As companies grow it is common to move from one office to another in order to accommodate more employees coming on board and the changing requirements of the business. But moving office can be tough and stressful if not organised well, from finding the right location to ensuring the space is suitable for staff via sourcing furniture and ensuring technology is installed, connected and working. Below, we cover the key steps you need to take to make your office move as easy and seamless as possible.
Moving office is an investment. If you are scaling up, you will likely incur an increase in cost of rent and rates plus moving fees (legal, logistics, etc) and set-up costs. It is important to set a budget prior to moving and to stick to it. Within your budget it is also important to set aside money for dilapidations and reinstating the office you are leaving. Work closely with your office design and fit out company, they will be able to help you with budget allocation and effective use of cost You will likely have a deposit or bond tied up in your current office lease, but you may not get this back before signing for your new office which will require another deposit, so account for this. Prior to pushing ahead with a move, we recommend creating a spreadsheet that sets out all of the expenses you will incur and a budget for each while also allowing for a contingency fund.
When moving into a new office, most businesses like to personalise the space so that it meets their unique needs and requirements. This can mean turning an office made up of several smaller rooms into an open plan office, or installing features such as canteens, seating areas, meeting pods and even shower rooms. Some companies like to take this one step further and theme their office based around the line of work they are in. Here are some examples of the exciting offices we have created.
In addition to redesigning your office space, you might have to purchase new furniture such as desks, chairs, filing cabinets, sofas and more. Furniture can really bring an office to life, creating a stylish and functional space in which your employees can work and succeed in comfort. When it comes to furniture it is important to remember the substance should come before style – items need to be robust and suitable for office use. It is important to make sure that chairs are ergonomic and that they allow users to sit in the correct position throughout the working day. For this reason, it is a good idea to work with an office redesign and fit-out specialist as they will be able to advise on the most suitable furniture to use.
Technology is at the heart of most businesses. From the internet to computers via smartphones, tablets, screens and more, most organisations can’t function without it. When moving office it is therefore vital to ensure that a plan is put in place for moving technology from your old space to your new base. Time must be allocated for packing up technology, transporting it to the new premises and then unpacking it at the other side. Do not underestimate just how long this can take! You may also need to purchase additional computers, screens, keyboards and so on, all of which must be delivered to coincide with the move.
Managing all of the above can be manageable with support from the right office interior design, fit-out and furnishing partner. It is also a good idea to dedicate the process of moving to one or two members of your team. They can then work out a budget and a strategy to ensure the move goes as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. To learn more about the office design and fit-out services we offer, contact a member of the Building Interiors team here.