A how-to guide for a stress-free office relocation that might save your sanity
When we decided it was time to create a how-to guide for a stress-free office relocation, we put our heads together here at Adlam Transport Removal and Service.
There were a lot of useful suggestions to consider and many that we all agreed upon. Here is the final list of things we recommend when relocating your office, without succumbing to the immense pressure and stress it can so easily create.
Start as early as possible! Months in advance if feasible. Break tasks into workable chunks at varying stages of the process, starting with:
4-6 months before moving day
Review your current rental agreement
- Are you liable for any damage to the premises during the move?
An expert removal company like Adlam Transport Removal and Service will have some excellent suggestions in this regard. So, now would be a good time to:
Speak to your removals company
It is good practice to select and involve your removals team as far ahead of time as possible. If there are heavy, bulky items to move then the company needs preparation time. They will assemble a larger crew and any specialist equipment required.
- Bring attention to fragile items or those that require special treatment.
Any movers worth their salt will ask you about these things when preparing to tender a quotation. We certainly would.
Make enquiries about insurance
Finalise your budget
Costs can run rampant if you do not have at least a rough idea of how much your relocation is going to cost.
- Reputable office removal professionals will honour their quotation prices if no changes are made.
At least you can account for that cost beforehand, even if some others are harder to pin down.
Assign a moving team
- Decide which people will take direct responsibility for aspects of the relocation.
Ensure they are fully aware of their roles and your expectations.
3-4 months before moving day
Lock in your relocation date
- Share the finalised details of the move with parties that need to be informed.
Create a detailed moving plan
Put even the smallest details of your move in writing. Some things to consider might be:
- Key individuals and their assigned roles
- Timeline of events.
Weekly, then daily as the time draws near. Finally, by the hour on moving day.
- Essential tasks.
Everything from phone installation to parking permits should be taken into account and recorded.
Officially notify all your employees and other affected parties about the relocation
Everybody has surely heard about the move by now. But it’s good to give an official announcement for professional and legal purposes.
Try to consider the impact of your move on others.
- Neighbours and valued suppliers
- Gardeners, cleaners, catering staff
- Building management
Inform them all of the relocation and discuss any changes moving forwards.
6-8 weeks before moving day
Work on your new floor plan.
Focus on practical, immovable elements such as power sockets and how they will affect the placement of objects.
Arrange any necessary installations.
- Electricity, phone lines, internet and so on
Ask employees for a list of items
- Things like keys and any security passes they have.
Review them and assess which items need to be returned, and to where/whom.
Find offsite storage
It might be advantageous to have a holding place where some items can go first if necessary. It’s no good filling floor space with boxes of files if you haven’t put the desks and filing cabinets in place yet.
One month before moving day
Label and tag office items
- Take lots of pictures
You will need them if items are lost or damaged.
Gather moving supplies
Hopefully, almost all your staff members do their part in helping things run smoothly when the time comes, even just packing away the contents of their desks. If so, provide the supplies they need.
- Cardboard boxes
- Packing tape
- Labelling materials
Be sure the contents of each box are recorded on the outside
Two weeks before moving day
Finalise plans with your removals team
- Share your detailed itinerary with them.
Designate any equipment that will not make the trip
- Some things just aren’t worth carrying
Identify them and make arrangements for their disposal.
One week before your move
Inspect the new space again
- If possible, ensure that any promised tasks have been completed and it is fit to inhabit
Review your schedule.
- Ask for advice spotting anything you’ve overlooked
Collect padding and packing materials
- The more you protect valuable items, the more likely they are to survive the move
On the eve of moving day
- Finish packing and labelling.
- Gather any staff parking passes, security cards, and keys. Return them.
- Double-check with all the utility companies that your new location will have service the next day
On moving day
Follow the plan systematically
- Trust your moving company to get the job done and try not to let the stress become overwhelming.
You’ve done so much pre-move planning by now that there should be very little left to do except oversee the process.
Walk through the vacated office and take photographs
- Report any damage to the landlord
Work as a team unpacking everything
- The more the merrier
Breathe
So, that was a how-to guide for a stress-free office relocation based on the suggestions and recommendations of our transport boffins and professional office removals experts.
Notice how the tasks diminish as time passes? That’s the whole point. If you do nothing else from this list – at least start early.
Contact us
We hope you will consider contacting Adlam Transport Removals and Storage when the time goes for your own office relocation. We are widely considered one of Perth’s most reliable removalists. You will receive only the highest-quality service from us at incredibly affordable prices.
We pride ourselves on the experience and professionalism of our moving specialists. They will efficiently, expertly coordinate and execute your office relocation, communicating fully with you at every step of the process and always listening to your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns.
Get in touch today and speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable team members. You will not be disappointed with the personal touch and incredible customer service you will receive.