Business removal or office relocation can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to dealing with the myriad details and logistical hurdles.
Coordinating with your staff members and IT department, along with ensuring that the new space is ready for use, requires careful consideration.
This is why you need to have a comprehensive office relocation checklist in place. This list can play a pivotal role in simplifying the move.
Planning an office move, but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. This post will serve as a step-by-step manual for planning a successful office relocation. So, without further ado, here’s a checklist that will help you stay on top of the essential tasks.
Preparing for the Office Move
Staying well-informed will help you sidestep potential pitfalls. Start preparing for moving day by evaluating your commercial property lease thoroughly. This is crucial because exiting prematurely could result in the forfeiture of your deposit. You may also be held liable for damages or breakages incurred during the transition.
Consider your business’s sustainability and growth requirements when selecting a new workspace. Acquire a comprehensive floor plan for the new space and measure it to plan the layout effectively. Also, factor in your design and technological needs, and see how these elements will enhance your workforce’s efficiency.
Plan the relocation of IT infrastructure, data, computers, and connections in a way that helps minimise workflow disruptions. Form a planning team that will aid you in delegating tasks and overseeing the office move process. Additionally, create a moving budget to prevent overspending.
Get quotes from various moving companies to identify the best service and value for money. Find out if moving insurance is necessary for safeguarding essential equipment.
Choosing the Right Moving Date
Timing plays a pivotal role in minimising disruptions to your business operations. A well-timed move guarantees that daily operations proceed without major glitches.
Further, effective coordination with professional movers, vendors, on-site, and remote staff is essential for a smooth office relocation. Apart from that, understanding the delivery timelines for furniture and equipment is vital. These estimations ensure the timely setup of the office, facilitating a prompt return for employees.
Creating an Inventory
Before moving your office, create a comprehensive inventory that mentions all the equipment you’ll bring, items for sale or recycling, and any new necessities. This list is essential for getting an accurate removal quote and ensures timely ordering of required equipment ahead of your moving day.
Similarly, take stock of current office furniture and collaborate with a furniture supplier for any additional needs. Place orders promptly for new furniture and stationery, as required. If external storage facilities are necessary, make arrangements accordingly.
Try and conduct an inventory at the new office premises to make a note of the existing items. If you identify potential damages, report them to the landlord promptly. This proactive approach will enable a hassle-free transition and set the groundwork for a productive work environment.
Hiring Professional Movers
With professional movers managing your office relocation, you can continue to focus your complete attention on other business-related tasks.
For a dependable and swift moving experience, select a professional team of movers specialising in office relocations. This simple step can ensure a stress-free transition with minimal hiccups.
Prefer a member of the British Association of Removers, as they’re regularly audited to maintain unwavering quality. Choose a moving team that’s known for its exceptional customer service. Only such a company will demonstrate unwavering commitment towards clients. Hire a team that prioritises your peace of mind during this phase.
Legal Obligations and Formalities
Make sure to complete the necessary paperwork, especially anything that concerns permits and licences. Reserve parking permits, local licences, and lifts for moving day. Schedule cleaning services for both your current and new offices. Confirm access codes and security arrangements for the new premises.
Moreover, examine your former office tenancy agreement and issue a timely termination notice to prevent unwarranted termination charges. Be mindful of potential financial penalties for damages or alterations. You may have to conduct certain repairs before moving, to avert such expenses.
Review Your Energy Supplier and Save Money
When relocating your business premises, it’s essential to consider the opportunity to reassess your energy supplier. Moving presents a perfect chance to evaluate your current energy contract and explore potentially better deals. By researching alternative suppliers, you may uncover more competitive rates or packages tailored to your new location’s specific needs. Here at Roy Trevor Removals we have worked closely with Purely Energy to save on our energy bills.
Purely Energy, are not just another energy broker promising the world. As a small private company run by experienced energy professionals with low overheads, consistently offering the best deals anywhere in the marketplace.
IT and Communication Transition
Reach out to your IT and telecom suppliers in advance to inform them of your moving plans. Work with these teams to develop protocols for the secure removal/moving of confidential data or equipment. This is crucial to prevent data breaches, especially during periods of instability.
Brief the IT department about what will be needed at the new location. Emphasise the importance of early involvement to address potential issues before they impact the company.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current IT infrastructure at the existing office, covering equipment, power sources, cabling, and servers. This will help you identify what’s already available and what is needed at the new location.
Similarly, evaluate the required IT infrastructure at the new office. Make note of missing tools and resources that may need to be purchased. Accordingly, schedule a planning meeting with IT and telecom providers to strategise the setup of the IT infrastructure at the new location.
Packing and Labelling
From office chairs to potted plants, packing up for an office relocation can be backbreaking. However, a well-structured packing and labelling system is crucial for a seamless transition.
Appropriate labelling ensures proper organisation, minimising the potential for damage or loss during the move. Clear and detailed labelling can also streamline the process of unpacking and arranging items in the new workspace.
Additionally, labels aid in identifying delicate equipment that requires special handling for secure transportation. Establish a consistent method for labelling laptops, screens, hard drives, keyboards, etc., and ensure all staff members are aware of it.
Employee Engagement and Communication
Make it a point to inform your entire workforce about the relocation date and the new office address. Clearly state the reason behind the move, while shedding light on the advantages for team members.
Ensure each member is well aware of their specific responsibilities. You can also prepare a personalised moving sheet for each staff member, specifying their assigned desk number and details about their department and new location.
Ask everyone to take home personal belongings and devices. Designate representatives to oversee both the current and new locations during the transition. Remember, only effective and consistent communication can reduce disruptions and delays, while promoting teamwork within the organisation.
Office Space Setup and Design
Make the moving process easier for your employees by implementing a distinctive colour scheme for individual departments. Start by developing a comprehensive floor plan, assigning corresponding colour-coded labels to delineate each departmental area.
You can also allocate unique numerical identifiers to team members, affixing them to desks and equipment. If your organisation is embracing a hybrid or remote work approach, establish the necessary technologies and equipment to keep the workflow consistent. The idea is to ensure a worry-free transition by addressing the specific requirements of your team at the new workplace.
Relocation Day
Ensure clear demarcation of all areas for staff visibility. Set up computers, tech equipment, and telephone lines. Update the company website with fresh contact details and, if necessary, create and distribute a new internal contact list.
Conduct a thorough inspection of the premises. Report any damage to your belongings to the moving company. Confirm insurance transfer and wrap up old leases. Verify receipt of deposits from the old premises.
Collect and return all passes, key cards, and keys for the old premises, while distributing new ones for the new office. Additionally, review invoices and payments.
A few days after the move, check for any remaining unpacked items. Set up new furniture or equipment. Keep testing IT and phone systems, and conduct a post-move evaluation for improvements.
Conclusion
Once you’re done moving your office, make the time to express gratitude to your diligent employees. Organise a celebration as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work. We hope the above office relocation checklist will help ensure that your move proceeds smoothly, devoid of significant issues.
Roy Trevor is your go-to professional movers and removal team in Cheshire. With an unrivalled reputation throughout the UK and Europe, we’re dedicated to bringing all our clients a stress-free experience when helping them relocate their homes or offices. Get a free removals quote by contacting us online or call us on 01925 630441 today to discuss your move.