Relocating your office: What's involved?

Moving house is a hard enough task, but moving office can be even more of a headache, especially if you're the one in charge. There is the typical relocation process of hiring removalists and packing; however, trying to run a business and keep track of employees at the same time is the tricky part.

Fortunately, relocating your office doesn't have to be painful. By planning well in advance and delegating appropriately, you may not even lose many hours of productivity. Read on for some tips.

Moving office: Preparation tips

Before moving office there are a few things to consider and organise in advance. Most are fairly standard, but there are some smaller things to look out for that could help the business run a little smoother:

• Get written quotes from several removalists, including removals insurance, to ensure you're getting the best deal.
• Visit the new office, take measurements and create a floor plan of how you'd like everything set out. If it makes it easier, outline where desks will go on the floor with masking tape. This will help the movers as well.
• Use labels and/or a colour coding system to indicate where all furniture should be placed. This helps the removalists and makes it a lot easier for you in the long run.
• Make a note of all the objects you'll be moving so that you can make sure nothing went missing after the move.
• Ensure that servers are backed up, as well as any additional data.
• Dispose of anything you don't need while in the packing process.
• Organise phone and Internet access at the new office before you disconnect in the old office. While the moving is taking place ensure that you have set up "out of office" emails.
• Inform all employees well in advance about the move and brief them in detail about what they'll be required to do on move day.
• Take some of the pressure off yourself by delegating responsibility to select staff members.

Other things to consider when relocating offices

By the time move day comes around, there are a few quick things to check off the list:

• Make sure that all desks are empty and that all filing cabinets are locked.
• Ensure that each employee has packed their own things.
• Carry all important documents and valuables with you to decrease the risk of loss or theft whilst moving.

In addition to this, don't forget to change your office address on your website, business cards, letterheads, and email signature.