Welcome to 2016. If you’re like a lot of people, you resolved to simplify and streamline aspects of your life – whether it’s reducing your waistline or getting rid of clutter around the house. Lately, the trend toward downsizing also seems to extend to footprints. From tiny homes to tiny community centers and classrooms, many people are seeking smaller and less expensive spaces in which to live, work and play.
Downsizing has become a trend in the current economic climate in which student debt and cost of living climb ever higher. A smaller home can save on expenses and ecological footprints, as shown on popular TV shows like “Tiny House Hunters” on HGTV. But what about tiny offices?
Your workspace is as vital to your job as you are. According to Forbes, telecommuting has grown more than 80 percent since 2005. With more and more people working remotely, creating a more personal, compact office space can provide a peaceful and productive environment conducive for work.
Check out some of the many benefits to investing in a mobile office trailer:
Increased utilization of space. Inhabitants of a tiny house have to use every inch of space available, since most these spaces are less than 500 square feet. The same goes for tiny offices. Vertical space and “dead” space can be used for shelving and filing needs.
Flexible space. In a smaller office, different areas can be used for various purposes. An outdoor space can be a break room and any area with multiple chairs can be used as a meeting area or cafeteria space. Get creative with ideas on how spaces can potentially be utilized.
Reworking material needs. Tiny habitats take the term “spring cleaning’ to a whole new level. Think about your needs vs. wants. What doesn’t need to be quite as big as it is? Huge desktop computers can be replaced by smaller, lighter laptops. Water coolers can be replaced by self-filtering water bottles. Be honest about what you can trade in for a smaller version that will serve the same purpose.
Multi-functional equipment. Office phones, faxes, printers and copiers are all staples of a modern day office. But when space is limited, it becomes necessary to consolidate where possible. Find smaller tech combinations of all your equipment needs.
If you’re considering temporary office space for your business and don’t have a large footprint to work with or want to consider a more compact approach to space you might want to check out a product like WillScot’s Flex unit. Widely used in Europe where space is always at a premium, Flex is a panelized product that offers less-traditional, more flexible and very efficient office space. Want some inspiration? Check out our Flex to learn more.
Are you considering downsizing your work space footprint in 2016?