So you’ve decided to move your business to a coworking space. What should you expect? Since you’ve already made the decision to move over to a shared working space, I’m sure you’re aware of the many benefits. Now it’s time to look into how to prepare for the transition. There’s a big difference between working in a private office and a coworking space. There’s also a big difference between working from home and moving into a coworking space. Regardless of which situation you’re coming from, here are some things you should expect to get used to when you move in.

Coworking neighbors:

Of course, in a working environment there is a time and place for socializing. Working in a place where people congregate to work means figuring out the balance between chatting and quiet time. When you first start at a new coworking space, introduce yourself to your new “neighbors”. Pass out your business cards. Tell them your areas of expertise and offer assistance with anything that might pertain to your forte in the future. Introducing yourself to your office mates is a great way to create opportunities for yourself in the future. It’s also a good way to collect resources that you might need later, such as a graphic designer or a financial adviser.

Common areas:

One of the great benefits of being in a nonconventional working space is the ability to move around. You’re no longer tethered to one workspace. If you’re working on a project and you’ve hit a rut, moving to a new spot can sometimes give you a fresh idea. If you have your laptop with you, try working from one of the more open common areas. These spaces are usually better suited for socializing or bouncing ideas off of each other. This is also a great way to meet your new office neighbors and get some insight into what they do for a living.

Etiquette:

Since you’ll be around with people who aren’t working on the same projects as you, you’ll have to be a bit more mindful of your office etiquette. Keep your noise level low if you notice that people around you are concentrating. If you need to take a video or phone call, choose a spot that is away from others. Another things to keep an eye on is how much space you’re taking up. Though coworking spaces offer the advantage of spreading out more than you’d be able to in a cubicle, it’s best to stick to one area at a time. If you’re about to move to a new spot, take your things with you so that another person can use the spot you’re vacating. In general, try to create a friendly work environment. There’s no need to obsess over making your neighbors comfortable, but being mindful about the people around you can help everyone get along well on a daily basis.

To read more about coworking spaces, and making sure you’ve chosen the right one check out our free eBook "What to Look For in a Co-working Space"