Moving is always a challenge, but moving an office can be particularly complex. As hard as it can be to move your possessions from one space to another, you don’t have to worry about things like avoiding business downtime and communicating your move to customers.
Office moves require careful planning and smart execution to avoid unwanted consequences. Here are some tips for your upcoming office relocation.
Moving Your Office – Things to Keep in Mind
Your company may have a small office with only a few employees or a whole building with hundreds of employees. Whatever the size of your operation, there are some key considerations you need to keep in mind when moving from one location to another.
1. Plan far ahead and plan thoroughly.
You can hire a moving company to help pack up your office and move it from place to place. But the moving company is only capable of handling the actual move. They can’t ensure that there is minimal disruption to your business. That’s up to you – which is why proper planning is so important.
Your company probably already has systems in place to plan and execute projects. Usually, the easiest way to plan your move is to use the same systems you use for other projects. For example, if you use project management tools to keep your teams in sync and operating efficiently, you can use the same tools for your move.
2. Get the timing right.
If you have flexibility on your moving date, try to find a time when it will be easiest to move your business. For example, if you have a slow season, it would make sense to move then.
3. Know what your lease requires.
Your lease is a legally binding agreement, so you want to be sure that you adhere to that agreement. Review your lease carefully for details that concern you, such as early termination clauses, end dates, deposits, fees, and so on.
4. Pay attention to service end dates and start-up dates, such as utilities.
The last thing you want is to get everyone to the new office and discover that your internet isn’t connected yet. You also don’t want to pay for services you aren’t using at your old location. Identify all of the services you need to stop at your old location and start at your new location. Try to schedule stop dates and start dates to minimize disruptions to your operation.
5. Notify all necessary parties of your move.
Depending on your business, it may be important that your customers know that you are moving offices. If so, get the word out early and remember to tell them again after the move is completed.
6. Hire a moving company that is experienced with office moves.
It is important to hire movers that know what they are doing, especially when your business is concerned. Some movers only do residential moves. Others do commercial moves, but only certain types of commercial moves. Look for a moving company that has moved offices and can give you references proving their competency.
Let Us Help With Your Office Move
Our moving team appreciates how important it is that your office move is done right. If you are planning to move your office, please contact us. We can help you with the planning process and we will make certain that you get the quality service you deserve.