Office moving is a big undertaking, and one that will require careful planning to minimize disruptions and stress. While some companies choose to handle the entire move themselves, most prefer to enlist the services of an experienced company that can manage every step of the process.
The first step is to create a budget that includes the moving costs, such as movers, office furniture, and supplies. This will help you make decisions that will save you money in the long run.
Discontinue or transfer any current vendors that service your old office, such as janitorial services, landscaping, security, and cleaning. This will save you time and money as well as help avoid surprises or delays in setting up your new office.
Review your company’s existing equipment and furniture to determine which pieces must come with the new space and which ones can be left behind. This may include office chairs, desks, and file cabinets. It may also include special-item equipment, such as computer monitors, printers, and scanners.
Once you know what you have to bring, it’s time to start packing. Use a checklist to keep track of what has to be packed, how it will be moved, and how it should be labeled and inventoried. This will help you get everything done on time and with little to no hassle.
Set up a move schedule with your employees office moving and movers (if needed) to ensure that everyone knows their tasks and deadlines. Communicate when phones will be disconnected and when desks need to be cleared, for example. This will help your employees avoid getting distracted and forgetting their responsibilities during the move.
Establish a moving committee with members from different departments to coordinate the entire move, including the moving company and employees who will be helping pack, haul and unpack items. This committee will ensure that everything is on track for the big day, which can be a stressful time for everyone involved.
Consider forming a change-of-address list so that everyone is aware of the move, and update any subscriptions or mailing listings to match your new address. This will help clients and customers find you in the new location if they need to reach you.
Assign a team member to manage the entire move, such as an administrator or project manager. This person should be responsible and detail-oriented, have an ability to take initiative, and be able to prioritize the move over their other duties.
Notify your local partners, affiliates, and suppliers about the move so that they are prepared to work with you. This is especially important if any of these partners or suppliers are located in the new location.
It’s a good idea to send your clients and customers a postcard or email that explains the move. This will give them plenty of notice and encourage them to check your new address for future communication.
In the months leading up to your move, it’s a good idea to communicate with local partners, affiliates, and suppliers so that they are prepared to work with you. They may be able to recommend services and products that would be useful for your new location, or they might be able to refer you to other businesses that will be easier for them to reach.