Setting Up Your New Office Space When Relocating Your Business

The key to setting up your new office space efficiently on moving day is to plan the move and space carefully ahead of time. Here are some tips:

Budget

The first step in setting up your office space is establishing a budget, as with all business projects. When budgeting, consider not just the cost of designing the space and buying equipment and furnishings. Weigh those costs against the cost of lost productivity due to a less than optimal space. Or perhaps downtime from equipment that doesn’t work or maybe a system that has crashed.

Consider How Much Space You Need

Depending upon your business, you’ll typically need between 150 to 300 square feet per employee. This includes common areas such as the break room.

You’ll also want to plan for growth. Allowing some space for each employee to personalize their workspace will positively affect their mood and performance. If you have remote employees, remember to plan a space for them when they come into the office.

Consider Your Team in the Design

Some teams, such as creatives, work better in more open designs where collaboration is more manageable. Others, such as the finance department, tend to perform better in a closed-plan layout. Collaborate with your team to decide which will work best for your team and its working style.

Once you’ve decided whether you want a closed or open plan, determine the exact floor plan. In advance, determine where you’ll place critical items.

Moving is a great time to modernize office furniture and equipment. Be sure to measure carefully so that your furnishings fit the design.

Plan Cabling and Wiring

Once you’ve decided where to place furniture, work with the tech department on setting cables and wires. IT professionals working with designers and builders will make this process more efficient. Asking a mover specializing in electronics to move them, rather than having employees bring their own computers, will ensure a smooth transition.

Plan Space for Visitors

Consider what type of waiting area will work best for your business. Do you need a reception desk in the waiting area, for example? Do you need electronics? And, will people spend enough time waiting to require magazines and refreshments?

The waiting area is typically the first place visitors see, so you’ll want it to be attractive. If carriers deliver packages to the reception desk, you’ll need storage space to keep these packages out of sight.

Consider Lighting Needs Carefully

Proper lighting is essential for employees to accomplish their tasks efficiently. A study published in Ergonomics Magazine shows that lighting also impacts mood. If the lighting is too dark or too bright, the mood declines.

Consider Color

Color also affects mood and productivity. Studies show that specific colors have different effects; the best color for each office will vary. Red may boost productivity for those in physically demanding jobs, while blue may boost productivity for tasks that require mental focus. Yellow may get ideas flowing and bring optimism, while green is calming.

Office Movers

We can help you with your corporate relocation. From files to foundry equipment — we move it all! We provide accurate estimates, scheduling flexibility, weekend moving options, comprehensive planning, and more. Contact us today for a quote.

6 Helpful Things to Do Before Your Movers Arrive

Moving is a lot of work and takes significant planning. Preparing before the movers arrive helps the move go smoothly, ensures that the movers relocate your possessions correctly, and leads to an overall safer move for all involved. Here are six essential things movers want their customers to know.

1. Fully Pack Belongings Before Movers Arrive

Be packed and ready to go when the movers arrive unless you have prearranged a full-service move that includes packing. This way, the movers can simply load the boxes and furniture on the truck and get everything transported quickly. Depending on how the contract is structured, delaying packing can end up costing more money.

2. Label Boxes By Room

Before the movers arrive, label each box clearly with the room it’ll eventually go in at your new home. It helps the movers load efficiently and ensures that the boxes end up where they are supposed to be, alleviating stress for both the mover and the customer.

3. Be Accessible

With their level of experience, professional movers know what they need to do, and it’s best to give them space to do their job. It’s essential to remain accessible during the moving process, though. Stay nearby or be available by phone or text to answer questions or clarify details about your move. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures a smooth relocation.

Pro Tip: To prevent injury and disruption, make arrangements for small children and pets to be taken care of at someone else’s home. Or set up a safe room at your home where they can remain supervised throughout the day. 

4. Remove Possessions From Furniture

Consult with your movers about removing your belongings from furniture, including desks, dressers, armoires, and other already bulky items, before packing. Some movers prefer that you clear these areas out to prevent unsafe moving conditions and avoid breakage, damage, or injury.

5. Preplan for Parking and Other Logistics

People who live in townhouses, apartments, cities, or other communities with limited parking should determine in advance where the truck can park and how far away it’ll be. Additionally, it’s helpful to find out about any time limits for parking or special permits.

Also, let the mover know about any other logistics they’ll need to plan for. This includes long carries, winding staircases, multiple floors, tight entryways, and pinpointing other areas that might require special handling or planning for moving large or bulky items.

6. Plan for ‘Non-Allowable” Items

Movers are not allowed to transport certain household items on moving trucks. For instance, every moving company has a list of materials it isn’t allowed to move. Typically, movers cannot transport hazardous materials, perishable foods, plants, and pets on a moving truck. Ask your mover ahead of time for their list of non-allowable items so that you can make alternate moving plans or discard these items.

Moving Help

Looking for an estimate, information, or have questions about planning an upcoming move? Contact us today; we’re happy to help.