A majority of companies have either started working from home, entirely or are looking to relocate as a consequence of the transition in workspace scenario due to the pandemic. If you have moved houses, you know how taxing it can be. Well, office relocation can also be equally difficult for everyone involved in the process. The logistics, finding the right packer and mover, the packing and the unpacking, it can be a little daunting, if not planned strategically.

Here’s an exhaustive list of key steps in the process to keep you prepared.

Communicating the move to employees: There is a certain hearsay that goes around every office but there are chances that employees might become anxious even though when they are aware of the impending relocation. Hence, an official communication providing details about the move should be developed approximately six months in advance of the relocation.

Technological and furniture assessment: A new office can also mean new furniture as well as technology. Hence, it is important to understand the differences between old and new furniture along with their implications.

Researching the potential movers: Once the assessment is done, a thorough list ought to be made that contains information of all the items that need to be moved, from every art piece in the office to every file. After these tabulations are completed, the next step is to develop the scope of work for the potential movers, keeping in mind that the scope of work should be the same for every mover to ascertain the value of their bids.

Seating Arrangements: While the bids are in process, it is time to start consider seating arrangements as the layouts would be different in both the old office and the new office.

Selecting the movers: The contracts should be finalised with the vendor at least a month before the actual move. This allows ample time to figure out anything that will not be moving to the new office.

Packing: Employees should begin packing approximately a fortnight prior to the move.

The move: With just a few days remaining until the move, employees should be almost fully packed, reserving a single box for any last-minute items that they’ll need to be able to access until the day of the move.

Unpack and clean: It is always advisable to book an additional cleaning service for the new space. At the same time there is another step involved which is the liquidation of old space. It is recommended that you check every drawer of the old furniture to make sure that no sensitive paperwork or technology has been left behind.

While an office relocation is certainly not a simple process, it is not easy like moving houses with the help of your friends. It is a manageable and potentially productive endeavor, if you keep an organized approach to it.