Tips for Moving to a New Office Space
Office vacancy rates reached new heights during the pandemic. Now, companies are gearing up for a grand return to the in-person workplace.
As the popularity of remote work continues to rise, many executives are parting with their pre-pandemic office and moving to new, smaller spaces instead. A recent survey of Fortune 500 executives by Great Place to Work found that 58 percent plan to reduce their office space by at least 10 percent from pre-pandemic levels.
Whether you are expanding, downsizing or just changing scenery, moving offices can stress out even the most well-seasoned executives. Here are 12 tips for moving to a new office space that will make this transition seamless.
Before the Move:
1. Start planning early.
On average, experts predict that the moving process, from planning to getting settled in your new space, could take at least six months. It’s not a timeline that you can rush through, so make sure you are starting as early as possible. Make a plan for how you will complete the items on this list, and work on your moving tasks a little bit every week.
2. Find a relocation partner.
You probably don’t have time to manage all the nitty-gritty details of your move while running your business. Luckily, you don’t have to. A business relocation partner like Armstrong – Atlanta will walk you through every step of the process, handling the logistics so you can focus on your growth.
3. Declutter and decommission.
In the excitement of preparing for your future space, it can be easy to forget about your current office. Most leases stipulate that you must leave the office in “broom-swept” condition when you leave, with the space emptied of all your belongings.
Spend some time taking inventory of your office furniture, equipment and materials and set aside what you don’t plan on moving. Our team at Armstrong – Atlanta can help you recycle, dispose or liquidate those unwanted items in a manner that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
4. Be diligent about labeling.
If you are packing boxes for the new office yourself instead of leaving it to your movers, make sure you label everything clearly. Decide where you will want the items to go and pack according to their new locations. Write the room destinations on each box to make things easy for your movers on the big day.
5. Tackle your tech.
Talk to your Information Technology team about the plan for getting you online as soon as possible after the move. If you don’t have an IT representative, Armstrong – Atlanta offers technology disconnect and reconnect services so you have one less thing on your to-do list. For equipment that you no longer need, ask your moving partner about e-recycling options.
6. Discuss off-site storage.
Not ready to part permanently with some of your stuff? Your relocation partner can help you save space in your new office without getting rid of your items for good by providing you with off-site storage options.
During the Move:
7. Appoint an internal move manager.
Designate one member of your leadership team to help coordinate with your relocation partner on moving day. By assigning a single point of contact for the move, the rest of your team can focus on other tasks.
8. Contact your neighbors.
Let your old and new neighbors know when the move will be taking place so they can plan accordingly. If you haven’t already, double-check with your landlord before the movers arrive that there will be a place to park by the building.
9. Transport prohibited items yourself.
Armstrong – Atlanta cannot transport some items for you, such as hazardous materials, plants or perishables. Set aside these items and transport them in your own vehicle if they are coming with you to the new space.
After the Move:
10. Change your address on all relevant materials.
Your address is not only used for mailing, but also on internal materials. Update your website, business cards, social media and email signatures with your new address, and inform your customers, clients, partners and suppliers of your move.
11. Refamiliarize yourself with building regulations.
It will take a while to get used to the ins and outs of your new work home, so give the details of your lease a second look. What do you need to know about the building’s regulations before you get completely settled?
12. Add any finishing touches.
Adjust the office’s look to your liking by adding any final decor and celebrate the new space with your team! If you decide that a piece of furniture or equipment is not right for your space after all, talk to your moving partner about transporting it to off-site storage.
Armstrong – Atlanta makes moving easy by taking care of all those pesky details for you. Take the stress out of your relocation by calling today at 770.368.0368.
