by Stephen Daniels
© 2010
http://seo-search-engine-optimization.netbiz.com
Moving
is a daunting prospect, especially when a business is changing office locations.
But if you plan ahead and enlist the right kind of help, you'll successfully relocate
your company without excessive stress.
While keeping costs
down is essential, the end goal is getting your company up and running again with
as little down time as possible, so keeping the move within your budget is important.
In general, a big business will hire a full service moving company to handle most
of the actual details. Small companies should also look into this option as movers
are insured in case of damage or breakage to important equipment.
It
is important to create a timeline for a move. Small offices generally require
three months to prepare for a move, while medium to large ones need six to eight
months.
Be sure to interview several companies to determine
their experience level with the type of move you are contemplating. Do your own
due diligence to check out their licenses, insurance, and bonds, as well as their
safety records. Check out online review sites to find out how other businesses
rate each company you are interviewing.
Be sure to measure
carefully the new space - get blueprints if possible. Don't overlook placement
of the electrical outlets and storage space at the new location. You might need
to employ electricians to add both electrical and Ethernet outlets.
Negotiate
with the new landlord, if you are renting space, to determine how much repair
and replacement work is covered by the property owner, and how much you will be
responsible for.
This is a great opportunity to do a thorough
inventory of all your office and business supplies, as well as sell, donate, or
trash things you no longer need. Broken and outdated computer equipment should
be taken to a recycling center for that type of equipment. Remember that most
landfills will not accept it. Paperwork that you are no longer using should either
be shredded, or archived. If you lack sufficient storage facilities for all the
paperwork you must keep, locate a nearby paperwork storage facility to ensure
that you can access old records easily if and when necessary.
Be
sure to allot adequate time for your IT department (or hired IT workers) to get
your computers, servers, and other related business equipment up and running.
Make sure they are given advance notice of this change so they can determine if
there are sufficient power outlets and working phone and network connections at
your new location. Also make sure they have all the extra wires and cables they
might need in the new location. If possible, try to arrange to have the office
furnishings and electrical equipment transported during non business hours.
As
you can see, early planning and sound contracting decisions ensure an efficient
and smooth company move. Many small businesses will ask employees to pack out
their own desks and work spaces. To ensure that each person has all their own
things after you begin settling in to a new location, make sure each has adequate
boxes and that all boxes are labeled appropriately with contents and employee
name.
Hopefully all these suggestions will help keep you
focused and will make the process more efficient and manageable.
