Whether your business is moving just a block down the street, across city or across Canada, poorly managed office relocation can bring a huge headache to both business owners, employees and their clients.
These tips will help your business avoid the most common moving issues and reduce your office relocation stress significantly.
- Start Planning Your Office Relocation Early
We recommend starting your office move planning at least three months before your scheduled moving day.
Decide what needs to be moved and what should be donated or securely eliminated. Many charities accept used office furniture, and there are businesses that specialize in secure disposal of electronic equipment. Advanced planning will help streamline these logistics.
- Remove Old Data and Recycle Electronics
From old office phones to computers, it’s important to dispose safely of those items both to protect your company’s security as well as to prevent harmful environmental damage from e-waste.
Removing data from devices isn’t as simple as just deleting some old files. Do not trade, sell, donate or recycle old electronics until you’ve wiped them clean. Consumer Reports offers a detailed guide for removing data from computers and other electronic devices.
Once the data is fully removed, disposal options include community recycling programs and donation programs, such as Dell Reconnect and World Computer Exchange.
- Plan the Coverage during your Office Move
For most businesses it’s not feasible to completely shut down for moving. Let your clients / customers know that you may be a bit slower returning emails or answering phones during the moving period. Also, consider appointing one employee as the emergency client contact to ensure client support without interruptions.
- Reduce Square Footage by Using Storage
If your business is downsizing to a smaller office space, consider placing rarely used documents and files into a storage to minimize your real estate footage and decrease your overhead costs.
When choosing a storage unit, remember that in addition to price as just one consideration, other factors include: whether the storage unit is climate controlled, the type of security offered and whether there is a password protected entry.
- Update Your Digital Address
In addition to updating your business partners, vendors and clients about your new office address, change your location in Google My Business, as well as all other online directories your business is listed in, such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, Homestars etc.
With sufficient advanced planning of your office relocation, you can minimize logistical hassles and your stress significantly.
For more on our office moving services, check out our website or call us on (647) 497-7747 or fill out our Contact Form for a free consultation.
