6 Mistakes Companies Make When Moving Offices

Companies are reopening their offices again and employees are returning to physical workspaces at the highest rate since the pandemic began, according to the Wall Street Journal.

As businesses return to office work and redesign their spaces to meet new needs, many executives have decided that it’s time to downsize, expand, renovate or relocate their in-person teams. A successful move can bring new life to an in-person work environment while minimizing downtime and distractions.

If you’re thinking about relocating your office, ensure a smooth transition by avoiding these six common mistakes.

Mistake #1: Scheduling moving dates during a busy season.

When relocating your office or facility, you need to minimize downtime to keep your customers, clients and employees happy. Start planning your relocation at least three months in advance, and schedule the physical move to occur outside of your company’s peak season. During the holidays, most CEOs are too busy to manage a corporate relocation on top of their other responsibilities. If you do have to move your business during a seasonal surge, find a full-service relocation partner who can handle every detail for you. Instead of trying to squeeze your move in before or after a workday, talk to your building managers about the possibility of moving during a long weekend.

Mistake #2: Disconnecting technology without extensive documentation.

Before you disconnect and package your printers, servers and other technology, take photos of everything. Document where each cable connects and how employees arranged their desktop monitors. Develop a labeling system that corresponds with your pictures or diagrams so you know exactly how to get your technology up and running in your new office. If you have an in-house Information Technology team, give them plenty of time leading up to the move to create backups of your systems and to practice powering up your servers. If you need an extra hand, some relocation partners also have the expertise to disconnect your technology and set it up in your new office.

Mistake #3: Skipping the decommissioning process.

Before you move out of your current space, review your lease for specific decommissioning instructions. Most leases stipulate that you must leave your office in “broom-swept” condition, free of all your belongings and clean for the next tenant. In some cases, this process may also involve patching walls and making other repairs to leave your space in the same condition you found it. Your relocation partner can tackle the decommissioning process for you to prevent any last-minute fines or fees from your lessor.

Mistake #4: Disposing of furniture that’s no longer needed.

Instead of sending old furniture and equipment to the dump, look into options for repurposing, selling, donating or recycling items to minimize your environmental impact while also saving your company money. Many relocation partners offer liquidation and tax-benefit donation services, allowing you to leverage their nationwide networks of vetted vendors and partners to find new homes for your items.

Mistake #5: Moving without protecting high-value inventory.

Most moving companies define high-value inventory as any items with value exceeding $100 per pound. For an office relocation, qualifying items might include electronics, high-end furniture or decorative artwork. Before you move, you will need to list your high-value items on a form provided by your relocation partner. On moving day, you and your driver will verify the condition of your items and sign the form as witnesses. Then, those belongings will receive extra care and attention from your movers during the transportation process. After you settle into your new space, you and your relocation partner will review the conditions of your items again, and you will have the opportunity to note any exceptions on the form.

Mistake #6: Scratching walls and floors while transporting furniture.

An experienced relocation partner should take steps to protect your walls, floors, doors and ceilings without prompting. When you research moving companies, ask about their moving procedures and how they will prevent damage to your current or new buildings when transporting heavy or bulky items.

Armstrong – Huntsville has been successfully relocating companies across industries for decades. Remove the stress from your corporate relocation by enlisting the support of our experts. Start planning your office relocation today by calling Armstrong – Huntsville at 256.772.6664 or requesting a free quote online.