Office Relocation Checklist
Just thinking about relocating your business can give goose bumps to many. Let's face it no one likes an unpleasant change. And if that change potentially means the disruption of your already hectic schedule, things can get really hot. This is where a little planning comes in:
1) Get Budget-wise. Moving without budget-planning is a sure sign of an inexperienced manager. A proper budget layout is the first step towards an intelligent relocation. Imagine a prior knowledge of the costs involved in office relocation! It can really smoothen the affairs that otherwise, looked formidable.
2) Make a Master Checklist. Prepare a master checklist that reflects all the major and minor aspects of relocation. Include all those items that are required for training or other activities that may be unique to your business. This checklist can be referenced at the end of your Mission Relocation!
3) Layout of Cubicles. Decide upon the size, layout and location of cubicles, and offices. Have a pdf file of not only the layout of the cubicles but who is going to be sitting where. Your cubicle, phone system, movers and network administrator will thank you.
4) Furniture. Plan the location of furniture at the new office.
5) Choose the type of furniture that best suits your requirements. A prior decision on the furniture-type will ensure if networking of your systems is required before placing the furniture. For instance, modular furniture demands pre-networking of the systems.
6) Plan the location of equipment. I.E. PC, printer, fax, telephones etc. The jack locations for voice and data can be easily determined if you have performed the above tasks diligently.
7) Obtain the bids for voice and data/network cabling (wiring) for the new location. Southern Cal Telecom is a company in the Southern California area that can provide cabling for 2 to 2,000 cables.
8) Spread Team Spirit. This may sound corny but it works! It helps the whole office buy into the idea of helping with the move.Appoint one of the trusted members of your staff as the move coordinator who will be in-charge of the moving operations. Help him/her delegate the work to other staff members. This would not only help in materializing the moving plans but also develop a team spirit and a sense of belongingness amongst the staff. Separate teams may be formed for professional execution of work. For instance, desktop team may be responsible for moving and installing the PCs from old location to the new one. Similarly, a network team may perform the task of configuring the switches and routers.
9) Replacement, Upgradation and Maintenance. Electronic equipments, especially the paraphernalia relating to computers and telephone systems, gets outdated pretty fast. A quick check on these equipments is not a bad idea at the time of moving. Replace the worn out and economically unfeasible equipment, and upgrade and repair the equipment needing attention. It won't be a bad idea to sell the discarded computer and telephone systems to the dealers who can get you good quote.
10) Get Security-wise. The security systems for the business security needs are vital for any organization. While moving to a new location, plan the installation and maintenance of security systems/access system and other surveillance equipment.
11) Clean Up. Moving is certainly an ideal time for a thorough vacuum cleaning of the old equipment.
12) Get Label-wise. Labeling is a wise idea to avoid complications. All the equipment can be labeled according to their destination like room number, office location etc. The cubicles, workstations and cabins must also be labeled with names and designation of their occupier.
13) Contact Phone and Internet Providers. If the new location is an under-construction site, plan the wiring schedule well in advance. Prior information to the wiring-installer about the location of servers and clients makes the job of relocation hassle-free.
14) Server Room. Confirm the minimum requirements for the server room, including room dimensions, electrical requirements (30 amp dedicated circuit), floor coverings, HVAC with alarm.
15) Test all networks, phone drops, power outlets, back-up batteries etc.
16) Disconnect all the telephone and Internet lines at the old location.
17) Phone System. Ensure that you have contacted a phone system installer to either upgrade your current system of provide a different phone system. A list of installers through out the country can be found at www.simplyusedphones.com/phoneinstallers.
18) Get Communication-wise. Moving to a new location means a new address that must be communicated to all concerned. Prepare a list of all the contacts, including their contact details like address, phone number, emails, fax etc. Broadly, the list includes property management personnel, local telephone company, local computer support vendor, local telephone system vendor, telephone/data cable vendor, shipping representative, and the Webmaster. Store a printed copy in an easily accessible and safe location.
19) Deliveries. Always make sure that the local staff contact is on-site for deliveries or vendor access to the space prior to office opening.
20) Back it up. Ask the staff to make a backup of all the important data on the PCs.
21) Movers. Always a good idea to use a professional moving company.
|