Moving offices can be an exciting development in your business. It usually means that your company has found its feet and started bringing in more success over time, resulting in the need for a larger team, more equipment and therefore a bigger and more professional office environment.
However, it can also be a stressful experience to move offices, and it’s important to know how to plan effectively so that your move is as smooth and painless as possible. Here are 10 tips for moving offices successfully.
Decide what you no longer need
An office move is a great opportunity to streamline your supplies and get rid of any office gear you no longer need. There’s no point wasting time and effort transporting items you never use, so, as is the case with any good spring clean, an office move is the perfect time to be brutal and only keep a hold of the items which are going to improve the productivity and positivity of your business environment.
Start early
Never leave an office move to the last minute. If you want to be as organised as possible, you need to get started early. Begin several weeks in advance by packing up the items you don’t use on a regular basis and getting rid of items which you don’t use at all, or which are outdated.
Mark and number your boxes
It might sound obvious, but it’s also extremely important to mark and number your boxes as a simple way of avoiding confusing at the other end. This will help you get set up in your new premises as quickly as possible.
Call your mover well in advance
If you’re using a moving company to help you move, be sure to call them at least a month or two in advance. This will give you time to shop around for prices and obtain the necessary quotes, meaning you don’t just have to agree to their terms when it comes to price and timescale.
Pack your equipment safely and efficiently
Packing up an office involves packing a lot of different equipment, including heavy furniture, electronics like printers and delicate computers. Think carefully about the way you pack up your gear, and don’t put your heavier items alongside your more fragile equipment.
Get insured
If you’re hiring a van to help you transport your equipment, opt for insurance. This will give you vital peace of mind that if something does go wrong, you won’t have to fork out huge costs in order to cover the damage.
Update your contact information early
Like when you move house, moving commercial premises means updating all your contact information and letting the relevant people know with plenty of time. With a business move however, this means updating stationary, business cards and your website as well as the usual bank, post office and creditors.
Make a checklist
A visual reminder of what you need to do is often the best way to tackle disorganisation. Write down every job that needs completing and then give them all a level of priority and a date by which you think they should be completed. This will be a huge help when you’re trying to stay on top of everything.
Be prepared for things to go wrong
Even the most thoroughly planned moves can still go wrong. Things get lost or overlooked, so try not to panic every time something goes wrong. 99% of problems can be resolved, so do one thing at a time and take any issues in your stride.
Get the finance you need
An office move can be expensive, but a commercial bridging loan from companies like Glenhawk can give you peace of mind that you have the funds in place to get it done smoothly.
