Office moves are never easy. There’s always so much to do in such a short time. Lack of planning and preparation can lead to chaos and stress in your office move. Whether you’re relocating because of growth, downsizing, or simply a change of scenery, planning ahead is critical for a successful transition to a new location.
The last thing you want is to have equipment arrive late, employees unhappy, or worse, to discover too late that key personnel have elected not to move with you. To avoid delays and get off to a positive start at your new office location, remember these moving tips for a smooth office relocation.
Start Planning Early
The best way to ensure a smooth office move is to plan well ahead. Start by creating a timeline and checklist of everything that needs to be done. This will help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps. Delegate tasks to different team members and assign deadlines for each one so that everyone knows what they need to do and when.
Choose the Perfect Site Location
Site selection is unquestionably the most critical decision you will make for an office relocation. Things like proximity to suppliers and customers, good transportation including roads, rails, airports, and public transportation, plus desirable neighborhoods with good schools and recreation for employees are all essential factors.
Much has changed, some of it permanently, in both office and manufacturing locations due to COVID-19. Most office employees have become familiar with precautions like remote work, masking, ventilation, and social distancing.
Precautions in manufacturing workplaces have gotten less publicity but are every bit as important. If yours is a manufacturing business with an integrated or separate front office, review current recommendations for the type of workspace you’re moving and prepare accordingly to protect your employees.
Purge Unused Items
Go through your office or warehouse and get rid of anything that’s been collecting dust, from old printers to furniture to packaging you never use or will never use again. This will not only save you time and money during the move, but it will also free up space in your new office.
Take Inventory Before and After the Move
Having an inventory checklist will help ensure that nothing is left behind during the move and that everything arrives safely at your new location. Include furniture, supplies, computers, desk phones, cables, and products you produce that should go with you to your new location. Make a note of everything you’ll take with you, from floor to ceiling.
Label Everything
One of the biggest mistakes people make during office moves is not labeling their boxes correctly. This can lead to a lot of wasted time trying to figure out where everything goes. Make sure you label every box, every piece of equipment, and every case of supplies with what’s inside, as well as where it should go in your new office. This will help your movers and employees get things settled much faster once they arrive.
In the days leading up to your office move, make sure everyone in your company knows their role in the relocation, even if it’s simply to pack up their own desk, label their box, and show up at your new address on a specified date. With the above moving tips for a smooth office relocation, you can ensure that your transition to your new site will be a smooth one.
