If you’ve ever had to organise moving house, you’ll know how much there is to consider and how stressful it can be, especially if things don’t go to plan. So imagine having to organise moving office, where there are more people, more furniture and equipment, and computer systems that need to be setup as soon as possible at the other end. And… it all needs to be done during work hours. That sounds like a recipe for chaos. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s a list of office moving tips to help you out.
“Proper planning and preparation prevents poor performance.”
Author Stephen Keague may have been trying to write the most alliterative sentence in history, but the quote above makes a good point. If you start planning early, you’re setting yourself up to succeed. The keys to a good plan are as follows:
1. Get your colleagues on board with the logistics of the move.
2. Set a realistic timeline, i.e. allow more time than you’ll probably need to get each task done.
3. Outline each phase of the move so your colleagues are aware what will be happening and when.
4. Start as early as possible.
“Do what you do best and outsource the rest!”
This business axiom reminds us to focus on what we do best in business and pay professionals to do all the other activities. It applies to moving office too. Hire professional movers who have proven capability with handling office moves of any scale. The fastest way to annoy your colleagues will be to expect them to move boxes. In addition, handling the move yourself adds further interruptions to workflow and productivity. Hire the pros. It’s just good business.
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
If anyone knew how to organise his team, it was Henry Ford. When moving offices, teamwork takes on a new level of importance. It can literally affect your bottom line. Ask yourself how much business you will lose for every day you’re not operating normally. Appoint moving facilitators if necessary to make sure everyone is aware, informed and ready to move in the most efficient manner possible. Train them on what to pack, how to pack and what they need to do on moving day.
“Honesty saves everyone’s time.”
As mentioned above, time is critical when moving office, so make sure you’re absolutely transparent with your commercial movers about your priorities, moving budget and expectations. Work with your mover to ensure you can resume normal operations as soon as possible. For example, if you have a complex IT network, you may want to prioritise moving that first to allow your techs enough time to set up and test systems.
Moving your business is a complex, multi-stage process. Beginning early and keeping up open, clear communication between your staff and your commercial movers are the keys to achieving the most profitable move for all concerned.
If you want more information about moving offices, feel free to get in touch.