As you evaluate various new office space possibilities, naturally you’ll be looking at factors such as location, proximity to customers, suppliers and employees, and of course, lease/mortgage costs. All of these are key considerations.
However, there are other factors that you should be researching and analyzing as well, since they will ultimately impact how much value you get out of your new office space.
For more than 30 years, we’ve been helping businesses effectively and efficiently move into their new office space. Based on this in-depth experience, here is what we believe are the 5 key things you should be looking for:
1. New Furniture Requirements
Don’t assume that your current furniture should make the trip with you to your new office space. Some pieces may not be functional after years of use, while other pieces may simply not align with your new décor.
If you determine that you do indeed need new furniture (and most businesses end up coming to this conclusion), then you also need to know how to appropriately decommission your unwanted furniture, and how to cost-effectively source your new furniture.
2. IT, Data and Phone Systems
The last thing you want is to transfer your equipment, furniture and people into your new office space, and then discover that you need to take care of some major updates or upgrades to the IT, data and/or phone systems. It’s wise to look into these issues well before you move, and make any changes before – not after.
3. Parking
Sometimes, a business can be so excited about moving to a new office space (especially if it really hates the old one!), that it can overlook a very important factor: parking. Be sure you look into this aspect, so that your employees won’t have to park far away from their new office – or risk getting ticketed and towed if they park nearby.
4. Kitchen Area
Obviously, it’s important that your new office space has sufficient boardroom capacity, work areas, reception facilities and so on. However, less obviously – but just as important – is the kitchen area.
This is not just because your employees need a comfortable and suitable place to eat lunch (or on those super-long days, breakfast and dinner, too!). It’s also because the kitchen area is often the informal meeting area for groups and teams, where the brainstorm solutions, resolve issues, and carry out other important business tasks.
As such, make sure this area is stocked with all necessary appliances, and that there is ample counter and table space. Be sure that the ventilation and lighting system are also adequate.
5. Security
And last but not least, ensure that you pay attention to the security features in any potential new office space. This includes internal security (intruder alarm, motion sensors, etc.), as well as any external security (suitably-lit parking area, security patrols, etc.).
Making Your Move Simple & Efficient
For more information on these key factors – plus additional considerations that will help you enjoy a simple and efficient transition to your new office space -- download our free ebook “How to Move Your Office in 5 Easy Steps”.
