Planning Your Office Move

Office moves can be as stressful as residential moves, if not more so. But with the proper planning, you can ensure a smooth transition for your employees.

There are plenty of reasons you might be moving your business. Perhaps your company is growing and you are hiring new employees. Or perhaps you just want to upgrade your accommodations for your workers. Either way, you can facilitate the transition to your new office by using these helpful tips below. Corporate relocations involve a heavy amount of planning and preparation, just like any other type of move.

Make sure you're moving for the right reasons.
These are some of the most common reasons cited for moving offices:

• To lower expenses
• To upgrade accommodations/equipment for employees
• To reach new markets/expand audience
• To improve quality of life for workers
• To solve labor issues

Obviously, your budget is crucial when it comes to an office move. Moving your business can solve budget problems, but it can also create new ones. Consider how the cost of living differs in the new office area. Is the new office closer to your target market? Will it affect employee commute and office accessibility? Don't only think about the business side of things; consider your staff as well. Employees need a certain amount of space to be happy, and they also require specific technology and equipment. If you can provide them that in the new office, they may be satisfied with the corporate relocation. But you must also take other factors into account, such as climate, crime rates, quality of schools in the area and recreational opportunities for families.

Make sure the time is right.

Moving your business can be highly effective when it's done for the right reasons. But if you misjudge the timing of the move, it can really hurt your company. Here are some ways to avoid the most common mistakes when it comes to office moves:

• Don't rush your decision.
• Use all available resources, such as finances, time and connections.
• Consider quality of life factors.
• Plan for future expansion.
• Don't get bogged down in the details too much. Think "bigger picture."

Consider all of your options.
Maybe moving your business isn't the best way to prepare for expansion. Other viable options include getting a satellite office and absorbing an adjoined office space. A separate facility can be a great idea if you are targeting multiple geographic markets. You can either divide your staff by their responsibilities or departments, or you can create a manufacturing/warehousing office in addition to your operations facility. The other option can be effective because it is probably the most inexpensive option, and it keeps all of your employees in the same place.