Businesses relocate for various reasons, ranging from increased customer traffic and improved growth opportunities to simply needing more space. However, moving a company is time-consuming and disruptive. That’s why businesses making a corporate move must have a relocation plan.
Here are five helpful office moving strategies for relocating your office.
1. Create a Timeline
The first step in the moving process is to create a timeline. Be realistic about how much time you will need to prepare for the move.
Small businesses usually need at least three to six months to accomplish a move. Medium to large-sized companies will often need at least six months to a year to plan a move.
It’s helpful to create a multiple week timeline of expectations. Include the following to-dos on your timeline:
- Create a detailed budget
- Select a professional corporate moving company
- Develop an inventory list of all furniture and equipment
- Notify vendors and customers about your address change and new contact information
- Contact service providers for electricity, gas, phone, and waste management to notify them of your move and arrange the connection, installation, or disconnection of service
- Schedule mail forwarding
- Order new stationery, marketing material, and business cards with the new business information
2. Assign a Team to the Move
A successful corporate move depends on the cooperation of the employees.
Choose a person to be the in-office move coordinator responsible for all moving-related issues. Then, designate people as team leaders from other departments to check-in with this coordinator to give progress reports. Department heads and managers, for example, could be team leaders who make sure each employee is responsible for packing up their desks and personal items.
The team leaders could:
- Delegate responsibilities
- Make sure their team meets deadlines
- Confirm moving tasks are completed
- Communicate challenges to other team leaders
The moving team could also assist in identifying issues with the current office space and work to find solutions for the new office. This allows employees the chance to provide input and gives them some ownership in the move.
3. Coordinate Moving Day Itinerary
Prepare for moving day by planning every element. Make sure that everyone on your move team is informed and knows what will happen.
Schedule a meeting one month before the move as well as each week leading up to it.
If your business will stay open on moving day, determine who will be working. Can they work remotely? Or should you schedule them to move into the new office a few days before everyone else?
4. Use Open Communication
Remember to use open communication during a move. Express expectations to employees and team members to make sure everyone is one the same page. Provide support channels and give an accurate impression of what’s ahead.
Allow plenty of time for any relocating employees to prepare!
5. Hire Movers
Experienced movers will help you create a detailed moving plan and lessen stress and hassle on employees. Professional office movers know your office equipment is vital to your business and will handle your things with care.
They are appropriately insured and licensed so you can rest assured. With a professional moving service, you and your employees can focus on what matters most: your business. Avoid disruptions and missing office time with hired movers.
Business Moving
Businesses have enough to think about; don’t let business moving plans be one of those worries. Get ahead of the game and make relocating your office a pleasant experience for everyone involved.
What are you waiting for? Your new office awaits!
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