Relocating your office is even more stressful than a residential move, with business assets, office furniture, computer equipment and important documentation that need to be protected and not lost in the move. It’s never just a matter of a geographical transfer. The overall aim is to be up and running in your new location from day one whilst not blowing your budget on the move or wearing out everyone involved mentally and physically. So, how can you ease the strain on both yourself and your employees? We’ve covered the most important points that often get forgotten in the excitement and preparation for your new office.
Plan Your New Space Properly
Failure to plan from the outset will cause considerable headaches later on. First assess your current environment – what works / what could definitely be improved? What can you do to make a healthier environment for the staff?
Different departments function differently so if you’re office relocation is to a building with more than one floor, don’t decide that all floors should follow the same plan. If there are less people in one department but there are more files, work around this accordingly. Take into account centralised file storage – it may appear to accommodate your present needs but is it adequate for future plans?
Good space planning establishes goals from the beginning and it’s easier to stick to them in the long term. Technology can be a real help in planning the space – virtual 3D imaging and AutoCAD software can show you a number of alternatives for your office and help in imagining the final workplace.
Furniture
Although you realize that furniture planning and design is more than just a desk and chair for each employee, it’s important to take inventory and see what you need and what you can get rid of. If you don’t have a huge budget for new premium brand furniture, consider liquidating some of the existing furniture or consider affordable options like refurbished or re-purposed furnishing. This way you can fit in with your new colour scheme and update fabrics without exceeding your budget. In addition to being healthier for company funds, it’s also environmentally friendly as it creates less waste.
Moving Technology
Although you’ve probably researched how to move highly sensitive equipment and spoken to an expert Melbourne office relocation company such as ABR Relocations to arrange this during the move, don’t forget that a successful relocation means minimal downtime for employees. The number 1 delay in an office move is phone and wireless connections, thus ensure suitable arrangements have been made with your provider ahead of time. Manage the transition by having new server equipment delivered ahead of time or create a crossover to prevent disruption to company operations.
Vacating the Old Office
It’s not just a matter of removing everything and walking out, so check your lease carefully to ensure you’ve met all the requirements. Making good your premises can be forgotten in these busy days so make sure you do your due diligence and any repairs that may be required. ABR relocations can remove any excess assets that may not be required at your new premises and can dispose of any damaged furniture. Do away with your ‘chair graveyard’ store room for all those forgotten pieces once and for all.
Asking for Help
Whether it’s from your team, or expert office movers Melbourne, don’t be scared to ask for help. Most organizations can’t handle everything on their own and trying to find the correct people for the job can seem a daunting task. ABR relocations can help with all your Melbourne office relocation needs so call us on 03 9706 4008 or email admin@abr.net.au.