Businesses must relocate when it’s time to move forward. This is a good sign of growth. In any case, careful planning and application are needed to achieve a successful move. This is also applicable for downsizing offices. Over the years, Butler’s Removals & Storage has assisted in the seamless relocation of innumerable enterprises, and their staff has amassed useful knowledge to help organisations navigate this stimulating yet difficult stage.
Begin with a Proper Schedule
The process starts well before anyone touches a box. Clever companies draft thorough schedules about six months in advance. Think about what happened to these two businesses: one marketing group rushed a move in just two weeks, causing major issues with client messages and missing documents. Meanwhile, an accounting business that took four months to plan never once missed a deadline for its clients.
It’s best to work your way back from the actual moving date. Make sure to add extra time for things that might go wrong. You know those annoying waits for permits or internet setup? They’ll crop up for sure – better to plan for them now instead of panicking later on.
Create a Moving Committee
Never dump all the work on just one staff member. The best office moves happen when there’s a dedicated group with people from different parts of the business:
- Someone from operations keeps things running
- A tech person to handle computer stuff
- Someone who knows about office layouts
- A person to keep everyone informed
Checking in once a week helps spot problems early. Butler’s team handled a business move recently where having someone from each department meant issues were fixed straight away instead of causing chaos during the actual move.
Inventory Everything
Most offices are shocked by how much accumulates in drawers and storage rooms over the years. Taking inventory methodically makes all the difference.
Document all furniture, equipment, and supplies, then evaluate each item’s condition, necessity, and relocation worthiness. This presents the perfect opportunity to declutter and potentially reduce the cost of removalist services by not transporting unnecessary items. Law firms often discover they can eliminate nearly 30% of their paper files through digitisation efforts initiated during pre-move inventory.
Specialised equipment deserves special attention. Medical offices, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities should consult with both equipment manufacturers and moving specialists about proper disconnection, transportation, and reinstallation procedures.
Sort Out Your Tech Stuff Early
Nothing ruins a move faster than computers and phones not working. Make sure your tech plan covers:
- Checking what internet and power are available at the new place
- How to move servers without losing data
- The order for unplugging and reconnecting everyone’s computers
- Backing up everything before, during and after the move
Try to do the tech switch when business is quiet. One marketing group did all their computer moving over a long weekend, so clients barely noticed anything had changed.
Tell Everyone About Your New Address
You need to update way more places than you think. Smart business owners remember to change their address with:
- Government licenses and business registrations
- Insurance companies
- Banks and anyone who sends you money
- Suppliers and people who deliver stuff
- Your website and business cards
- Magazine subscriptions and regular deliveries
Start this job about two months before moving. Use a simple spreadsheet to keep track of who you’ve told, or you’ll definitely forget someone important.
Plan How to Pack and Unpack
Smart packing saves hours when you’re setting up the new office. Use colored stickers for different departments and mark boxes according to how urgent they are. Don’t just write what’s inside – also note which room it needs to go to at the new place.
A dentist we helped took photos of exactly how all their tools and machines were arranged before taking anything apart. This made setting up again so much faster.
Make sure you have “First Day” boxes with the bare essentials: basic stationery, coffee stuff, and any important papers you might need right away. Mark these clearly and make sure they go in the truck last so they come out first.
Get Proper Office Movers
Moving a home and moving an office are totally different. Office moves need people who know how to handle special equipment, sensitive paperwork, and tricky furniture systems. Make sure you find movers who’ve done plenty of business relocations before.
Get quotes from at least three different companies. Don’t just look at the price – check what’s included, what insurance they have, and what other businesses like yours say about them. Movers who’ve worked with companies in your industry already will know the specific challenges you’ll face.
Final Thoughts
Office moves don’t have to be a nightmare. With good planning, keeping everyone informed, and the right help, moving can actually be an exciting fresh start. The aforementioned advice will make things go more smoothly whether you’re attempting to save money by operating a smaller office or you’re moving to a larger space because your business is expanding.
It’s advisable to speak with professionals that are well-versed in local moves in Innisfail if you’re considering transferring your company soon in order to receive situation-specific guidance.
