Paperstone’s guide to office moves – top tips for expanding and relocating
An office move can be great for a business if it’s handled well and carefully considered.
Here at Paperstone we’re part way through our own move into a larger space, so the following is based on our own very recent experience!
If you’re planning to expand or relocate your office, read our top tips for a well-organised, calm transition into your new working space:
• Begin planning many months before the move so that it won’t affect the day-to-day operation of your organisation. Start with identifying specific business goals and desired outcomes for the relocation, as these may well influence office design and space planning. Think as far ahead as possible and consider your projected future growth before deciding on your new office location.
• Decide whether you have the in-house skills and talents to handle all aspects of the move. If so, designate one person who will oversee the relocation and then delegate specific tasks to those best qualified to complete them. Consider employing an architect or space planner if there are complicated planning issues.
• When you have selected your business premises, draw up a scaled plan of the available floor space. Add the locations of the doors, windows, power and data points, radiators and any other fixtures and fittings. Sketch out the walkways that will need to be kept clear for efficient access to all facilities, remembering to take into account the extra room needed for wheelchair users. You can then decide how to utilise the remaining space.
• Consider everyone who needs to be accommodated. Who are the people who need to work together closely? How much working space does each person need, and what style of desk would suit them best? Will you be wanting an open plan office, closed working spaces, or a mixture of both? Draw up a list of office furniture and equipment that will be needed. If a percentage of the workforce can work remotely, you might need less working space overall.
• Identify the shared facilities and equipment that will be required – storage units, meeting space, printers, shredders, copiers, whiteboards or glass-boards, filing cabinets, etc.
• Consider whether you’ll need a designated area for visitors and/or a reception area. If so, you might need to purchase sofas and coffee tables.
• Remember that your office interior should reflect your brand image – especially the public areas. You might want a colour scheme that matches your logo for example.
• Give plenty of thought to the catering arrangements for employees and visitors. Plan the kitchen and where to locate coffee machines or drink-making facilities.
• Create a list of trustworthy suppliers and arrange a reliable point of contact at each organisation before any problems arise – that way you’ll minimise last-minute panic and stress.
• Keep all staff informed of progress and what will happen at the time of the relocation. Change isn’t always easy, but good communication will help to keep everyone happy and productive.
We’re always happy to help, so if you’re planning an office movegive our friendly team a call on 0345 567 4000 and we can pull together a quote based on your requirements.
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