5 simple steps for planning a business move
Preparing to move an office or a business can be a lot more complicated than moving a household. Careful planning and preparation is key to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Follow these 5 simple steps for planning a business move to keep your company move on track.
1. Determine a timeframe and schedule
Determining your time frame should be the first thing you do. Set the date when all stuff has to be out of the office space, which is your final move out date. You’ll probably need a few days to actually move out, depending on how much stuff you have to move. Depending on the size of your business, it could take you anywhere from three to six months to plan the complete move. Work backward from your move out date and make a list of all the things you need to do before the trucks arrive. Consult with upper management about a realistic schedule.
2. Inventory everything and get staff involved
Without a full account of your total operational inventory, you are more likely to lose track of certain things. Compile a comprehensive list of all office equipment, furniture and files that are to be moved. It might be worth trying to see whether you can sell or leave some of the items no longer required. There may be old office chairs and tables that could do with being replaced. This exercise can alleviate some of the replacement costs and reduce the amount of equipment to be moved.
3. Plan your new office layout in advance
It’s always difficult to move into a new space and it can take a lot of time figuring out where everything and everyone goes. Make sure you know where each piece of furniture will be placed and where every employee will sit. The more detailed the plan, the better.
4. Keep employees updated and informed
Moving a whole company should benefit and serve the needs of not just the company but its employees as well. A move can be difficult for employees too. Talk to your employees about what could help them work better in their new space. Do they need more open areas? Better privacy? Bigger cubicles? Whatever the case may be, do your best to take these needs into consideration and keep everyone informed at every step in the process.
5. Hire movers and think about self storage
Like any move, hiring good movers takes time and should be one of the first tasks on your list. Develop a list of at least three suitable moving companies and do your research on them. Determine the budget, get quotes and compare the services they offer. You might also want to consider using self storage to give you that extra space to store things while things settle down in the new office. Having secure self storage space is ideal if you have too much equipment for the new office location.
If you are relocating a business and require extra space, contact us for a quote. Bigfoot Self Storage provides secure and flexible storage solutions for business across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
