Have you outgrown your office? Did you decide that it’s time to move?
Relocating a business might seem like an impossible task, but it gets a lot easier once you know where to begin?
In this article, we will walk you through the most important things to consider when planning a business move.
Are you ready to make it happen? Let’s get started.
1. Plan & Create a Timeline
Nothing will complicate a business move more than poor planning. When it’s time to relocate your business, it’s important to have a well thought out plan as early as possible.
The earlier you begin the process of getting the pieces in motion, the more successful your move will be.
Begin looking at spaces as soon as possible, so that you don’t run out of options for office spaces as the moving date approaches. Having a general idea of what you’re looking for will speed up the process.
Small businesses usually need about three months to execute a move. Whereas medium size and large businesses often need six to eight months to make a move happen.
2. Pick The Team In Charge of the Move
Once you’ve done the general planning and decided on a new space, you will need to decide who will be the people responsible for making the in-office task happen.
Pick a person who will be the go-to for all moving related issues. Also, designate people from other departments who will report to this person to give progress reports.
The team leaders will be in charge of making sure:
- Their team meets set deadlines
- They complete the moving tasks
- Delegate responsibilities
- Communicate issues to the other team leaders
3. Decide on a Budget
Relocating your business will not come cheap. Establishing a budget will prevent you from any unnecessary overspending.
If it’s not in your budget, you probably won’t be moving to a space that needs a lot of remodeling.
You will also need to accommodate for professional movers, packers, and cleaners. Additionally, if you move to a bigger office space, you will need to order more equipment or upgrade what you have.
Is the move significant enough that you will need to pay for employee relocation?
All the little things can add up and put a dent in your budget.
4. Communicate With The Team
It’s important for the team to be informed and hear things from upper management as well as team leaders.
Make sure you hold meetings with the entire team to explain the process and the timeline.
During the initial meeting, introduce the team leaders and ensure that everyone knows what their role will be.
Hold a couple more meetings half-way and before the end of the process to make sure everyone is on the same page. This will help you to solve any issues that might arise.
5. Decide Layout of New Office
This is the most exciting part about moving offices. You will get to decide the layout and design of the new office space.
You will need to get blueprints and floor plans so you can designate offices, common areas, equipment rooms, and working spaces.
It will also make it easier for the movers to know where to place things, which will minimize any confusion on moving day.
6. Inventory Your Equipment
This is an extremely necessary step. To know what you’ll be taking to the new location, you need to know how much equipment you currently own.
Taking a detailed inventory will help you determine which equipment will be making the move. If you have
equipment that is old and outdated, depending on your budget, you have the option of upgrading and possibly
recycling.
7. Notify Your Service Providers
When you’re a business, you have a few more services to notify than during a residential move.
Create a list of all of your current service providers and keep a spreadsheet, so that it’s easier to keep track of which ones you have already contacted.
If you plan on switching providers based on the area where you’re moving, then you should begin contacting prospective providers and comparing prices.
Make sure you provide them with the exact moving dates, so you’re not stuck without service before or after the business move.
8. Make a Customer Contact List
Notify your customers and clients all in advance of your move to let them know of your plans, and the address of your new location.
Let them know via Letter, postcard, and email where your new office will be located and the effective date.
Make sure you include any other important information such as directions to your new space or possible phone number change. We recommend sending several reminders.
9. Contact Moving Companies
This one goes without saying, but you need to contact professional movers. Make sure you do this early on to ensure that the company choose can accommodate you and your timeframe.
Make sure you pick a company that specializes in business moves, and that has the necessary resources and equipment to get the job done.
10. Move IT First
Once the big day arrives, you’ll be tempted to have all of the furniture and other stuff moved before all of your technology.
Well, it’s always a good idea to move all of your IT first. This includes telephone systems, routers, printers, and computers.
You’ll want to make sure that these items are installed early on in the moving process to make sure that all the
glitches are fixed before you are operational in the new location.
Plan for a Successful Business Move
Planning a business move can be stressful, but with the right moving company, it can be a lot easier than you might think.
The key to a successful move is a well thought out strategy. So, it’s best to plan early, create a timeline, designate team leads, communicate with your clients and customers.]
Are you ready to make the move? Contact us and let Oler Relo take care of all the heavy lifting for you.
