Category: Moving Preparation

A 12-Step Guide To Moving Your Office

Posted on May 31, 2018 by - Blogging, Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

A 12-Step Guide To Moving Your Office, office moving company

We get it, moving can be extremely stressful. Trying to run a company while having constant commotion in the office during a move can be a bad combination. The Quality Group is here to help. No one wants their office to be shut down for days while the move happens at a glacial pace. 

The 12-Step Guide to Moving Your Office, Quickly & Efficiently

If you are responsible for planning the move for your company, here is a 12-step guide to moving your office.

Ask Questions

To accurately plan a move, you will need to know the who, what, when, where, and how much of your office relocation. Having a full scope of the what will be involved will give you an idea of how best to go about the moving process.  

Gather Moving Supplies

The “better safe than sorry” model most definitely applies to moving your office. Stocking up on moving supplies early on will help ease the process later on when it comes time to actually move. Some of the supplies you should look into buying include:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Cardboard boxes of various sizes
  • Zip ties
  • Markers
  • Boxcutters
  • Packing peanuts

These are just a few to start out with. Depending on your company and the scope of your move, you may need more or less.

Clean and Condense

To help the process move along quicker, it is important to encourage people to take home personal items so that they will not be in the way of movers and to ensure they do not get lost or damaged.

Rid Your Life of Extra Stress (Old or Damaged Furniture)

Our next step in the 12-step guide to moving your office is to say goodbye to old furniture that is only going to make your move more extensive and clutter your new space. If you are a hoarder and the thought of throwing something away disgusts you, there are other options! You can resell, donate, recycle or liquidate your old furniture. One man’s trash is another’s treasure.

Schedule Ahead

If you know that your office moving day is at the end of June, it may be a good idea to contact the utility company in May to ensure that the electricity and water will be working when you do move. Preparation is key.

Label Boxes

This simple tip can end up saving you and your coworkers hours deciphering what box contents go where. Organization is a major key to success whenever moving offices. Something as simple as creating a system of numbering or coloring to establish what boxes go where in the office can save you so much time and stress.

Remove Files and Paperwork from File Cabinets

Whether your important files are actually in filing cabinets or stored somewhere else is irrelevant. The point is that whatever confidential, important, or sensitive files that are in your office should be given special attention in the moving process. You wouldn’t want to lose an important document or a whole folder of important documents during this process. Find somewhere safe for these guys to avoid strife down the road.

FRAGILE

No matter what kind of industry you’re in, you are bound to have computers or some basic level of technology. One of the biggest fears companies have when moving is how their IT equipment will be handled. Not only are these assets expensive, but they are essential to your company’s ability to work. It’s a good idea to use zip ties to keep all cords under wraps and bubble wrap to provide protection.

Don’t Leave Your Stuff Unsupervised

When moving day does come, it is essential to be there. This will allow you to have control over the situation and provide management or answers if something goes wrong. Facilitation during the moving process is a good way to make sure that your stuff makes it to your new home safely.

Get Your Camera Ready

We highly recommend taking pictures of your old office as well as your new office. This will not only help you plan where to put things, but it acts as a kind of “evidence” of what you had in case you have a hunch that something went missing. Hopefully, you won’t have any damage to your things, but if you do during the moving process pictures always act as a good way to ensure proper compensation.

Keep Clients/Customers in the Know

This is one of the most important steps in our 12-step guide to moving your office. If customers try reaching you at your old office and fall short, they may become extremely frustrated. Communication with your customers is an essential part of your office move.

Moving Your Office With The Quality Group

If you choose The Quality for Your Next Business Relocation, you won’t have to stress about the moving process. Our team will ensure that every step of your move runs smoothly, guaranteed. Our last step in our 12-step guide to moving your office? Choose The Quality Group. Contact us today to get more information about our capabilities.

