High growth is one of the major reasons why companies decide to move locations. The downside is that 95% of companies see the move as a level of distraction, and more than half of the companies experience the move as a loss in productivity. But the biggest motivation to relocate is an enhanced company morale because of the new improved space. Although relocating a business can be daunting, there are ways to transition from your old office premises to the new facility with minimal disruptions.
Check The Area
Before moving your business, a thorough inspection of the new company premises should be undertaken. One of the most important aspects to consider is whether the network cabling will support your IT requirements. For example, if you require a higher bandwidth, aim to redo cabling with optic fiber, including peripherals and software. According to research, slow internet connections cost workers one week per year of productivity, so it’s a good occasion to upgrade your voice and data infrastructure. Make sure to verify the infrastructure for telephone service and mail delivery too.
Electricity, water and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems must be in place and working properly to provide a safe and comfortable space for workers. On top of network cabling, building inspections must be updated to comply with safety regulations. The presence of mold and other dangerous substances on the walls and floors must also be determined and eliminated.
Create A Moving Schedule
After ensuring that the new place is ready for occupation, planning your move in a synchronized manner is essential. You might want to move in gradually so that you and your team can reduce disruptions to the business. Regardless of your plan, scheduling everything is critical for a smooth transition. Furthermore, make sure that everyone gets a copy of a detailed schedule so that they know what to do.
Pack things in boxes that are not needed in the daily business. Ensure that delicate items such as computers and monitors are packed properly using bubble roll and packing peanuts. Furniture should be wrapped and covered in blankets to avoid dirt and scratches. You might also want to move all the furniture and heavy items first before the final moving day.
Keep Network And Communications Systems Open
Another important aspect to consider when moving your business is to determine the overlap time when you must move out of your old place and when you can access the new location. This is vital so that you can minimize downtime or outages. You might consider keeping a computer with internet connectivity and a working phone until the last day at your current location to avoid downtime.
In advance, inform clients and the public of your planned move by email, and put up professional signage to inform the public, indicating where you will move and a contact number for inquiries or emergencies. Similarly, putting up signage at your new location makes it easy for customers to find you, and also gives a reassuring signal that you are well-organized. Keeping lines of communication open will minimize the impact of the move on your business.
Whether your business requires a bigger space or a better location, relocating to a new facility requires careful and meticulous planning. Ensuring that the location has the right infrastructure and keeping your network and communications open can help minimize downtime and interruptions to the business that can affect productivity and profitability.
