Running a company is tough at the best of times. From staff management, business development, accounting, and administration, there’s a lot of moving parts constantly in motion. So when things are going well and it’s time to move into a newer office, it can feel like a thankless task added on top of everything else already going on. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Some proper planning and dedicated time spent on a relocation project can reap benefits for years to come.
Above all else, it’s important to ensure that the business continues to operate despite the relocation. If your current office is large enough, it might be an idea to hire professional movers to take the physical lifting off your hands. This will help your employees concentrate on their work – and when it comes to moving, it’s always best to leave the hard work to the professionals.
There’s a number of steps to consider when preparing for an office move:
- Create a Timeline
When do you need to move? Is it an immediate need because your current office landlord is selling, or can you plan out over the next few months? Write down a planned timeline in a calendar so you can create milestones to hit. When the time comes, give your current landlord appropriate notice of your moving out (check your current lease to see if there’s any required minimum required vacation notice). - Understand your Needs
Sure, you might have five staff members right now, or even 50 or more, but what about in a year’s time? Are you planning on expanding, or perhaps allowing more staff to work from home? Consider not just where your company is but where it will be in 12, 24, even 36 months from now. Moving office is a big project so you want to future proof yourself as much as possible. - Research Offices Online
Visit websites such as daft.ie and rubberdesk.ie and start seeing what’s available! Punch in your budget, size requirements, ideal location, and start browsing. Be sure to set up alerts so you get instant notifications when new spaces come online. - Visit Spaces
When you note down a couple of spaces that you think could be viable, drop an email or phone call to the esate agents and set up viewings. Check the paint on the walls, examine the flooring, the heating and AC, electrical sockets, doors, and more. If the space is looking appealing, sketch out an office layout with your required number of desks and chairs in mind. Scrutinise the plan for any potential difficulties, such as desks with no nearby sockets, dark corners, or anything else that you may find undesirable. - Agree Terms
If the shoe fits…! Talk to the landlord and agree lease terms. After that, it’s time to pack up and move in – but more on that in another post!