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You’re building a new Residence Hall or Apartment Complex. Great! Unfortunately, that means you won’t have a permanent office space until the project is near completion. No problem, a trailer can be a perfect home for the next year or so and in some ways may be better than your permanent office. There are things that one might never think to prepare for before working in a Leasing Trailer. Here’s a list of things that you should at least consider before entering into your new leasing trailer office.
- Find the right internet/phone provider: We chose Verizon’s Wi-Fi and Voice Plan. We have a “landline” where prospective students and parents can call and we have internet that our copier/printer can connect to for easy access. Since having and actual landline in your trailer might not be possible, this is a good solution. Keep in mind that since everything is wireless, there may be times when internet runs slower or the signal may drop.
- Everything can change: This is very true and can happen on a day to day basis. Everything from furniture to the flooring can be restructured at any time. It’s very important to be flexible and be prepared for anything.
- Using the Restroom: Don’t worry, you won’t need to go outside to the Port a potty. There is a bathroom, but just be warned that there will be a loud sound when you flush. It’s normal; it’s just the water from the tank refilling the toilet.
- Water source: Water is not as free flowing as in a regular office so it’s a good idea to bring your own bottled water from home. There is water to wash your hands, but keep in mind this water comes from the same tank that refills your toilet when you flush. You may not wish to use that as a drinking source, so bringing your own is the best option.
- Leaks: Seeing as you are in a temporary space, there may be times when there may be a leak during a rain storm. It’s handy to have some towels around until this can be addressed. Just in case.
- Your coworkers are closer than you think: Sure, you may be used to working in a small office, but in a leasing trailer where the walls are extra thin, things might seem especially close. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but something to keep in mind.
- Trash removal: In a traditional office setting, usually trash is dumped with the rest of the building so this may be overlooked. It’s a great idea to work with the construction site to either have your trash dumped, or have a designated area where you can dispose of it.
- Receiving Mail: Do you have an address? Does the post office know of this address? Does the mail carrier know of this address? If the answer is “no” to any of the above questions, you may not receive mail. Until this is sorted our properly, you may choose to create a P.O. Box.
- Mistaken identity: Due to your location and the fact that you’re in a trailer, prospective students to the college or visitors to the college may mistake you for the “Information Center”. Have a stack of campus maps on hand so you can help direct them to where they wish to go. It’s also a good idea to know where the visitor parking lots are located.
- Patience: This should go without saying, but this is probably the most important. Due to the constant changes and unexpected incidents with new construction, having patience is probably the best thing you can bring to work each day!
