If I Haven't Posted In Awhile, I'm Probably Moving

Moving offices can be a great step for your business: It may mean a more convenient location for your customers and staff, more space to grow, or a quieter and more productive environment. Moving offices can also be quite disruptive to your business and have a negative impact on your productivity in the short term. Luckily, there are specific things you can do to make sure your office move goes as smoothly as possible. Here are five tips for a successful office relocation:

Hire Local Movers

If you rely on your team to do their own moving, your office move will be chaotic, expensive office equipment may be lost or broken, and your staff will have more reason to grumble about the move. This is not the time to skimp: Paying professional moving services is the difference between a low-stress, streamlined corporate move and a nightmarishly stressful one. Be sure to hire movers with experience relocating offices. They will work with you to schedule your move for a convenient time and to minimize business downtime.

Design New Space Thoughtfully

Instead of rushing to get your office move over with as quickly as possible, use this move as an opportunity to design a more thoughtful office space for your staff. Studies show that office layout and design can have a huge impact on your team's productivity, so it pays to spend time thinking about how you will arrange your office furniture, artwork, lighting, etc.  

If you have the budget, you may even want to hire an office design company to help come up with an office space that is attractive, flows well, and optimizes productivity and collaboration. Having a beautiful and more comfortable office to look forward to will turn an otherwise stressful move into a positive experience for your staff.

Give Your Staff Plenty of Warning

When your staff knows that a move is coming and is kept up to speed on the pertinent details, they are likely to feel less anxious about the whole thing. Once you have a target date and location for your move, it's time to schedule a team meeting to let everyone know what to expect.

Handling things in a transparent manner will eliminate the need for rumors and gossip, and allow you to present the move in a positive light. Your staff will have time to adjust to the idea so that by the time the move actually happens it won't feel nearly as stressful as it would if it was sprung on them last minute.

Set Up Utilities Ahead of Time

Keep in mind that setting up electricity, internet, and cable at your new office will have to be done in advance. Few things are more frustrating than making plans for moving day only to learn you won't have functional lights, HVAC or internet for a few days. Work with your utility companies to transition your accounts from the old location to the new with a few days of leeway in both locations, just in case.

Allow Time to Settle In

When planning your team's schedule for the days following your move, be sure to account for plenty of time to get settled in. Everyone will need time to set up their office spaces and computers, and to generally acclimate to the new space. Your receptionist or office manager will need time to set up office and kitchen supplies before your office is totally functional. Planning on a few days or even a week to adjust and settle in will help prevent missed deadlines or unnecessary stress.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you make the most of your office relocation while minimizing stress for you and your staff.