The office transfer decision is never a simple task. Long-distance relocation can be expensive and interrupt business operations. So, why do business owners seek to transfer their operations?
The majority of firms relocate to expand and grow. As the current facility is not large enough to suit the needs. Our company is striving in the market and it is vital to relocate it to a different place to stay nearer to prospects, clients, or potential employees.
Relocating your headquarters can be a tedious task unless you know how to make it hassle-free. The key to a successful office move is to plan the process from start to finish. If you are unsure of which task to begin first? Then this article can help you out:
Here are some simple tips for businesses for a stress-free move.
- P for Preparation, but in Advance:
Start planning your move four to six months in advance, or else you will get overburdened. Once you have determined that you will be moving into a new workplace, have a look around and plan out the layout, including where everything and everyone will go. This will allow you to plot out your new equipment requirements. It provides the staff with an opportunity to plan for their new workspace.
- Rent a Mover’s Company Before Relocation:
Corporate office relocation requires a lot of equipment and attention to detail. It is best to acquire a detailed estimate and employ a full-service moving company at least one to three months in advance. Check to see if they have worked on a commercial relocation before. You can get a recommendation from others who have moved offices before. Call an experienced and professional moving company who can help with office relocation in London or nationwide.
- List your IT needs:
While relocating the office, give your IT department three months’ notice to begin organising the transfer of all technical items, like equipment, internet plans, and phone lines. They will have to assess the new facility to see whether any upgrades need to be made, either to the infrastructure or the equipment. You can get IT services or photocopier relocation from the mover’s company.
- Do not need to bring Everything:
Get rid of old files that are no longer relevant, old furniture, outdated cell phones, and other items that you will no longer require. This will make the transition go more smoothly. Any donation you make is used as a tax deduction. Talk to your accountant about what kind of paper trail you will need to keep track of as you purge.
- Update your new address:
Update your website, business cards, letterhead, and other publicity materials about one week before the transfer. Also, let your clients know you are moving. Contact Google a month ahead of time to have your online listing and address changed. The change may take a little longer to take effect because they need to provide confirmation papers.
- Schedule deadlines and client meetings as soon as possible:
Allow yourself and your workers at least three days of buffer time around the office move, with no client meetings or big deadlines. Nobody enjoys frantically looking for a clean space to hold a meeting. Having a report due the same day as your desk is getting unpacked is stressful.
- Get your employees involved:
Make sure to involve your staff in the relocation process from the start. Encourage the staff members to start, sorting through their desks weeks or months before the transfer.
When employees are packing their things and supplies, have them write their names on the exterior of the box in several locations so that the movers can arrange them in the proper area according to the layout chart you created.
- Use colour codes or labels for the boxes and furniture:
Many people have found that colour-coding works well, and your moving company may even supply labels for you to use to keep things organised on the other end of your move. Ensure that your personnel are aware of how the system operates.
Write employees’ names on numerous sides of their boxes so that they can be stacked together at the new location. If you have your new office layout prepared, movers can even place employee boxes at the proper workstation. For faster setup, desks, filing cabinets, and other employee-specific furniture can be labelled with the employee’s name.
Winding-Up
A well-thought-out project plan could be the key to keeping your office relocation on track. You need to notify all your current service providers about your relocation, such as telephone or data providers, subscription services, postal services, relevant governmental departments, etc. Also, inform your customers and clients about the move in advance, so they can expect any possible delay in communications or services.
