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How to Move Your Office Successfully

When moving your office, there is more to a successful move than just throwing stuff in boxes. It’s a large task to move an office. Planning and coordinating the move is the key. So below are some suggestions on how to better accomplish this task.

Planning the move

Floorplan line drawingFirst of all, you will need to create a viable timeline that will cover all the areas and stages of your move. If you have a small office, ideally then you’ll need about three months of preparation. For a medium to large office, you’ll need about six to eight months of preparation. You’ll need to have meetings with your employees involved in the move to make sure everything will go smoothly. You need to start organizing as soon as possible.

Next, you’ll need to have the layout and other information on the place where you’re moving. If you can get the layout or the blueprint of the space, then you’ll be able to identify where the doors, windows, outlets and storage areas are located for office furniture space planning. This will allow you to figure out where everything is going to go and if you need to identify any issues such as needing more space for the reception area or meeting rooms; for example. This way if there are any problems with the new space, you can hire carpenters or painters to enlarge spaces which need to be opened; or to paint walls.

Have regular meetings

Schedule meetings with your moving team from each section of your business. A department manager from each area can be assigned to be sure each employee packs up files, personal items and anything of that nature. Have regular meetings to keep abreast on how things are moving along. This way if there are questions or details which need to be resolved, it can be better done. Keep everyone informed of the progress being made to limit stress, worries or concerns.

Figure out a budget

Office MoveIf you have a budget you’re working with; you need to figure out what the movers will cost before the first piece of packing tape is ripped off and applied to boxes. When you are searching for a mover, find one that specializes in moving offices also.

So, after you research and find movers that you like, ask them the questions that you need to have answered by them. For example, asking representatives of the company moving the office to come and access what your move is going to cost. You should get several different quotes from companies and compare prices and service guarantees. Be sure to ask about insurance coverage on your belongings. You also want to see proof of the moving company’s comp and liability insurance. This way you’re covered if something happens to your belongings or to one of the moving men.

Get rid of items not needed or that you’re going to replace

This is the time to get rid of worn furniture or desks, copiers, printers; even office supplies which won’t be needed. If you don’t need them or you’re going to replace them, why pay to have them moved and then thrown away? This way you can order new or refurbished furniture and have it delivered directly to your new place of business.

Make a contact list of your clients

When you move, let your clients and customers know. Make a list of everyone that is a customer, client, supplier, and representative to do this the best way. This will require assigning someone to do this task so that no one is overlooked. It’s essential your customers, clients, suppliers, and representatives don’t go elsewhere during your move. Let them know how your business will operate during the move and how you will handle all incoming and outgoing business.

Also, let them know how the move will improve service. People like stability so turn the move into something positive.

When you bill clients, remind them to update their contact information so any payments sent to you will be sent to the new address. Change the address on your business website and anywhere that you advertise.

Before you know it, moving day will be here. Planning will make things run smoothly. Soon your new place of business will be up and running.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/

https://www.thespruce.com/plan-organize-office-or-business-move-2436522

https://www.thebalance.com/packing-insurance-checklists-3515766

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The Best Reception Desk for Your Area

A reception desk is more than just a desk; it’s usually the first thing that new clients see when they walk in the door. An attractive, professional desk helps your receptionist make a good first impression with a prospective client. So, the reception desk is a pretty important piece of furniture. A nice reception desk will portray the success of your business, say a lot about your professionalism and your attitude towards customer relations. Investing in a desk that suits your business is a wise idea.

What is your type of business?

The type of business that you have will determine the type of reception desk that you’ll need. So, a desk for a business office will look different than a desk for a hair salon. Therefore, your desk decision will be based upon what you decide achieves the best result for client relations. You’ll also need to decide what the function of the desk will be. Will it only be used when greeting customers and having the phone answered? Or will it be a desk that is additionally used for filing and office work. What the desk is used for will help you then to make the decision on what kind of desk to choose.

Other questions

Some other questions that you may want to ask yourself before purchasing your desk are:

  • Morgan Reception-Black and White-Left Return-01-01How large is the space it’s fitting into? This is important because how large the space is that the desk is going to be put into in relation to the desk size is important. So, if you have a large space and install a small desk, then the desk will look overwhelmed. If you have a large reception desk and place it in a small area, then the room will be overwhelmed by the desk. You want your reception area to have a balanced look, so measure your space accordingly.
  • Will it match the décor and style of the office? Your reception desk should match the décor and style of the rest of your office. So does your office look classic, modern or eclectic? If your office is modern, then adding something with a Victorian flare will probably clash. A reception desk which blends in with the rest of your reception area will also make the office look larger.
  • Where to buy your reception desk? There are different options for buying your reception desk. Looking for a good deal goes without saying, and sometimes you can find a decent desk at a furniture store. However, the best bet is to purchase your desk online. You can save a good deal of money when shopping online. You can also look in more places online to find something that you like. You could then then look around for something similar at a furniture store to see how it fits your office. Then go back and order it online for less money unless you find something that really works there. If you have a reception area which is oddly shaped, however, you may have to have your desk custom made to fit properly.

What to look for in a reception desk

Morgan Reception-Black and White-Left Return-02There are many types of office reception desks for you to choose from. Reception desks can be different shapes, sizes or dimensions and made from many different materials too. The typical reception desk will also have a counter to do transactions on. This allows enough space for a client to hand in any necessary forms, fill out paperwork and still have the receptionist close by to answer any questions. The desk should additionally have space for a computer, phone, keyboard and a grommet hole to contain all the wires and cables of devices that you can port them through. In addition, there should be enough space for organizers, files and necessary papers.

Also, there should be a front panel which serves as a privacy screen for the receptionist. This way the receptionist can stay focused when working and not be stared at by clients or people in the waiting room. A lot of times this type of desk doesn’t include file drawers under the desk. This is to give the receptionist more leg room for swiveling and moving around on the desk chair to deal with customers.

Purchasing a new reception desk for your office is just a matter of what works for your business.

References:

https://nationalofficeinteriors.com/product-category/reception/reception-desks/

http://www.yourdeskguide.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-reception-desks/

https://www.officespacesoftware.com/blog/office-layout-tricks-for-an-impressive-reception-area

https://www.btod.com/blog/2015/07/08/how-to-layout-and-design-the-perfect-waiting-room/