When it’s time for your company to move to a new space, the to-do list can feel endless. Whether you’re moving to a bigger space, downsizing, going through business relocation, or simply upgrading your office space, moving offices has a major impact on your employees.
To keep this process as seamless and organized as possible, use this handy set of questions to help when planning an office move. When you know these answers, you’re ready to move!
Where Are You Going?
Your new office space needs to meet the needs that your current space meets, as well as those it does not. Are your employees frustrated with the current lack of natural light? Your new location needs to have bigger windows. Do you have consistent connectivity issues? Your new location needs to have adequate internet connectivity.
Make sure your new location aids with business growth, attracts new clients, improves productivity and employee morale, and attracts new employees to further grow your business.
Do You Have a Project Task Checklist?
When moving offices, you need a foolproof plan in place. This prevents business issues, avoids frustrating customers and employees, and protects your bottom line. With early strategizing and planning, you can keep everything running smoothly.
Your checklist should include:
- Appoint an office move manager
- Allow adequate time to plan the move
- Outline and establish priorities
- Outline budget criteria
- Allow adequate time to settle into the new space
What Is Your Moving Schedule?
Your moving schedule includes time for planning, renovating if necessary, taking inventory, packing, moving furniture, completing administrative tasks associated with moving, and settling into the new space. Typically, the planning process should begin around 6-18 months before you move into your new space. At least a year is preferred, but you can manage to move in less time if you do a lot of planning.
Begin packing, decluttering, and physically preparing for the move around 3-6 months before your move-in date. Pack your rarely used items first, then the items that are nice to have but not essential.
While you began packing, contact a removals company and schedule the moving of your furniture and appliances. Phone your internet provider and the postal service to inform them of your approaching change of address.
A week before moving into your new space, hire a professional cleaning company to deep clean the new office. The day before the move, pack the absolute necessities.
How Much Will the Move Cost?
Moving offices is a costly process, but can be incredibly lucrative for your business. When budgeting for your office move, it’s important to be aware of hidden costs that can add up. Doing this allows your relocation project manager to outline a realistic budget and help the company stick to it.
Here are some typical moving expenses to be aware of:
- Rent, rent reviews, VAT, and deposits
- Dilapidation and contract break fees for the old building
- Administrative and agency fees, insurance fees, and service charges
- Security, refurbishment, and commercial removal company costs
- Connectivity and communications provider fees
- Storage fees
- Utilities
Make Planning an Office Move Easy
Office relocation doesn’t have to be painful. Planning an office move is easy when you know what needs to be done, and when. With some planning and organization, you can have a seamless transition into your new space.
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