6 Essential Considerations When Moving Offices
The good news is that your business is growing and needs a bigger, better space. The bad news is that you have to move all your people, systems and equipment, and that can be chaos. You don’t want business to suffer while you are in the process of getting everything moved over so planning ahead and streamlining the process is essential.
Keep reading to learn a few important things to consider to make moving offices as painless as possible.
Security
No matter what kind of business you have, security is a priority. This includes physical security of the building space using reputable business security systems. If locks need to be changed have it done right away, and if improvements need to be made have the work done before the first piece of office furniture arrives on the premises.
If you’re not sure whether you’re adequately managing your security during the move, try consulting with a professional who has a CPP50619 Diploma Of Security Risk Management. This educational background gives a person all the tools they need to manage the risk your organisation faces as it moves offices and ensures that you remain compliant with all relevant regulation throughout the process.
Remember, security becomes an issue when your processes change. Security experts can assess the current threat in your environment and help you better understand your risk options.
Costs
Not only will your rent change, a day or two of disrupted business can be hard to avoid. Relocation will cost money, so do it as quickly and smoothly as you can. Professional removal services will help ensure everything goes well.
Future Office Space
Once you have secured the new office space it’s time to consider how it will look. Plan out office and desk arrangements by considering staff needs. If you have a common IT station (printer or copier) try to place it near those who need it most, and don’t forget to include a kitchen and areas for storage. Check your plans with staff members before making final decisions to be sure their needs are met.
Do We Need To Move That?
Before you move take an inventory of your office. If anything is in need of replacement now might be the time to do it, so consider if there are furniture, facilities or equipment that could make the new office better. Alternatively, are there things that your employees don’t use or could go without?
Dispose of items that you aren’t moving responsibly and cheaply whenever possible. You may be able to organize free disposal services through your local council if you schedule it in advance. If you order new furniture or equipment have it delivered to the new address and that’s one less thing you’ll have to move.
We Interrupt This Program…
There will be some amount of disruption to your business when you move but you can reduce the impact it has on your clients by letting them know ahead of time. If there will be any delays be sure to notify them, as well as making sure they know the new address and how to contact you during and after the move.
You can also consider making the move during a time you are usually not working or at least working less, such as over the weekend. This can give you time to make the transfer and by Monday you should be ready to go.
Be sure to let everyone your business works with know about the move, not just your clients. This includes the bank, government agencies, insurance company, office suppliers or vendors. Don’t forget to forward mail at the post office and update business cards and letterhead. Remind employees to update email footers, directories, mailing lists, etc.
Packing It Up
Get your staff ready for the big move by handing out crates and packaging provided by the removal company for each employee. Make each person accountable for their belongings and get everything labelled. Use removable tape and a system, whether it’s colour, numbers or names, just so long as it matches the office floor plan for easy moving.
Back to Business
Take these considerations into account when you’re next moving office and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Avoid any unnecessary complications and minimal disruptions to your business by taking the necessary precautions. Once everything is unpacked, things will get back to normal and you’ll be back in business in no time.