How to Make Moving Offices a Smooth Transition

If you've ever moved from one house to another, you know how daunting a move can be, but moving your place of business can be 10 times more difficult if you're not prepared in advance. For business owners who typically don't plan tasks in advance, changing your habits to make this office move as smooth of a transition as possible is imperative. By creating a list of simple tasks you can complete early and more involved tasks that require more time, you can get your new and improved office up in running in a shorter period of time. Here are 5 tips on making your office move easier so that your business isn't in shambles for a long period of time. 

Step#1: Assess Your Long-term Needs and Know Your Requirements
The first thing you need to acknowledge is why you're going to move offices. Are you unhappy with your landlord, is your lease on the verge of expiring, do you need more space, or are you interested in being in a new area? Review the details of your lease, know your obligations and liabilities, and layout all of your requirements. I even recommend that you get a  retail space for lease in Houston if you live in that area. Write down the following so that you choose a commercial space that is appropriate for your long-term needs:

* Where do you want to move to?
* What type of lease do you want?
* How much space do you need? *Will you hire more employees?
* What building features are important?
* What are your business objectives?

Step #2: Build the Business a Project Team In Charge of the Move
The next step to ensure you have a smooth transition is building a move team that is responsible for overseeing all of the tasks that much be done. You will quickly learn that moving is a collaborative effort, and involving your employees will make the effort easier. The team will be full of contributing members who will all facilitate independent aspects of the office move. This will improvement organization and ensure things are done in a timely manner.

Step #3: Create  Budget 
You'll need a detailed budget that you must follow when moving. Going over budget can take away from your revenues and damage your business in the new location financially. Assess the costs of the move, save, and make resourceful decisions. 

Step #4: Hire Office Move Professionals
There are plenty of professionals who can help you move your supplies, your equipment, and your furnishings from one office to another. If you're moving a retail office, you'll need new fixtures that are custom. Hire the right commercial movers, computer network administrators, and outfitters who can help you customize your new space.

Step #5: Let Your Customers Know 
You should always let the customers who pay your bills know you're moving well in advance. Businesses will lose some clientele during the move, but if you send out mailers and put up signage you can lose less clientele. Be sure to design mailers, ask for input from customers, and send consistent mailers to stay on their minds. 

Moving your office can be a positive change if you're prepared. Take time to price the cost of the move, compare lease options, compare locations, and see what your employees and your customers want. By avoiding procrastination, you can move on and move up in a new location.