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Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Office

Ryan Eisner • Jan 27, 2023
A man wearing a blue jacket with a surprised look on his face, moving 3 brown cardboard boxes.

Numerous scenarios may require an office relocation. For example, perhaps your lease has expired, you wish to expand, or you need to be closer to customers or vendors.


Whichever the reason for your move is, the success of your office relocation mainly depends on how well you plan and execute the office move. Discover mistakes that could compromise your move when relocating office and what to do.


Failure to Plan and Take Inventory


You likely want a smooth move that meets both your timeline and budget. And you can only achieve this goal with adequate planning to help you map out the relocation process and anticipate potential pitfalls.


Moreover, before you start packing, take a detailed inventory of all the items you need to move. This step provides insight into the capacity of your moving truck, the size of the crew necessary to move your office, and the length of time the move will take.


Furthermore, when you take inventory, you can quickly identify if something is lost or damaged during the move. With this, you can make the necessary claims.


Failure to Consider the Need for Upgrades


A seamless move does not just focus on where you come from but also where you go. Consider if the new office can accommodate the items you need to move and if you need an upgrade. You can share the new space's floor plan with your employees to determine if any upgrades are necessary, such as filing cabinets and workstations.


Also, suppose you intend to purchase new furniture or equipment for the new space. Plan where each item will go and how it will fit best in the space. This way, you can find out if you have items that will not fit or need resizing before you even start the moving process.


Failure to Account for IT Needs


Relocating an office is not just about moving equipment and furniture but also IT systems. Therefore, ensure the new setup meets your business's IT needs. For instance, if you have to handle sensitive information, you will want a secure system with suitable firewalls.


You may also plan with your IT team beforehand to assess the disconnect and reconnect time for all the computers and networks. Then, have a separate IT team set up the new office while another team works on packing and moving items.


Failure to Set a Budget


An office move is a significant expense, so ensure you have enough budget. Consider the costs of packing materials, movers insurance, transportation fees and supplies, new furniture or equipment, and storage fees if necessary.


Setting a budget alone is not enough — ensure you stick by it through the moving process. But, most importantly, set a realistic budget to avoid disappointments and deficits down the road.


Failure to Research Moving Companies


Researching and selecting a reliable moving company is crucial for the success of any office move. Start by asking your colleagues or business associates for referrals, and read their customer reviews online.


You may also check the moving company's rating on different sites. Ensure the company is highly experienced in logistics and can handle the complex task of office moving. Additionally, read through their terms and conditions to avoid additional fees down the road.


Now that you know what and what not to do when relocating office, you can make informed decisions to help your move be successful. The tips can help you avoid business discontinuity and ensure a seamless move.


Hudson River Moving & Storage, LLC, is your trusted office moving partner. Our experience and expertise ensure a smooth relocation — with no stress or disruption to your business operations. Contact us for a quote.


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