Relocating offices might seem like a good idea, but there’s actually a lot more to it than simply boxing everything up and moving to a new place. You wouldn’t make that sort of decision lightly when moving house, so think carefully about an office move, whether you’re downsizing or upsizing. But how can you do that? In this article, we’ll be giving you some tips for relocating offices that you might not have thought about. Here are six office relocation tips that you need to know before making your big workplace move:
1. Assess the needs of your organisation
When it comes to relocating offices, you should consider the needs of your organisation first and foremost. Is it better to upsize or downsize? Are additional facilities needed that you don’t already have? Is there scope for bringing in new furniture, equipment, or technology?
Assess what your business needs before committing to a new office location. This is a step that should be done while you’re still looking for new premises, and not after you’ve signed on the dotted line. A great way of making sure you’re hitting everyone’s wants and needs is by consulting your employees and colleagues before making any big decisions.
This helps to improve employee retention as their satisfaction will be better than ever if their needs and requirements are taken into account while making such a huge decision, like relocating offices.
2. Have a budget & stick to it
When it comes to relocating offices, especially if you’re moving to larger premises, it can be easier than you might think to blow your budget straight off the bat. Whether you’re spending money on top-of-the-range moving firms or are stretching your budget to pay for a state-of-the-art building with all of the mod cons, you can quite easily overspend and go over your budget when it comes to relocating offices.
What you should do is make a realistic budget before you start. Try and get an idea of cost by getting quotes from moving companies, for instance, and trying to get an accurate prediction of what you’ll be paying in lease rates or rent, for example. Add up all of your outgoings currently and assess how those outgoings will change as a result of the move. You should do this even if you’re downsizing. Most importantly, stick to the budget you have laid out.
3. Have a plan
This is somewhat related to the aforementioned point about making a budget. You need to have a plan in place before you begin the process of relocating offices. This helps you to make a more informed decision when it comes to relocating offices. This is something that you should be doing before you commit to a new office space, whether you’re upsizing or downsizing. Your plan should include many things. As well as the financial side of things, you should also consider the location, how the supply chain is going to work, where the transport links are, how it affects your employees and many other considerations.
4. Take the opportunity to declutter
Just like when packing up to move to a new house, you should be looking to make the most of the situation and take the opportunity to get rid of things that aren’t being used, are unwanted or that are simply broken. Maybe someone has been holding on to a box of dried-out pens, or there are a bunch of leads that won’t fit anything. Maybe you’re storing old equipment from your last technology upgrade?
If any of these things are the case, then you should use your office move as a way of decluttering and tidying up your inventory, no matter what it might be. Move into your new premises with a fresh head and a clear mind. Having clean and tidy premises when you first relocate offices is a great start to your new venture. Just remember, after your last declutter, to start as you mean to go on.
5. Ensure excellent communication
One of the most important parts of an office relocation is communicating your plans clearly with business owners, stakeholders, colleagues and employees. Make sure that everyone involved in the company is kept in the loop at all times, from start to finish. You should first let everyone know of your initial plans to move, then keep communicating with those affected as the process moves on. If there are any developments or advancements, then let everyone know. Communication is key here so as to keep morale and productivity high.
6. Listen & respond to feedback
Communication, to follow on from the previous point, allows employees to give their feedback and thoughts on the situation. If they have anything to suggest, let them make their recommendations and then think about what they have to say. Your employees, colleagues or stakeholders might have some valid points to make about a potential office move. They might also want to have their input. This lets you know about what the workforce wants out of an office relocation. It could be anything from a larger kitchen to a more comfortable communal breakout space.
FIT Interiors is pleased to offer office relocation services, as well as office fit-outs and office refurbishments, should you need such a service after your move. If you would like further information about the office relocation, office fit out and office refurbishment services we have available in Nottingham, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – our team of designers are always on hand to make sure your dream office space comes to life, no matter its size or the industry you work in.