Whenever an organization needs to change locations, office relocation tips are needed to make the process easier. An office move doesn’t have to be overly stressful and confusing for everyone involved. In fact, many companies exist solely to address the moving woes of businesses. Read on for helpful tips on how to make an office relocation easier.
Begin to Think About Logistics Well in Advance
When it comes to moving offices, there is no such thing as too much planning. Designate a moving committee that will take care of the details. This will make the process run smoother for everyone in the office. At least one member of this moving committee should have the authority necessary to hire movers and arrange storage for your furniture and supplies.
Plan The Layout of The New Office
This step can be completed by the moving committee if your organization is small, but it may be easier and more efficient to designate a separate office layout committee.
- The first step in planning your new office layout is to calculate the difference in square footage. Hopefully, your office will not be moving into a more cramped space.
- Survey everyone in your organization about their physical work space. Taking the time to find out what bothers people about their day-to-day working environment.
- Once you have a list of common problems with your current physical space, narrow it down to those problems that can be reasonably addressed. No office environment will be able to please everyone, but with proper planning, the new space will be an improvement.
- Be sure to plan the new office layout based upon how your coworkers interact with each other. Do not place people next to each other if they never need to collaborate, or if they are highly incompatible. Try to minimize conflict and increase meaningful, productive interactions.
Ask For Input Throughout The Planning Process
Taking a survey at the beginning of the relocation planning process is not enough. For people to be on board with a plan of action, they need to know that their opinions and ideas matter.Ask for opinions in a variety of formats. Distribute a few online surveys via email, ask for input verbally, designate an idea-generating board in a common area, and hold all-staff meetings. Using a variety of formats will ensure that you get input from everyone, regardless of their working style.
Watch out for overly negative coworkers. Of course, be sure to address concerns as they arise, but do not spend too much time appeasing the negative forces in your office. Some people will never be happy with their work environment – don’t let them bog you down!
Work With Reputable Moving Companies Throughout Your Move
Don’t let all of your plans go to waste! There’s no use planning the layout of a new office if your furniture and supplies don’t make it there. Be sure to do your research on the company that will be transporting your items. Read reviews, get a quote, and trust your gut. If a company seems seedy, don’t work with them.
When it comes to storing your furniture and supplies, find a reputable company that offers climate controlled self-storage facilities.
