You’re in a distant city. You need somewhere to work. I’ve been going on and on about co-working spaces, so you decide to check one out.

In an instant, you need to decide whether the space you’ve just entered is the right one for you. Will you be more productive here, or are you better off in a coffee shop?

Your assessment needs to be quick. After all, this isn’t a major life decision. You’re going to use this space for a day, a week, or a month. You can’t afford to visit five spaces, compare and contrast, and then decide. You’ve got to scan your surroundings, determine whether you’re staying quickly, and get to work immediately.

The first thing I assess—and I do it without even thinking—is the friendliness/helpfulness of the staff. How did it go when I walked in and up to the front desk? Was I greeted warmly or ignored? The staff make a huge difference and influence the way you feel about a space. That affects your productivity. I’ll reject a place immediately if I don’t feel welcome. I don’t want to have an awkward interaction every time I need help finding the bathroom or the coffee.

Here are the key things I look for immediately as I make my quick decision. You should be able to immediately assess the situation with these factors and make a go/no-go decision.

The Light/Feel

Does the place feel right for you? I look for perky. You might look for quiet or serious. We all have our own standards. Does this place feel like it’s a good fit at first glance? Do you get energized or irritated when you walk into the room?

The Temperature

Maybe I’m a princess, but I can’t get anything done if I’m too hot or too cold. Check out the temperature upon arrival and make sure it’s in your comfort zone. Air conditioning is not universal, so be sure to visit the place during the hottest part of the day if you’re worried about the place being cool enough. Heat hasn’t ever been an issue for me, but you can’t count on A/C in every city you visit.

The Hours

I like to get in and get started early. If the place doesn’t open until 9 AM, I might as well find an alternative. I’ve consistently been able to get in early, even in places that open late, by asking for early access. Sometimes there’s a fee for providing a key. It’s worth the extra for me, and it’s a deal breaker for me if I can’t arrive early.

The Desk/Chair

Look at where you’ll be sitting. Get specific as you scan the space. Spot the chair you’d like to sit in and judge it. Does it look comfortable? Is it adjustable? Does it have a decent desktop you can use? Don’t look at the room in totality: zero in on the chair you intend to sit in. Go sit down in it and see how it feels.

The Noise

Some of these places are quiet. Some are chatty and noisy. Personally, I don’t mind some noise, and I like the background sounds. Listen as you inspect and see whether the noise level is going to work for you. Personally, I’m a big fan of earbuds, but that doesn’t work for everyone.

The Movement

Are there people standing around, milling about, and gesticulating wildly? Is that going to distract you and throw you off your game? Is the layout such that you’re going to feel like you’re in a subway tunnel, or will you be able to face a wall if that’s your preference? We each have different agendas, and this is your chance to determine whether this space meets your needs.

Beverages

Each of these places handles beverages differently. Some include coffee, tea, and water. Some have other items for an extra charge. One place I used had great cookies—for free. Another place offered a free breakfast on Thursdays. Find out what’s included and what’s not. The price of using the space is likely offset significantly when you consider what you’d have spent to work in a coffee shop, so it’s an important decision-making factor.

Bathrooms

I usually ask to visit the bathroom immediately upon arrival. Bathrooms are revealing. Is it clean? Dirty? Is there toilet paper? You can tell a lot about a place by the state of the bathroom. Is it locked? I really don’t want to work somewhere if I have to go ask for a key every time I need to pee (which is not infrequent). I want the bathroom clean and accessible.

Phone Booths

Most co-working spaces have a room or space designated for phone/Skype calls. Of course, you can always walk outside if you need to, but it’s nice to have a designated space if you need to make a confidential or quiet call. Look carefully at the booth. Does it have a chair? A counter for your laptop? A power outlet?

The Price

I mention the price last because it’s not that important if you’re doing productive work. I know lawyers who freak out about paying $40 a day for a desk when they’re billing $2,000 in that work period. It’s irrational. The price is trivial, and it’s usually insignificant when compared to the value of the work. I’ve paid as little as $3 per day and as much as $55. The key is finding a place where you can get your work done. You won’t worry about the price if you’re being productive.

You need to be able to glance around, while chatting with the representative, and decide. This isn’t a lifetime decision. Go in expecting to make some compromises. Be prepared to prioritize your needs so you can quickly get to work. Keep my list in mind, factor in your own special needs, evaluate the space, and get to work.