Corporate housing is much more than moving from one place to another – you just can't snap your fingers and have everything magically fall into place. There is a lot of planning involved in the process to make sure the relocation of a business doesn’t cause much of a headache.
The best way to approach this very important task is to plan ahead, which helps avoid the random troubles that always seem to come at the very last minute. It doesn’t matter how many employees are involved in business relocation, the goal is make the transition as smooth as possible. A checklist should help with this:
1) One of the most important things to complete before business relocation is making sure plans regarding the new location is all set. This means away all business with the new landlord, including location details, available space, remodeling issues, price, choosing a furnished house or furnished apartments. The release arrangements from the current lease should also take place as soon as possible.
2) Make arrangements with the phone company to either keep the current company telephone number or reserve new digits for the business.
3) With every business relocation, current and future clients need to know about the move – applicable announcement letters, letterhead, business cards, and envelopes are needed. In some cases, a personal visit makes a lasting impression with loyal patrons. As a matter of fact, someone needs to visit the post office to obtain and fill out change of address cards.
4) Make sure the business isn’t responsible for paying utilities no longer needed – all necessary appointments to have the appropriate cutoffs for the old building and hookups for the new location should be made ahead of time.
5) Make sure phones are installed within a proper amount of time. This is also the time to plan ahead for any custom wiring that needs to be done for the phone lines and computer connections at the new business location.
6) To cut down on the clutter that enters the new office space, make a date to have all unnecessary files and old materials thrown out.
7) A new business location is the perfect opportunity to explore a fresh company look. This means the design of an up-to-date workspace may include a mix of old furnishings with a little of the latest in interior design.
8) Making arrangements for help with the move is essential. Starting early in recruiting, hiring, or assigning responsibilities for packing, cleaning, and unpacking will makes things much easier in the long run.
9) During business relocation, the brief transition may disrupt the usual routine of employee family life. It is important to explain what is expected of them and that they may have to make extra arrangements at home to accommodate their family needs at the same time.
10) Create a detailed plan on paper that makes clear of all necessary things and assigned employee duties pertaining to before the move, during the move, and after the move. Handing out papers copies, as well as sending an email is a must.
After making a business relocation checklist that suits the personal needs of a company, it is a good idea to hold a group meeting to present the agenda. Make sure to open the floor to employees so they may include their "two cents." You never know when a list is lacking in some of the important aspects of business relocation that could save an incredible amount of time, energy, and money.
