Are You Relocating Your Business? This Checklist Will Help You

Preparing to relocate an office or business is different and more challenging than moving a household. Preparing is critical, and making sure that everything on your list is complete is a priority. This quick checklist is a great guide to keep your company relocation process on track.

1. Arrange a Time Frame and Schedule

Your main priority is to determine your time frame. Set the date when all things have to be out of the office space, which is the final move out date. You'll need a few days to move out, depending on how many things you have to move. Work backwards from your move out date and make a list of all the things you need to do before the moving trucks arrive.

2. Assign Tasks and Create a Move Committee If Required

You should get employees involved in the relocation early. A committee can not only help you organize and plan the move but also help ease the transition for all employees. Have the committee review all the tasks and assign roles as needed. As the relocation plan goes onward, you'll need to add and assign duties. You can't do it all by yourself.

Your employees can help the company's relocating process.

3. Create an Internal and External Communications Plan

An internal communications plan will assure employees are notified of the moving plans. An external strategy will keep your clients and suppliers updated on your business activities while you keep your business running during the transition.

4. Hire Movers

Hiring competent movers time and should be one of your first duties. Get an employee to write down a list of at least five moving companies, then evaluate these companies thoroughly before you hire. Set the budget, get quotes, and compare services between moving companies to choose which one to hire.

5. Hire Professional Packers

If you have a high moving budget, you can opt for professional packers. It will save everyone's time from having to pack up the office, which is one of the most challenging spaces to pack and move. You can ask your employees to pack their desks or offices and remove unnecessary things.

6. Design a New Office Plan and Layout

The move committee's role in this phase is the most important. It's always challenging to move into a new space, yet when you have to figure out where everything and everyone goes, that consumes precious time. Make sure you know where the furniture will be set, and every employee will sit. The plan needs to be as detailed as possible.

Make sure you bring only the necessary things and remove the ones you don't need.

7. Talk to Your Current Vendors

Sometimes, when you're moving a business, you might also need to change service providers. Check your contracts then determine if you'll stay with your current providers or if you need to switch. You'll need to determine what the new space will need in terms of telephone lines and network infrastructure. Discuss with your new landlord and vendors to assure that you identify what the new office needs, so there isn't a gap in service. If you're leasing any equipment, contact the dealer to inform them of the move and how to get their equipment to your latest location.

8. Keep Your Employees Informed

A move can be stressful for employees. It can mean a shift in how they commute and whether it is now longer than before the move. If you're relocating to a smaller office, then employees need to know how offices will be assigned and the appearance of their new working space.

Keep the employees informed at all times. Try keeping a moving schedule on the office bulletin board so people can see how things are proceeding and what is required of them as employees.

Learn more about AJobThing!

Source: The Spruce