- Identify the new office location
Before you think about anything, the first thing you need is an office location. This means you have to identify the new office location before even thinking of getting your stuff out. Assuming your business is not home-based, you will have to work with your HR department to find the new office space. You can assign a number of your employees to scout out the potential office locations. Find those who have experience in finding the office locations. If none has the experience, you should consider hiring a professional to get the job done.
- Consider business needs and ease for your employees
Before you move your business out, ensure you consider the needs of your business and that of your employees. Take this as an important undertaking because it can make or break your business. If your organization relies on foot traffic or focuses on a certain demographic, find a space that suits them. It might be sensible to find a location with businesses that are similar to yours. For example, if your business is IT-focused, you might want to open an office in an area with IT networks. Consider the needs of your employees and try as much as possible to address them.
- Assess the available leasing options
If you are planning to have a rented office space, you must first consider the lease terms and conditions before signing it. Assess the lease options available with each landlord. Most landlords often prefer multi-year lease options. Therefore, ensure you are comfortable with the lease options and timelines before signing an agreement. Furthermore, consider the possibility of your company expanding and having a space to expand to before the multi-year lease lapses.
- Find and understand your budget
While moving may sound simple, it is a difficult and costly undertaking that will undoubtedly eat a lot of money and time. Therefore, before you move out, understand the moving budget. In addition to the monthly payments for the new office space, ensure your company is prepared to pay all the expenses for moving to a new space. The cost may include transport costs, storage needs, and replacement or addition of office furniture and fittings.
- Let your employees know about your intentions to move
Employees are a critical part of any organization. As such, any office location change must involve everyone. Let them know in advance that the company has started looking for new office space and why you have to move your operations to a new base. Avoid surprises by giving them a heads-up. This will help them plan for their futures.
- Develop a plan for moving all equipment
Moving to a new location is not something you just wake up and do. Rather, you have to plan appropriately before you can do it. Therefore, as you plan to move, develop a plan to migrate all technical equipment such as computers and servers. Assemble an IT support team to plan out the right approach to migrate your equipment ahead of time. With their knowledge and expertise, they will be able to move and transfer sensitive equipment.
