Running a Small Business from Your Apartment

A Home Business Article Contributed by Alyssa Yerga

Small Business in Small Spaces

Just because you live in an apartment, doesn't mean you can't realize your dream of running a small business. The entrepreneurial bug doesn't just bite people in big houses after all. Since most small businesses start off small, lack of room might not be an issue in the beginning stages. Use the time in the apartment to write your business plan, apply for business loans or sort through all the other paperwork you'll need to get your small business going.

Remember, some of the preliminary planning could take months before you're actually ready to get your small business up and running. In that time you could be looking for another place if the space constraints are really going to be an issue later on.

Make Sure Your Small Business is a Good Tenant and Neighbor

It would probably be in your best interest to check with your landlord before you put too much time and effort into your small business. You never know if he or she will have to visit your apartment unexpectedly. Be aware, also, that there may be zoning laws that could get you and your landlord in trouble if broken. Chances are, unless your small business is going to cause structural damage or be a nuisance to your fellow complex dwellers, he or she won't care what you do in your space.

If your small business is going to require clients to visit your home or there are going to be many deliveries or pick-ups from your location, you may want to give the neighbors a heads up. It could be considered suspicious behavior or cause for alarm if they see several different people walking in and out of the building. Since you will, in essence, be bringing strangers into their home, they have a right to know what to expect.

You should also think about the parking situation before you have clients over. It isn't fair for your clients or business associates to take up all the parking spots while residents are forced to walk long distances just to get to their homes.

Depending on the nature of your small business, clientele or business associates noise may be an issue. You want your visitors to feel relaxed and comfortable but the more boisterous ones could be a problem for the other tenants, especially ones who work nights and need to sleep during the day. Don't let the casual atmosphere of your apartment take away from the professional attitude of the business.

Good Start to Your Small Business

Living in an apartment could actually be beneficial to your small business. Rent for an apartment is usually cheaper than a house payment. If you can pay rent to one place instead of two (i.e. a storefront) you'll be saving that much more money. The fewer expenses you have in the beginning, the greater chance of profit in the end.

Also, in an apartment, you aren't responsible for maintenance or upkeep so you don't have to worry about routine issues homeowners do. Just remember to let your landlord or superintendent know when there are things that need to be taken care of like burnt out hall light bulbs or landscaping that could affect the way a client views your situation.