No matter what stress survey you view, moving is almost always listed as a top-10 trigger, with some surveys placing it just before divorce and after the death of a loved one…yikes. While moving for personal reasons is stressful to say the least, moving into a new office space isn’t any easier. Business moves are even more complex, requiring detailed negotiations, intense labor, extensive planning, and long-term preparation.
Here’s the good news: though moving into a new office space can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. We help thousands of businesses lease office, industrial, and retail space each year, and have compiled a list of some helpful tips and tricks to make moving easy, and dare we say, stress-free.
1. Use a tenant rep broker to find you and your company a new office space.
Instead of trying to search for a new office location yourself, consider utilizing the services of a tenant rep broker so that you can remain focused on growing your business. Qualified brokers know how to find the space you need – whether it be executive office space or flex space – and will use that knowledge as leverage when negotiating leases and subleases. Because of their experience, tenant rep brokers will recognize any red flags, saving you the hassle of trying to navigate potential issues down the road. Best of all, the cost to pay the tenant rep broker falls onto the landlord, not you.
2. Find a reputable moving company to ensure your items arrive intact and at a reasonable price.
Moving companies are notorious for high prices, changing terms, and not being careful when it comes to the handling of belongings. That’s why it is imperative to find a reputable moving company that will honor your agreement and take care of your assets. When choosing a mover, be sure that the price they provide is based on a comprehensive inventory list and your location. Ask for a price break down so that you can see how much it costs to move each individual item, as well as what the terms are for items you do not end up moving (some will still charge you – read the fine print)! Moving office furniture, computers, and file boxes can be an expensive undertaking, so be sure to compare multiple moving company prices before picking one to use.
3. Rent a top-rated, local self-storage unit to ensure your items remain secure.
With storage units located in cities across the country, self-storage facilities can provide your business with a temporary location to store items when your moving dates do not align. There are other uses for business storage units versus just storing items during an office space move. Note that self-storage units are also a cost-effective storage option for long term inventory, offering a less expensive alternative to renting more industrial or warehouse space. You can compare and reserve nearby self-storage units online for free, easily finding a unit that meets your needs and price point. As with moving companies, please be sure to compare storage prices of different locations prior to reserving a unit to ensure you get the best deal.
Though moving can be quite the hassle, there are many benefits to relocating your office as well. Besides finding and designing office suites that will improve your overall workflow, moving into a new office space provides you with the unique opportunity to clean up and clear out! Take this time to throw away any unused items, organize/archive files, and start fresh! It may be years before you have the chance to go through everything with such detail again.
American Psychologist Theodore Isaac Rubin once said, “Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.” When your move is complete, you will be proud of the work your company has achieved, and better yet, the success that is to come.