In the same way that you can out grow a house, you can outgrow a place of business. That could mean the amount of space that you use, the area that your office is in or just a new look that you’d like to give your business. Either way, this office move checklist will ensure that you’re ready for moving day and set to enjoy your new office!
1. Check what is already in place. You should have done this when choosing a new office space but knowing for sure what will already be there and what is included is essential to making sure that you don’t either create work doubling up on what is already in place, or create work rushing to put things in place when you arrived. Shared office space will often have bills included such as high speed WiFi, utilities and parking. A standalone office will take more work and organisation.
2. Create a schedule. Make a shared office move checklist of when key deadlines are, included when everything needs to be packed up, when things are being moved, when technology is being set up at the new location, when any new items are being delivered, when everyone should turn up for work at the new office. It might be there are some days where it would be helpful that staff could work from home to be ‘out of the way’ so it’s worth making sure this is ok ahead of time. Having an office move checklist manager would help ensure everyone is aware of what’s going on.
3. Create a layout plan. Making sure everyone knows what’s going where to stop mayhem when you arrive. Make sure everyone’s happy with where they’re going to be to save moving day spats!
4. Inform any affected clients. A circular email to all contacts will prevent any concern about your lack of availability and letting key customers know or those involved in ongoing projects in person will help manage expectations.
5. COVID-19 Safety. The world has changed and whilst the numbers are going down and the immunisations are going up, safety needs to remain top priority. Check that everyone involved has masks and that there is plenty of hand washing and sterilising facilities. Have a one way systems or ensure there’s no crossing over in narrow corridors. If you’re using movers, make sure they’re on board with these systems.
6. Plan a staff induction. On the first full day of working at the new office, arrange to give the team a tour, explain the ‘house rules’ of the office, where the facilities are and what this new move will mean for the company. If you have a wider team that work remotely, make sure you book a meeting room in advance. Most serviced or shared office spaces have meeting rooms for use, or if you have a standalone office space you might have to do it in blocks.
Congratulations on your office move!
