Making mistakes during an office relocation can be costly. Critical files could be lost, employees could lose valuable working time and business schedules may be seriously set back. Be sure to avoid these common office moving pitfalls for a quick, painless move.
1. Not Creating a Checklist
The first order of business for any company during an office relocation should be to create a proper checklist to ensure that everything you need to move is in order. Making a checklist helps to ensure that all the essential components of your office are accounted for and ready when the big move comes.
2. Being Disorganized
A disorganized move creates chaos for businesses big and small. Be sure to move and install your essential items first and always clearly mark any file cabinets, IT equipment, furniture or any other essentials that need to move moved.
3. Not Shredding Any Leftover Business Documents
Leaving behind sensitive business documents is a serious security concern. Always make a point to shred and dispose of any important business documents that you won’t be bringing with you to your new office. Failing to do so could be a serious security issue for your company, especially given the prevalence of identity theft these day.
4. Failing to Move Electronics and Computers the Right Way
No matter what type of business you have, computers and IT equipment almost certainly play a major role in it. Moving this equipment in a sloppy, careless way will create serious headaches for your business after your relocation. Entangled cords, mislabeled computers and improperly packed telephones and fax machines can all make your move an unnecessary hassle. Take the time to label every piece of electronic equipment and cord properly and always have an IT professional or guidebook on hand to reinstall everything after the move. Doing so will save time – and frustration!
5. Failing to Plan Ahead
Above all, always plan ahead. After creating your checklist, call a relocation specialist well in advance and be sure to ask any questions ahead of time. In addition, make sure that your employees know the protocol of what they’re supposed to do and what’s to be expected of them too.
