A poorly planned office move doesn’t just cost money. It costs productivity, morale, and time you don’t get back. The good news: most of what goes wrong is predictable and avoidable. Here are six of the most common mistakes we see businesses make when planning an office or business move.
1. Don’t wait until the last minute
While your moving and storage partner will do their best to accommodate your needs at any time, long-term notice, office space planning, and preparation will give you a more efficient, more cost-effective moving experience.
2. Notify your employees as early as possible
Using clear and simple language, communicate to your employees about the upcoming move as soon as the details are solidified. This way your staff will have enough time to consider their options and prepare travel routes to your new location.
3. Don’t think you have to move everything
Nearly every business has storage rooms, archive rooms, vacant offices, and other miscellaneous use spaces. Before you move, assess what you need and what you don’t, and work with your moving and storage partner to recycle, store, archive, or dispose of anything you don’t need. Why move it if you aren’t going to use it?
4. Moving and storage professionals aren’t a price-based commodity
You must consider more than price when choosing a moving and storage company. You want an experienced partner to guide you through the process and deliver value and productivity for your team. To have the best experience, choose the best partner – their expertise directly impacts the success of your office move, so commercial relocation experience matters.
5. Don’t think your mover will understand your company jargon
Don’t use terms like “annex” or “Mike’s office” when you plan your logistics. Work with your moving and storage partner on mapping and labeling to ensure everything is delivered where it’s supposed to go.
6. Don’t go at it alone
Bring your moving and storage partner to the table early and ask clarifying questions as you go through the planning process. Ask for checklists. Using a comprehensive office relocation checklist alongside your mover’s recommendations can help keep your project organized from start to finish. Tell them what’s important to you. Let the moving and storage experts help you succeed!