As a result of COVID-19, small business revenue suffered and many businesses closed their doors. Others went remote or are looking into downsizing offices. Relocating a business isn’t the same as moving your personal home. There are things you should do before making the move. Is your office preparing for a move? Keep reading for six ways to prepare for an office move.
1. The Move Before the Move
Much of your move is preparation work you’ll do before the actual move. If possible, leave yourself six months for preparation.
Define your needs for a new office. Do you need more space so your employees have the proper social distance? Once you’ve made the decision, find your new space, and create a timeline for the move.
2. Be Clear About Your Needs
Will you be taking all the furniture with you or does the furniture come with the new office? If you’re moving all the office furniture, you’ll need a full-service moving company.
Plan the ideal layout for your new office so you’ll know what type of office suits your company best.
3. Create a Moving Team
Moving is stressful whether you’re moving your home or it’s an office move. Don’t put the burden on only yourself or a few employees. Get a team of employees involved and give them each a responsibility.
4. Do an Inventory and Hire Movers
Do an inventory so you’ll know how much you’re moving. Some important things to remember:
- IT systems
- Equipment, including machinery such as copiers
- Media hardware
- Desks
- Chairs
- Screen dividers/cubes
- Signage
- Kitchen items
Once you’ve cleared out donation items and identified what won’t be coming along on the move, it’s time for some moving quotes. Check with several companies so you get a competitive rate.
Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some movers may offer specific services in their quote that others don’t.
Decide what services are “must-haves” and ask each company for their rate. There are many moving companies in London Ontario from which to choose. Go with the one that fits your company the best.
Once you’ve got the moving company and date, it’s time for the next step.
5. Announce the Office Move
A few months before the big office move, communicate with your customers and suppliers. Let everyone know when you’re moving and the location of your new office.
Update your Google business page with the new address and announce the move on your website and on your social media.
6. Moving Day
Keep a few employees at the old location to keep the business running. Have everyone else at the new location.
Get all hands on deck setting up their own workspaces. Have IT set up computers and work stations.
A Smooth Office Move
An office move is tough, but the better you plan, the smoother it will go. Define your needs so you lease the right space for your business. Delegate the work company-wide so no one gets overwhelmed.
Do a full inventory before you contact moving companies for quotes. Once you’re ready, keep your clients, suppliers, and partners in the loop so moving goes as smoothly as possible.
Are you ready for an office move? Contact us for help!
