It is just as much a challenge to move to a new office space as it is moving to a new home. You have large, bulky furniture, hard-to-pack electronics, and numerous bits and pieces to pack up from various rooms. On top of that, there is generally not a whole lot of time to get it all sorted because most businesses can’t afford to completely shut down for a week to get it all done.
Whatever the size of your office, relocation is hard work. If you are in the process of moving, here are some tips to help the process go smoothly.
Start Planning for Your Move as Early as Possible
When it comes to moving to a new office space, there is no such thing as winging it. You have to start the planning process as early as possible, working out who is responsible for what. If you don’t, you will end up running around at the very last minute, throwing things into boxes that you will never be able to find.
Make Sure You Have Building Rules in Place
If you share premises with other organizations, you need to know their rules before you start moving so you don’t end up making enemies on the first day. If it is your own premises, lay down expectations and guidelines for the keyless entry system, parking spaces, smoking areas, and so on. The last thing you want to be doing is dealing with the chaos on moving day.
Label All of Your Boxes Carefully
Labeling your boxes carefully and accurately is vital when moving work space. You will potentially be doing it while still trying to operate as normally as possible. Labeling every single box means you know exactly where that printer toner cartridge is or the photocopier paper is when you need it. If you are feeling particularly efficient. label every box with a number and keep a corresponding spreadsheet that lists each box and its number and contents. it takes more time in the beginning but makes things much easier at the other end.
Make Sure You Let Everyone Know Your New Address
As soon as you know your new business address, you need to start letting people know. In particular, make sure your suppliers and clients are aware of your new address and the date you are moving. Don’t forget to put in orders for new business cards, letterheads, stamps, and so on – you don’t want to be without them for too long.
Make Sure Everything Fits
While you might want to take absolutely everything with you, make sure that everything fits. As soon as you have confirmed your move, measure the dimensions, and measure up your furniture and appliances – tables, desks, fridges, and anything else that takes up a lot of space. Hopefully, your new premises will accommodate all of your existing furniture and tech, but if it doesn’t, it is much better to know beforehand rather than on moving day.
