Factors to consider when moving office locations
Moving office locations can have a significant effect on businesses of all sizes, whether the intent is room to grow, creating more space for staff, or expanding your brand. Indeed, a new space is exciting—once you finally get all the boxes unpacked. Office relocations are major projects and need careful planning right from the start. It can seem overwhelming to coordinate everything but like any big endeavor it can be broken down into a series of simple tasks.
Planning
Planning is the key ingredient in a successful move. Take advantage of documents, spreadsheets and office moving checklists to make your life easier. Include every task that needs to be completed, no matter how small, as well as the people, teams and applicable vendors responsible for each of them.
This approach keeps tasks separate into more manageable chunks. Use planning documents as a road map for the move and collaborate with everyone involved to ensure a seamless transition.
Timing
Plan the timing of your move very carefully. If you have flexibility with moving dates, avoid moving at your company’s busiest time of year. Keep in mind that business still has to carry on during the moving process.
Establish a deadline. Having deadlines in place will help you get everything done more efficiently and defend against putting things off until the next day. Deadlines can also be great motivators.
Find the right space
If you are relocating your entire business, it is critical to ensure the new site have plenty of space to comfortably accommodate all employees and visiting clients. Your staff needs space to work, along with easy access to peripherals like printers and servers.
A new office already furnished of course goes a long way in reducing stress; it’s one less thing to worry about if you don’t have to go shopping for desks and chairs and coffee machines. In fact, move-in-ready locations are often at the top of the list for many companies. However, be sure the new space is in good condition, with functional equipment and layout.
Internet and related communications
Reliable internet access and connectivity is critical for any business. Research available options in the area and ensure everything is “on” for move-in day. All other communications details should also be ready to go, including landline phones and a sufficient electrical grid. Everything should be installed and tested no less than a week prior to moving in.
With all of this in place, your team can settle in and do great things.