Taking the leap to move your office base can be a hard decision.
A place where you and your colleagues have been awake in for longer periods of the day than you are likely to at home, it’s more than just a few walls, which – along with all the business reasons – is why it’s important to get it right. Here are some common mistakes that people make when approaching an office move, and how to avoid them.
- Don’t fail to plan…
“By Failing to plan, you are planning to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin. Poor planning can hold back any project and moving is no different. To make the process as seamless as possible, it’s worth arranging your equipment – and staff – by who is need where and when. What is the first bit of machinery you will need at your new place? Is it your IT servers? Your computers? Then they need to be the first things that are unpacked and some of the first people in the new premises, ready to set up. Are you taking all of your old furniture with you or will you be building and bringing in new desks? Your operations team will be at the heart of your move, and ensure that those computers have a place to go when they are being set up. Make sure that you assign everyone roles and give a clear outline of how you would like things to progress.
- Don’t leave your staff guessing
Because we spend so much time at work, people can be naturally proprietary about their space. You may find that some people resist the change, especially if they have been with you for a long time, so it’s helpful to involve them in the process. Share as much information with them as you can about the location of their new office, what’s around it and different routes to get there. Show people floorplans of the new space and let them know where they should expect to sit. It will give them a chance to get their head around things before the day – brining them with you physically and mentally.
- Don’t budget down
Yes, the money part. While the ultimate aim is to make the move as seamless and cost-efficient as possible, if we are making allowances for failure in logistics, we must allow a contingency budget. The worst thing is when people set unrealistic budgets, cutting corners, without cutting expectations. Always allow a contingency for if things don’t go to plan.
Along with planning your people and property, it’s also worth researching and gaining quotes from multiple providers of services that can help you to move, like removal companies. Remember that there are several things that you will be looking for – not just price and availability, but insurances, reputation and reviews.
- Don’t forget why you’re moving
In amongst all the stress and plans, it can be hard to remember why this is a positive move for you and your business right now. Take a moment. The new place might not be your forever office, but it’s the place that you have chosen to take your business forward to. Keep your goals and the positives in sight.
We wish you all the best with your office move. If you would like a hand, we offer a range of specialist office removal services, with full insurance and a whole range of testimonials to share.