Relocating an office is one of the most complicated things a business can do. This is because there are a lot of moving parts, and you need to be very careful with every step. To make it even more stressful, every mistake will delay the relocation and hurt your business. Fortunately, the mistakes are pretty easy to avoid as long as you know what they are and what you’re doing. So, to help you out, we have put together a list of the most common office relocation mistakes most businesses make so you know what not to do.
Rushing the process
As a business owner, you might be tempted to rush the moving process to get back into business as soon as possible. However, rushing leaves you open to a lot of problems in the long run. A lot can go wrong without a proper plan, especially when moving your office. So, take the time to lay out a detailed plan and ensure everyone in the office is aware of it. Make a list of moving tasks, assign someone to help oversee the process, and make a copy of the plan for everyone in the office. After all, having a good plan is one of the tips for a smooth office relocation everyone should follow. So, rushing this (and any other part of the process) is a recipe for disaster. Take a deep breath and get everything properly organized.
Refusing to keep a checklist
Another of the most common office relocation mistakes is refusing or forgetting to keep a checklist. Being organized is a vital part of any successful move, even more so when moving an office. So, you’re likely to make many more mistakes without a checklist to keep track of everything you’ve done and what still needs to be done. So, realistically while you’re still in the planning phase, put together a checklist that details the entire process. It would be a good idea to have someone else with you while doing this, in case you forget something. From there, it’s just a matter of executing your plan. And when it comes to the move itself, keep in mind that you might have to store some of your office equipment. Renting a storage unit short-term is the easiest way to keep it in a safe place until you can move everything into the new space.
Not decluttering before the relocation
Failing to declutter before the move is the most common of all office relocation mistakes. Every office has at least some utterly useless clutter, and bringing it to the new location is a terrible idea. After all, this clutter will only take up space and increase your moving costs. So, plan for at least a day or two of decluttering the current office before you contact potential movers. Remember, the less you bring with you, the lower the price your movers will ask at the end. And besides, this is an excellent opportunity to get rid of everything you don’t need in the office. Additionally, not decluttering a home is also one of the common moving mistakes people make. So, take your time and eliminate everything that doesn’t need to be there.
Forgetting to label
the boxes
One of the easiest ways to stay organized during the move is to label every box. You can start by labeling the boxes according to which room they were in. If something was in the break room, the box containing it should be labeled as such. Alternatively, label the packages depending on the type of items in them. For example, if a box is filled with office supplies, mark it as such. Experts from muvnow.com note that this will make it much easier for the movers you hire. The move will be much quicker and smoother overall as they will know where to unload the boxes and what needs special care.
Forgetting to update the address ahead of time
Updating your address is crucial for keeping your business running. After all, your clients need to know where they can find you. So, if you forget to update your address, you’ll likely miss out on a lot of business. Remember, you need to update your address everywhere it shows up. This includes your official website and every bit of marketing you do. You also need to notify relevant authorities of your location change. Ideally, you should make this change well ahead of the actual move. Try to do it two or three weeks before the move, to give everything time to settle. It will allow you enough time to figure out other aspects of your office relocations, such as finding the right movers to get you to the new location. Choosing a reliable moving company for your move can be hard, so do your research before deciding.
Most common office relocation mistakes – wrap up
A lot can go wrong when moving an office, and every mistake can cost your business a lot. Thankfully, most errors are easily avoidable if you know what to pay attention to. Proper planning is the most critical part of the process and makes the entire thing much more manageable. It’s also vital not to rush any part of the preparations for your move. Take the time to plan and adequately execute everything, and you should be fine when the day of the moving day comes. We hope this list of the most common office relocation mistakes helps you move your business successfully.