I'm moving into a new apartment complex to be closer to my day job. Sadly I am not officially allowed to run a business out of my new apartment. So I'm going to have to find an alternative office address to run my business out of.

The question is -- what kind of places are most suitable, least expensive, and most effective for this purpose. Ideally I'd like someplace that recieves mail, receives faxes and recieves packages of all kinds without my having to be there (all I'd have to do is show up once a week, pick up my stuff, and send out my replies). The ability to send out packages by all methods would also be a plus.

I have a week to work something out. What should I do?

Michael,

While your business has to register a real street address, all of your contact information can be directed to a local shipping store like Packages Etc. There's lots of them around. They exist explicitly to act as accomodation addresses for people in your very situation.

There is also the option of taking out a P.O. box. Won't help with the fax situation, but you can receive mail there, and if any large packages come they'll hold them for you. Even businesses with a street address and offices often follow this route, because it allows them to close up shop and still receive mail.

If you really need actual space, second stories over stores work very well, and they tend to be unsuited for businesses that require customers to come into the office. If this is your actual need though, I'd recommend finding a commercial realator. They'll have a better handle on what's available in your area. Fair warning: never trust anybody in a commercial transaction involving real property (buildings, machinery, etc). Acting as a business, you have fewer protections from fradulent actions, and due dilligence is required on your part. Check things out.

The company I used to work for was owned by a fellow whose chosen industry to invest in was populated mostly by crooked people (metal forging and screw machinging). He don't know of any deals where he got screwed, but I know of several where it was only his general tendency to check things out carefully that kept him from getting screwed.

e-faxing could handle the fax side too using the computer for your fax work