Moving your business to another location can be a trial, whether you’re moving to another office in the same building or relocating to another state. While a move can help, you attract new customers, save money on your lease, and give your expanding firm extra space, without careful planning, your productivity and profits can also take a hit. These tips will help you relocate your business without stress or financial strain.
1 – Create a Moving Plan / Time Table
It’s smart to notify staff members and your vendors one to three months before moving day, if time permits. Changes to website, business cards, and company letterhead should be updated between one to two weeks before you move. Customers and clients should also be notified of your move around two weeks before you go. They’ll understand if you’re slow to respond close to the move, and they will be aware of your new premises when they need to visit.
After you move, you’ll have 28 days to notify the Registrar of the Australian Business Register and the Australian Tax Office of your new circumstances.
Unlike most homeowners, you’ll have a team of employees who can help you tick items off the list. Utilise your workforce to ensure everything is completed on schedule.
2 – Declutter
Moving offices is a great opportunity to do away with any items your business no longer requires. As well as making your new office run more efficiently, it’ll also make your move cheaper. The less you must move, the faster that you’ll be able to do it, and the more money you’ll save.
Gather up any old desks, chairs, or outdated computer software and hardware. Consider donating it to the Salvos and using it as a tax write-off, or you could sell furniture that’s still functional to a second-hand store. Consider whether you really need all your printers and copiers and offload the surplus. Shred any paper copies of digital files to further lighten your load.
3 – Hire Professional Movers
While your employees may help with minor moving tasks, it’s best to keep them in the role that you pay them for. Hiring professional movers will allow your workforce to concentrate on their jobs and minimise any disruption to your business.
Reputable removalist firms have extensive experience with commercial relocations, so they’ll ensure the job goes smoothly. A good removalist firm will assist you with the entire process, from the planning and packing stages to the heavy lifting on moving day. Many also offer additional business relocation services like company furniture disposal and shelving installation.
4 – Appoint a Specific Contact Person
Your move will be much easier if you appoint a single contact person within your organisation to oversee the job. This person will be present during the move and answer any questions the movers might have. This arrangement will help streamline the process and ensure there’s no miscommunication.
5 – Setup a Floor Plan For New Premises
Creating a floor plan before you move will help minimise office confusion after you’ve relocated.
Measure up your new space so you know what you must work with. Plan where every desk will go, and who’ll sit at each one. Remember to mark in other office fixtures, like your boardroom table and photocopier, so your movers know where to put them. Consider the location of power outlets and Internet and phone jacks so all equipment is close to the connection points required. Advise staff of floor plan prior so that everyone can see where they are located.
6 – Consider New Fixtures and Fittings
A new office space represents a new start for a business, so do you really want to keep the same look and feel as your old premises? If you’re excited about the potential of your new office environment, you may prefer to invest in new décor rather than hanging on to your existing furniture and decorations.
Consider what your new office space looks like and what type of décor might work best. Remember your business’s function as well. If you’re unsure of how to proceed, consider hiring an interior designer.
Keep these tips in mind and your business move can be smooth and stress-free. If you’re looking for a careful and efficient move, contact ‘Ave A Good Day Removals for a quote today.