A new study found that 68% of employees found an office move to have a positive impact. 67% of employees said that a new location was more comfortable and 61% said it was more spacious.
67% of those surveyed did say that relocation presented many challenges. 30% of employees said that it caused a distraction in the workplace.
Most importantly, 48% of the employees surveyed said that their productivity improved in the new office. 48% also said that they enjoy coming into work more in the new office.
An office move can be beneficial but stressful at the same time. Make sure to stay organized while moving offices by following these tips.
Plan Ahead
With anything in life, it’s important to create a timeline and make a plan. An office move plan is crucial so that you can get packed and moved as efficiently as possible and so that you don’t forget about any of the necessary details either.
Office relocation is different than moving homes because there are more people and things involved in the process. You’ll need a couple of months to finalize a plan for making things go as smoothly as possible. Your employees also need to be included in the planning so that they can do their part in helping the move go well.
Layout the New Office
You must find a new space where you’ll be working ahead of time. The point of moving to a new office is to improve your lives as employees. Make sure that you create a layout of where everything will be including desks, filing cabinets, and office supplies.
You want to be certain that everything you need will fit in the new space. A new location also means new rules and you want to be aware of all the dos and don’ts of the building before the move. It’s also crucial that you work with your IT department to move and set up tech in the new workspace so that everything functions properly when you get there.
Divide Tasks
This is the most important tip on the list and the best way of staying organized during an office move. You need to create an office move checklist to form a team of employees that’ll help with the move. The size of your team will depend on the size of your office but it’s important to include individuals from each department to make sure everything is accounted for in the move.
Once you’ve assembled a team you can get together during the planning stage to determine a moving budget and set goals for the move. You should also take this time to divide tasks, give each person on your team a list of tasks that they’ll be responsible for completing.
Pack Only the Necessary
When you organize an office move you’ll realize how much stuff you have in your office. This is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning. Make sure that you’re only packing the absolute essentials and not anything you won’t need.
Take the time to sort through everything in your office and get rid of what you don’t need. Make a list of everything you’ll be moving and group similar items together. Label every box properly so that you’ll be able to find everything when it’s moved to the new workspace.
Find the Right Moving Company
Once you’ve planned and organized everything in your office, it’s time to find the moving company that’ll help you get from the old office to the new one. You should do some research and hire only the most trusted professionals with experience in moving all kinds of heavy equipment.
You want to make sure the company fits into your budget and is licensed and insured as well. An authentic small business is often the best to hire, especially if you’re also a small business. You’ll know that you’ll be getting the best prices and services in your area.
Set a Moving Date
This is probably something that you’ll work out with the moving company but it’s worth mentioning. It’s important that you set a date in advance, including the time you want the moving truck to arrive at your current location and get to the new one.
Finalizing on this date and time will ensure that everyone works as efficiently as possible to meet the goals you’ve set in place for the move.
Prepare for Setbacks
You can do all the planning and organizing you’d like but there can always be a setback on the day of the move. Whether the weather causes some delays or if the moving company has to reschedule for any reason.
You should have a plan in place to continue working if you find yourself without a proper office for a couple of days. Create a virtual office or set up things so your employees can work from home if the unexpected happens.
Reach Out to Your Clients
One of the most important things you should do before moving is to update all important documents with your new address. Make sure that you order new business cards and letterhead. You also want to make sure to reach out to your list of important contacts and clients with your new address so that there’s no confusion about your location.
The Best Tips for Staying Organized During an Office Move
An office move can be a stressful event but you can ensure that things go smoothly by staying organized. Some of the best tips to follow are making a plan ahead of time and finding the right moving company. Make sure to check out some of our other blogs to learn more.
Rene Bennett is a graduate of New Jersey, where he played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zobuz’s Editor, he enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
