The easing of pandemic restrictions saw many businesses asking their employees to return to work in the office. While some businesses retained their offices during the pandemic, others had to move out to save on expenses. So, these businesses had to find new offices for their workers.
Moving into a new office is an exciting process, but it can also be stressful. So many things need to be taken care of before you can start working in your new space. From setting up the internet and phone lines to arranging furniture and equipment, a lot has to be done! Here are some tips on what to do when moving into a new office to make sure your move goes smoothly.
Create an Inventory List
This step is essential for keeping track of all the items you’ll need to move into your new office. Make sure you include basic supplies such as pens, paperclips, staplers, etc., as well as any larger pieces of furniture or equipment. A clear list will help keep everything organized and ensure nothing gets left behind.
When creating the inventory list, you should also consider the size of your office space. Some items might need to be purchased or rented, depending on your available space. If possible, take measurements beforehand and use this information to select furniture that’s appropriate for your new office. Remember to also factor in any special needs for certain equipment or furniture. For example, include that on your list if your office requires ergonomic chairs and desks.
Once the list is created, it’s a good idea to double-check it with all parties involved in the move. Make sure everyone knows what items need to be brought and where to go when you arrive at the new office.
Plan Your Layout
Before you begin moving anything in, you must know how you want your space arranged. Decide where each piece of furniture will go and think about how traffic flows through the office. For example, if there’s a reception area or kitchenette, consider putting them in locations where people won’t have to cross paths with other teams or departments to get there. You can also use this time to create a plan for electrical outlets, phone lines, and other necessities.
You should also make sure the office is ready when you move in. Make sure the space has enough power and climate control to accommodate your computers and other electronics. Check the walls for damage, repair any loose fixtures, and check for potential safety hazards. Have a plan for your equipment, such as where you’ll store extra paper supplies or filing cabinets.
If any equipment is left by the previous tenant, you should remove it before bringing in your equipment. In this situation, you should work with a reliable company offering office and house clearance services. The company should have the manpower to quickly and efficiently clear out the property to facilitate moving in.
Organize Your Technology
Make sure all of your technology is set up and ready for use before you move anything else in. This includes setting up computers, printers, phones, and other devices needed for day-to-day operations. Test out all the equipment beforehand to identify potential problems before they arise during the move-in process.
Organize all your technology accessories, such as wires, cables, cords, and peripherals. Label everything clearly so that you can easily locate what you need when it’s time to set up each device. This will also help keep your workspace clutter-free and organized. Consider using a cable management system to organize cords and cables. This allows you to quickly move and adjust wires without untangling them whenever you need to access something.
Make sure that all of your equipment is connected correctly and securely. If wires, cables, or cords are subject to wear and tear, replace them before moving into the office space. This will reduce the chances of any disruption or malfunction. Pay special attention to any surge protectors and power strips, as these prevent electrical surges and damage from occurring in the office space.
Finally, check that your technology is backed up properly, whether it’s on an external drive or a cloud storage system. Doing so will ensure that you have access to your important data in case of a system failure or power outage. Make sure all of your employees are aware of the backup protocol so that they can be prepared if an issue arises. Having access to backups will make recovering from technical issues much quicker and easier.
Moving into a new office is exciting for business owners and entrepreneurs alike! With these tips in mind, your transition should go smoothly and efficiently so that you can start using your new workspace immediately! Keep in mind that having a plan in place from the beginning will help make the entire process much easier – both for yourself and everyone involved in the move.
