You can almost measure the success of your business by the size of your premises. Even though you still might essentially run it from a computer, the more you expand the more room you need for all your product samples, paperwork, and employees. But if you thought moving apartments or house was stressful and time consuming, you have no idea what’s in store when you try to relocate your business. You’re scared of losing some important document, leaving behind some sensitive paperwork, or of missing out on several days work because you can get your system online for a while. Relax, take a deep breath, and follow this relocation survival guide to make the transition a little smoother.
Start early
Most of the stress comes from trying to do everything at the last possible moment, so start packing early to relieve at significant portion of your workload. Start by packing the items you rarely use – you usually know what they’re are because they’re either not plugged in, or stored far away from your immediate work zone. If you have a large inventory, then break it up by setting a daily packing target in the weeks leading up to the move. Most people find that they’ve actually overestimated how long it will take to pack, because they’re so used to feeling drained and overwhelmed by the last minute rush.
As you’re packing, remember to mark the boxes clearly; this will help when you’re unpacking, and it will also make it easier for you to locate items you need. You might find it useful to mark the boxes with a number and keep a record of what is in each box. After all, this isn’t like packing for a new house where you can just assign a room destination for each box; when you’re packing for business, you need to keep a better track of your inventory.
Tips for hiring a moving company
Depending on how big your company currently is, you might not need to hiring a moving company to get everything moved to the new office. However, if you’re relocating a sizeable business to a new premises, then a moving company might help you get things done quicker. It can help if you call them two months in advance, and get several price quotes to make sure you’re not wasting your money. If you’re asking the company to pack for you, be aware that you will still have to purge your inventory of any rubbish or unwanted furniture – moving companies have no way of knowing what you’re taking or leaving behind so they will err on the side of caution and pack everything as they see it.
Technology transfer
The last thing you need when you’re moving between offices is a glitch in your technology. The worst case scenario would be missing several days of work because you can’t get your online business to work in your new premises right away. You need a good IT support partner to make sure your whole IT infrastructure transfers smoothly from one location to another. IT support services like Netstar can move all your PCs, servers, and network equipment to your new office in a timely manner, create new firewall protections, and set up your whole business in its new location. You don’t have to miss a single business day; just walk into your new offices and go about your day as usual.
Donate unwanted furniture
One of the best things about moving to a new space is the chance to completely renovate the look of your office. If you don’t think your current furniture is the best style to represent your business, or you think your computers are out of date, then it’s the perfect time to part ways. Donate them to schools, elderly homes, or just take them to a recycling tip and be done with it. If you’re donating PCs or monitors, make sure you’re taking them to the right place.
Devise a floor plan
Whether you’ve hired a moving company or not, moving day will go much more smoothly if you know where everything is going in advance. In the days leading up to the move, set aside some time to visit your new premises; take measurements, and devise a floor plan for where all the furniture will go, and to make sure it will fit around the corridors and through the entrances. On your floor plan, remember that the usual large items such as chairs, printers, desk filing cabinets etc, need contiguous space to allow for chairs to move, drawers to open and access to shelves. You really only have one chance to get this right, so it’s best for everyone involved if you come prepared.
Update your contact information
If the majority of your business is conducted online, it should be business as usual for the most part. However, it’s still a good idea to update your address on stationery, business cards, and your website, at least two weeks before you move to avoid any miscommunication in the near future. It’s good for the post office, your creditors, and the bank to know where to send your bills, but if you conduct any business in person with clients, then they need to know that the meetings are being held in a different office. Make a list of everyone you do business with and everywhere you advertise so you do not forget to update some critical information. It’s also good to check if your office phone number has changed so that customers can reach you in a way that is most convenient. It really isn’t good for business if your customer service contact details are now outdated.
On the big day
Let the moving company do their job and just get out of their way, or be clear in your instructions if you’re directing a team of volunteers. When the work is complete, take a minute to observe your new surroundings in anticipation of the next working day.