Tips for a Successful Office Relocation

Moving to a new office is as challenging for businesses as moving to a new home is for families. The process is labor intensive because you move bulky furniture, sensitive documents, and delicate electronics at a designated time. On the other hand, you must ensure business continuity as operations need to continue with minimal interruptions. However, moving can be easier with the right preparation. Below are some useful tips to help streamline the moving process.

Plan for the Relocation

Commercial relocation requires that the business prepares and plans in detail. While some moves may take months of preparation, others are more complex and may take years. Whatever your case, decide on a date and timeframe and devise a schedule.

List all vital activities that will ensure a successful move. For example, decide which items you need to eliminate and which ones you will keep in your office. A good way to dispose of furniture would be to donate furniture. Many charities will accept your old furniture, but you have to coordinate early enough with them to ensure successful pickup.

Review Your Lease and Make a Decommissioning Plan

Your lease has details on issues such as deposits, handing over of keys, and property damage that you need to look into before you decide to relocate. You need to review your lease to understand your responsibilities towards the landlord as you move out. For example, you may need to repair broken lights or repaint the office before your relocation.

Then, establish a decommissioning plan based on the lease to help you restore the office to its original condition. Some of the things you may need to do include removing any electrical installations and cables, office logos and signs, and furniture.

Visit the Location and Communicate With Your Employees

Ideally, you should visit the new office location before you move in. Look at the layout and use a floor plan to help you understand the office's layout and structure. Floor plans are crucial, especially if the move will create a comprehensive change to your office space, and your staff will have to work in new ways from what they are used to.

Keep employees up-to-date with the moving schedule and plan. Let them know of the new address, any changes in fax or phone numbers, the rules of the new building, and your packing arrangements. Also, let them weigh in on the suggested floor plan designs and help you assess privacy and mobility in the new environment.  

Plan Your IT Relocation

Moving files and hardware could be challenging as you may lose important documents and encounter hardware damage. Therefore, when moving, you should back your data up to prevent breaches and loss.

Additionally, audit your IT infrastructure and determine what needs to be used in the new office and what is obsolete and should be donated or disposed of. Ensure you have a plan to help assemble your infrastructure at your destination. Plan for network issues and downtime as you settle into the new environment.

Hire Office Movers

Your team may be willing to help you with the move, but they are usually not equipped for the job. A professional moving company is equipped with trucks, boxes, a moving crew, and liquidation services to help you move your office seamlessly across locations.

Ensure that the company you choose for your move is reliable, flexible, and cost-effective. Ask other businesses to recommend a mover or do some research online and read the reviews to choose the right company.

Here at Superior Economy Moving, we offer professional packing and moving services. We have worked with businesses and understand the complexities of office relocations. Reach out to us today for guidance.