How to find a coworking space – the most important 8 steps

When you are looking for office space in a coworking environment, it is crucial to follow a structured process to maximize efficiency and avoid wasting time and resources. Remember that you have a business on the side, which you must not lose focus on.

This guide is designed to guide you safely through the process.

If you are interested in renting office space or office seats in a coworking space instead, you can read our Renting out a coworking space - The most important steps.

Step 1: Define your needs and desires for the workspace 

First and foremost, it is important to uncover what you are looking for in a coworking space. Consider the following questions:

• What are you looking for in a coworking space? 
• How important is the location? Close to the center, in a business area, or in a quieter part? 
• How much space do you need for your desk and storage? 
• Is parking important? 
• Do you want a short or long-term lease? 
• What is your budget? 
• Do you need specific amenities such as meeting rooms or kitchen facilities? 
• Are networking and social events important to you? 

Step 2: Start your search for shared office spaces 

Having defined your preferences, it's time to find your perfect place:

• Online portals: Use websites like Companyspace.com, which gives you an overview of available commercial properties, including coworking spaces, in your area. Search, for example, for coworking space for rent in Europe, coworking space for rent in Denmark, coworking space for rent in Sweden, coworking space for rent in Norway, coworking space for rent in the Netherlands, or coworking space for rent in Germany. Filter your search by location, price, and size. 
• Local newspapers and bulletin boards: Keep an eye on local ads in newspapers and on bulletin boards in the area where you are looking for a coworking space. You might be lucky to find exactly the right coworking space at exactly the right time. 

Step 3: Visit and assess the coworking space 

Once you have found interesting coworking spaces, it is time to visit them:

• Is the location ideal for you and any customers? 
• Does the community have the right ambiance and culture for you? 
• Is there sufficient space, and does it meet your needs? 
• Check the facilities – meeting rooms, kitchen, lounge areas, etc. 
• Are there good parking options and access to public transportation?

Step 4: Negotiating the lease agreement 

Once you have found the coworking space you want to move into, it is time to negotiate the agreement in place. It is essential that you ensure to protect your rights as a tenant in the coworking space. Always make sure that all terms are clearly defined in the agreement. Consider having a legally competent person review the agreement before signing.

Step 5: Pay the deposit and enter into an agreement 

After negotiating the terms in place, you will often have to pay a deposit to secure your space. Double-check one more time that you are completely satisfied with the terms of the agreement before signing. It is difficult to change the agreement once it has been entered into.

Step 6: Preparing to move into the coworking space 

Now it is time to prepare your move into the coworking space. Consider what things you need to bring and how you will organize your workspace. Possibly make a plan for your first day, and make sure to introduce yourself to the others in the community. You can find more good advice in our Checklist when you move into a coworking space.

It is also worth considering how you will organize and optimize your workspace. We have developed this guide which you can use for inspiration: The most important steps to set up your coworking space - Create an efficient and welcoming environment.

Step 7: Start your work in the coworking space 

Now it is time to start your work in the new coworking environment! Start with a positive attitude and be open to meeting and collaborating with the others in the community.

Step 8: Build good relationships in the coworking space 

It is essential to establish good relationships with both the owner of the coworking space and the other tenants. Good collaboration can pave the way for synergy, cooperation, and networking opportunities, and a generally pleasant working atmosphere.