Whether your lease is ending or you’re expanding to accommodate growth, a swift and efficient office relocation is crucial to keep business disruptions at bay. In this article, you’ll find crucial office removals guidance.
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Office Removals: Breaking Down the Costs
Moving offices brings unique complexities and varying costs, distinct from residential relocations. Prices are influenced by the volume of office items, the need for special handling or equipment, storage solutions, and the distance of the move. Below is a table outlining estimated costs for these crucial factors, helping you plan an efficient and cost-effective office relocation:
Expenses | Average Prices |
---|---|
Removal Company (3,000 Sq. Ft.+) | £3,500 – £7,000 |
Removal Company (10,000 Sq. Ft.+) | £6,100 – £23,000 |
Business Rates | £0.466p – £0.479p x Rateable Value |
Fit-Out Costs | £30 – £180 per Sq. Ft. |
Property Surveys | £750 – £5,000 |
Property Expenses | £3,500 – £13,500 |
Office Alterations | £750 – £3,000 |
Service Charge Increase | 5% – 10% |
Make Sure Your Office Removal Runs Smoothly
If your organisation is looking to relocate to a new office, you will undoubtedly want it to run as smoothly as possible. Together with the considerable number of expenses, an office move is complicated and has the potential to stop business significantly. As such, finding the right removal company should be a priority.
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Are There Any Additional Costs for Office Removals?
Besides the basics, consider these extra costs an office move may incur:
- Commercial property costs
- Construction and repairs
- Theft or wastage of inventory
- Employee downtime
- Relocation notifications
Given these varying factors, pinpointing exact moving costs is challenging, as they hinge on the unique aspects of your office relocation.
How to Plan for Moving an Office in 10 Steps
1. Initiating the Planning Stage
Planning is crucial for any move and it is the same for office relocation as well. It is a good idea to create a small group designated as the moving committee, with specialised roles and responsibilities related to the move.
– Office Improvement
Take note of the consequences of the move, such as the effects on daily business and employees, your reasons for moving, and the budget. If done properly, you will be able to identify opportunities to lower costs and improve efficiency.
– Office Removals Timeline
Create a timeline—depending on the size of your company, the time to start planning will vary. For larger moves, 6 to 8 months should be the minimum since the earlier the better your move will progress. Try to plan your move around a period of low business activity to minimise disruptions.
2. Communicate Clearly
Keep your employees in the loop about the whole moving process. Clear communication about the moving plans will help them better prepare and manage their time for the transition.
Assign a point of contact for each department or team to streamline communication. This liaison will bridge the gap between employees and moving coordinators. Regular updates and meetings can help address any concerns promptly, ensuring a smoother transition for everyone involved.
3. Secure a Professional Removal Company
Start scouting for a reputable office removal company in the UK. To ensure you choose the best provider for your needs, gather and compare quotes from at least 3 different companies. This comparison will help you make an informed decision, balancing cost against the services offered.
– Creating a Moving Plan
Involving your removal company early ensures thorough planning. They’re here to help craft a seamless moving strategy, managing everything from office furniture relocation to the special handling of your equipment and assets. Many removal companies also provide post-move support programs to help your team adjust smoothly to the new space.
4. Measure and Plan for Your New Office Space
An office move is not just about leaving your old space, but getting ready for the new one as well. Use a floor plan of your new office to determine the new layout, as well as functional issues such as storage space, outlets, and kitchen space.
– Define your New Office Spaces
Plan the different operational areas of the office and measure the dimensions to ensure that your furniture and equipment will fit. Figure out the logistics of moving your existing IT infrastructure seamlessly so that business can resume quickly on the other side of the move date.
Remember, your new office might have its quirks—whether it’s a cosier reception area, a uniquely shaped conference room, or a more open office layout, these differences could pose planning challenges.
5. Review Your Furniture and Equipment
Take a comprehensive look at what you will need at your new office. This is a good opportunity for updates; do you want a new office feel or possible updates on the company’s technology?
Adopting this perspective can help you assess the need for new furniture or equipment, and whether your company could benefit from a refreshed environment for its employees. The choice of furniture will align with the desired aesthetic of your new office, leading us to the next step…
6. Hire a Fit-out Company
The next step is to consult a fit-out company. If you need new office furniture then this is highly recommended. A fit-out company will be able to combine your design aspirations and practical issues to make a functional, inspiring office space.
Fostering a positive working environment often comes down to the office layout, interior, and space. That’s why it’s so important to have a fit-out company to create the office that your company needs.
7. Create a Full Inventory
As with any move, creating a full inventory of your items is incredibly useful. Take note of the items that will be transported to the new office, as well as any new pieces you’re buying.
– Streamline Your Office Packing Process
A comprehensive inventory will be invaluable in helping you quickly verify if any furniture or equipment is missing once you’ve settled in. This step not only simplifies packing by ensuring nothing is overlooked but also provides a solid reference. Should you discover something missing post-move, you’ll have the needed documentation with your list of items to follow up with your removal and fit-out companies effectively.
8. Review Your Lease and Utilities
Make sure to shut down any accounts at your old office space leading up to the moving day. At your new place of business, ensure that the utilities—gas, water, electricity, internet, and servers—are up and running in time for your move-in.
– Prevent Any Lease Disagreements
Carefully review your lease to make sure everything’s in order. Renew or update service agreements, licenses, insurance, and equipment leases. Have dilapidations completed at your old office. This involves remedying issues related to the condition of the property. Leaving your old space in a good state prevents any lease disagreements or deposit issues.
9. Moving Day
Give your now-former office a final walkthrough to ensure nothing has been overlooked by you or the removal team. Remember to stay accessible for any questions the removers might have, and to actively oversee the moving operation.
10. Inspecting Your New Premises
Upon arrival at your new office space, ensure all utilities are functioning correctly, including phones, computers, networks, servers, and other essential electrical equipment. Examine the condition of the new space, and document it with photographs for your records. You might also consider assigning representatives from each team to oversee the setup for their respective areas, ensuring everything is in place.
– Time to Celebrate Your Office Move!
After weeks of meticulous planning and execution, you’ve successfully relocated. Hopefully, with your detailed preparations, the transition went smoothly with minimal disruptions. Now it’s the perfect time to hold a party for your team to celebrate the new office space!