An office move can be a major disruption with a labyrinth of changes to navigate. Maintaining employee productivity, controlling inventory and keeping costs in check are even more challenging than usual during periods of change and uncertainty. But relocating offices doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Follow These 5 Easy Office Moving Tips to Make Your Next Move a Dream Come True:
Consult the Pros Early On
Start by reaching out to the moving companies you’ve shortlisted, even if all the details of your move aren’t ironed out yet. A professional office mover will be able to tell you the important things to cover in preparing an RFP/RFQ, alert you to any potential issues you may encounter with your move, and offer other helpful office moving tips. The right partner will continue to work with you along the way.
Streamline the Quoting Process
It helps to provide prospective moving companies with an inventory estimate up front so that they can provide you with the best plan and most accurate quote. In some cases, it’s even a good idea to invite all contenders for a walk through your facility at the same time. This is an efficient way to make sure everyone receives the same information at the same time, ultimately making it much easier for you and your team to compare proposals.
Hire Based on Value, Not Price
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten” -Benjamin Franklin.
While price is always going to be a key factor in selecting a vendor, be sure to consider things like experience, technology, testimonials, and breadth of service as well. What you expect to save may actually end up costing more in delays, damages or additional expenses. Well before moving day arrives, you will reap the benefits of having chosen a strategic partner and not simply the least expensive option.
Keep Staff in the Loop
The success of your move depends almost as much on your team as it does on the team of office movers you hire. Let employees know what is happening, when, and what their roles are. Set clear expectations for staff participation in packing and labelling to avoid confusion and double work. Recruit one person from each department to represent staff members at meetings, and pass along information and timetables. This essential preparation and communication separate successful moves from near disasters.
Be Present and Accountable
Be available on moving day to field questions and offer direction when needed. For all the planning that goes into a move, there will still be unique challenges and changes along the way. Dealing with these situations head on, you can overcome any hurdle in a timely and appropriate way.
The Bottom Line On Office Moving Tips
Facility Managers can have a positive impact on relocation projects well in advance of the physical move. It’s all in the planning. Find the right partner and you will already be well on your way to a successful office move.
This post was adapted from an article written by Office Move Pro Managing Partner, Scott Goodbrand and Commercial Account Manager, Andrew Jeffrey. The article entitled ‘Site Selection and Relocation’ was originally published in Canadian Facility Management and Design magazine.
photo credit: Kris Krug via photopincc
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