Room size

[Lisa S]

I was wondering what people think would be the minimum square feet that a massage room could be in order to still be functional. That would mean being able to move around the table, have a rolling stool, towel warmer, etc. I saw a room that is a storefront, so location is wonderful, but I think it is too small at 10' by 7'. I am not sure if the table would fit diagnoally. I have never worked in this small of a space before and wondered if anyone else does. I would love to hear your experiences. Thanks!

 

[lunajanett]

Room size

If you don't have enough space to comfortably move around your table, have a stool & some storage in my opinion that space is to small. Don't forget you have to be able to open & close a door to get in there and that will be with your equipment in the room. A great deal depends on the type of sessions you will be doing. In other words - Active Isolated Stretching requires more room to move a client's arms & legs, to accomplish your goals vs performing basic Deep Tissue, Swedish & Reflexology...Also some tables are longer (with extensions) or extra wide for larger clients & different types of work.

If you decide to try your table in there as a test - don't forget to put the face cradle into position & perhaps have a second person to lay on the table while you attempt to move around as you would during a session. Two people, plus the equipment being in place will give you a good idea if things can be workable for you.

To me 9 x 12 to 10 x 12 would be about the smallest space that's really workable, and 12 x 12 or 12 x 14 would be even better. Ideally the space would include some type of built-in closet/storage as well! And bathroom access is crucial.

 

[nplogd00114]

Room size

It does have a small hallway where a chair and small table could be placed for someone to wait. It also has another room with a large closet and space to use for something else???, but not big enough for a massage table. Then there is a bathroom exclusive to the suite attached to that second room. It is an intriguing space and I would be next to an accupuncturist, but will the treatment room suffice???

 

[ZeFishChick]

Room size

Also, the door is a large French door which would be covered with a curtain as it is glass in the frame.

 

[Frances]

Room size

10' x 7' sounds a weence to small for me, but if you are not sure:

Ask the landlord if you can bring you table, a chair and a second person to sample the space.

Remember you will also need lowered lighting of some sort and a place for music. You can scale down the music size, if you have an ipod and a nice set of speakers.

But, you definitely want to gauge the room with a second body in it. After all, you will also be taking your interviews of clients in there, and it needs to be comfortable to the client during that process.

Is the room with the large closet next to the space? If so, would the landlord be open to doing a little remodle and knocking out a wall?

Something like this, but on a much smaller scale:

 

[KENSETH-LAMBERT]

Room size

Table and working space can change my attitude if I let it. Some out calls have been pretty bad in that respect. It seems a lot of people can't visualize what you are telling and asking over the phone. That said, I had a place that I could build 3 rooms (office, Tx room, & laundry room) any size I wanted, within reason and understanding that each additional square foot was raising the cost. I chose 12'x12' for the Tx room and office and 10'x12' for the laundry room. Been working in them for close to 3 years now and am fairly satisfied with the sizes. If I had it to do over, office and laundry room would stay the same. In the Tx room, for me to be comfortable working the ends of the table I have to position it slightly diagonally. ( I prefer 3' between the wall and the end of the table and face rest as I often kneel when working head/neck/feet ). So, optimum druthers I would have built the Tx room 10'x14', which would have dropped the square fooeforum.xxxe by 4' but working space would have differed (as would have room door positioning and opening "in" or "out".) I find sometimes I don't think quite far enough ahead or consider enough options. Kinda rambling, hope it helped you a little.

 

[tehabwa]

Room size

Just a thought - since you're talking about a large french door - would it be possible to at least remove the door - if the area outside of it is part of your entire space? Otherwise a remodel option, as Pueppi is suggesting, would certainly make the space more usable & appealing, since the location sounds great for you.

If your landlord is agreeable to opening things up you can always utilize portable walls. Just be sure to cover who is paying for what, as this also makes for a better space for another tenet down the line - so it is an improvement for the owners property as well. If you were to cover all the expense of a remodel, perhaps you could work out a break in the rent - rather than footing it all yourself. This should be a fair deal for both parties.

 

[Mirah]

Room size

I appreciate the idea of trying out the space with my table, stool and another body. I will ask the landlord about this tomorrow. I am sure he will let me do it and it will seal or break the deal. I am unable to have him knock down the open wall, as it is a load bearing wall. The French door is a problem either way. If it swings in, it will probably hit the table, if it swings out it will swing into the little, narrow hallway where clients enter the front door. I would do my intakes at a table and chairs set up in that hallway. I am still trying to figure it all out, as I have never had such a "visible from the street" opportunity and I feel it could increase my business enough to offset the extra rent expense. He wants $450 plus electricity.. ...and for this area and the size of the space, age of the space, one back of the building parking spot and other onstreet parking at least a block away (this is Minnesota...we have a hellish winter for walking anywhere), etc. it is overpriced, but location,location,location...LOL!
My other option on the back burner, is a larger space in an office building, main floor, across from a nice bathroom in a building where I had rented back in 2004. This space is only $195 a month, but again, no visibility from the street and I will be in the same boat that I always seem to be in as far as attracting new clients from people actually seeing where I am. So, on goes the research and hopefully soon a conclusion!

Thanks for all of your input! I really appreciate it.

 

[jacobandalex]

Room size

Cross-reference: http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=30620&p=181568#p181568

 

[The Tank]

Room size

10' x 7' sounds a weence to small for me...

I did some measuring, and I think it's do-able.

My room is the small one in our office: 12' 4" x 7' 10" - funny... I thought it was much longer. Must be why I can put my feet against the wall to block off of, so easily.

Husbands room (also room I used to rent out before I got married): 12' 6" x 12' 3"

Hope this helps!

 

[Erica L]

Room size

It does depend on how you set it up. Our treatment room is 12'x10'. But there are built-in cabinets along the "head wall", rendering the useable space actually more like 10.5'x10'. It works for us, but I wish Hubby would not have the table pushed so far BACK toward the foot-end. I like to spend more time on the feet than he does, but I guess I should either remember to move it forward prior to beginning my sessions, or change my routine a bit so I am not trying to move from foot #1 to foot #2 around the back-end of the table. Otherwise, the space works great, and it could be narrower if necessary. Gotta say, though--- we're LOVING the built-in cabinets (and sink)!

 

[BEAUTYTHANG7]

Room size

Well, I took my table in and set it up at an angle. It worked, but a little tight. Then the landlord suggested putting it at the other angle where there is an opening for a door. They will leave the door off and I can move out toward the hall with my stool to add a few more inches. So, it will work! There is a cute french door and I think when the room is painted and decorated, it will look really nice.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[sdbolt07]

Room size

It does have a small hallway where a chair and small table could be placed for someone to wait.

They will leave the door off and I can move out toward the hall with my stool to add a few more inches.

Do your clients have the ability to dress/undress with a closed door, or will they have to adapt to a room without a door for dressing?

If they can't have a closed door while dressing/undressing, this may not work. You may want to think about it before signing a contract. :undecided:

 

[Gregory]

Room size

I am a terrible explainer, but it will work. I am sure of it, as I will have everything blocked off or curtained off. Again, I can't explain it right, but it is a safe and secure environment. Thanks for thinking of these things that I may overlook, but I would never jeopardize my clients feeling of privacy.

I appreciate your input!