Where exactly do you want to be? Where will your team feel most comfortable? What can certain spaces offer that others really can't? 

Asking as many questions as possible as you search will help you pin down what you don't want. Which'll help you find the perfect space for you.

Before diving into the process, look around you and reflect. Where are you in your career?

Have you just launched a startup in your garage? Are you a budding artist who needs more space to paint? Is your company's brand-new app making waves on social media?

There are many reasons for wanting an office space, and it'll all come down to you. Maybe you want one to commit to your dreams and push yourself forward. Or maybe your growing team just no longer fits in your current space. Whatever the situation, the only real rule is that you should feel you desperately need the office space to keep making progress on your path. 

Renting a space is a big commitment, and for people earlier in their careers, it can help them get to where they want to go. It can also be a big risk and stress you and your team unnecessarily. So before doing anything, reflect and make sure an office is what you need to advance your career right now.

If you're prepared to commit to space, congrats! You're at the start of a great journey.

There are tons of ways to find office spaces, but unfortunately, you tend to have to hunt harder than for apartments. There isn't a one-stop shop like StreetEasy for New York or any other city. 

We recommend working from a neighborhood perspective. Wherever you are, start by figuring out where exactly you want to be. Do you want to be close to your manufacturers, or closer to your apartment? Asking these questions and collaborating with your team will be key here. Keeping price ranges in mind based on neighborhood is essential, too, especially if you're committing to more of a risk with your space.

If you want an office in Tribeca, for example, you're bound to come across organizations like Tribeca Spaces. These groups don't have major online presences, but if you search strategically, you'll be able to find the help you need to grab a space.

This might seem somewhat counterintuitive because you're taking on a big commitment with an office space. But during your search, make sure that wherever you're moving to, you'll be able to stay flexible. 

Whether this means getting enough space for your entire team (and new hires, too) or making sure you don't sign a lease for more than a year or two, remember that this new space won't be forever. While you'll definitely be using it as a home, think of it as a tool for growth as well. The goal should be to progress to a point where you'll have to move on from it. 

Whatever staying flexible means for you or your company, make sure that a new office space is a beginning, not an end.

There really is nothing like the present. Even if you're starting with the reflection phase, start now!

Procrastinating is bound to make committing to a space harder and harder over time. Facing the question of whether you're ready for an office space can help you refocus on the present and get to that point if you aren't there already. 

We'll be here to help you at every step of the way. Reach out with questions anytime, and check out the rest of our blog for more tips on the process.