Office Move Planning 101
Great planning has the power to change outcomes, and this is certainly true as far as an office move is concerned. An office move is a lengthy process that can be prone to many pitfalls if it's not been well-planned.
This Office Move Planning 101 takes you through the main framework of the office move process to ensure you are well set for a smooth transfer to the new premises.
Timing
Most companies focus on the details of the move when it's all too late, which can cause a stressful and chaotic situation! Understand that a relocation takes anywhere between 9-18 months and you need to allow yourself this time to find alternative premises, negotiate a fair lease and organize everything else in between.
Costs
An office move can be a costly endeavor, and will be even more so if you leave things too late. Set an office move budget from the outset and make sure you stick to it! Costs can be saved by having an efficient plan and negotiating vendor cost. Planning ahead will also help to maintain productivity so your business does not suffer downtime during the move.
Requirements
Know what you want and know where to get it! Being clear on your new space requirements (in particular, size, cost and location) will save time and will enable your Tenant Rep Broker to closely match your requirements with the right property.
Communication
Clear, regular and consistent communication is important in many levels. Your staff, clients, and vendors all need to be clear about key dates and the reasons behind the move, so set a clear communication plan to make it easier for staff to know what to expect.
Packing
Your office moving company should do the majority of the packing for you, but the more organized your filing systems are the better. Make sure things are filing systems are in order and that you have archived as much as you can prior to the move to make it easier for your moving company to carry out the task.
IT & Phones
Moving your IT equipment and phones to the new facility is surely the most complex part of any relocation. Your business will be heavily reliant on your technical equipment to continue operations, so by planning your IT relocation well in advance will help to eliminate any technical hitches. Use the IT Relocation Checklist to find out all the things you need to consider.
Checklist
Last, but by no means least, have a detailed Office Move Checklist to hand to make sure nothing gets forgotten. Download this Office Move Checklist and use it as your To Do List throughout the move to help keep everything on track.
Planning an office move? Go the office relocation planning resource center
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Access The Resource Center
With over 15 guides, checklists, tools & calculators the Resource Center has everything you need to plan, organize & manage a successful office move.
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