 

Business Moving Services That Work

Posted on May 30, 2018 by - Blogging, Moving Preparation

Business Moving Services That Work, business moving services new orleans

To Get the Best, Hire the Best

Our expertise in the field is unmatched. With over 30 years of successfully relocating companies of all sizes, The Quality Group is well versed in providing business moving services that work. Our process is aimed to make your move as easy as possible while eliminating operational downtime. How do we accomplish this? Though our dedication to customer satisfaction, maintaining a standard of high-quality, and our key partnership with the Office Moving Alliance, we have proven results and continue to be Louisiana’s most trusted and successful office relocation professionals. Whether you’re located in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Jackson, Mississippi, or anywhere in between, The Quality Group can help!

Your Satisfaction Is Our Highest Priority

At the end of the day, an unsatisfied customer is the worst possible outcome of a business moving job. If one of our customers is even slightly unsatisfied with our work, we consider that a failure. Our reputation as one of the premier moving is built on years of exceeding customers expectations. No matter the job size, we work around your schedule. If your business move necessitates special requests or certain complications, let us know and we will provide solutions. Our client list is extensive, as well as our capabilities in providing solutions for various technical and logistical issues. Don’t believe us? Visit our Testimonials page to read what our customers think.

High-Quality Results Start With Our Employees

Our dedication to the highest quality extends to every aspect of the business moving process. To achieve this standard of high quality, we craft the ultimate powerhouse moving team by holding every team member to the same standards. That means that even our new hires are held to the same standard as our managers who have been with the company for years. We believe that the right intentions and the right equipment with the wrong team won’t get the job done. We choose people that not only embody our values and reputation in the industry but those who will represent The Quality Group well. Every employee must undergo a comprehensive training process to ensure that they are prepared for any challenge. The Quality Group is like one big family. Our employees enjoy an inclusive, team-oriented atmosphere which results in a team passionate about doing the job right the first time. The right team is one of the most important ingredients to business moving services that work.

Key Partnership

As a certified member of the Office Moving Alliance, we enjoy access to an international network of commercial moving, storage, and office furniture installation specialists who share the same values as us. The OMA is responsible for having served some of the largest companies globally, such as Google, Bank of America, Delta, AT&T and more. Our partnership with OMA has allowed us to optimize our business moving services and to continue to provide high quality. Members of this network are constantly helping each other improve skills and capabilities. We’re also enforcing accountability for compliance with safety regulations. Work with The Quality Group. You’ll feel confident knowing that you are getting the very best.

Squashing Business Moving Services Myths Everywhere

We understand that many people hate the thought of moving. Whether you have had a bad experience in the past, are concerned about operational downtime, or have heard awful things from other companies who have moved, The Quality Group is here to debunk your moving myths. Feel free to call us 504-585-7309 or contact us for any questions, concerns, or to learn more about our services.  

 

Your Move Manager Makes Relocating Easy

Posted on June 27, 2017 by - Commercial Relocation, Facility Installation, Moving Preparation

Relocate With a Moving Manager & Prevent Workflow Disruption

Relocating can be a very stressful time for any company, big or small. With the added time it takes to plan and execute a move, your business can be seriously disrupted. However, a move doesn’t have to take time away from you running your business as usual. With a skilled manager leading your move, you can do what’s best for you and your business.

What is a Move Manager?

move manager leading a corporate moveA move manager is similar to a project manager. They will coordinate your entire move and work with you every step of the way. Your manager will help you plan the time, date, and length of your move, and make sure every step goes according to your wants and needs. From day one, your move manager is there to help you.

Your move manager will assist you during the days leading up to your move and the day of the move to oversee the entire process and ensure the move is a positive experience. You can rely on your move manager to not only help you move, but also to coordinate with vendors. Communicating with vendors can ease any additional moving needs such needing new furniture or new technology for your company.

 Move Managers Analyze Your Business

To ensure an easy move, your relocation manager will analyze your business. Before your move, a manager will calculate every detail about the move. They will work with you to plan the best plan and walk you through every step so you know what will be happening.

By coordinating with you directly and listening to your business’s needs, a move manager will design a moving plan, customized specifically for you and your business. Your manager will know every detail about your move from how wide the door frames in your new location will be to how many elevator trips it will take to move your furniture. By building a moving plan based on you and your needs, your relocation will be smooth and seamless.

 Move Managers Work With You

Not only will your move manager plan out your move, they will also oversee it. Your manager will stay on site during your move to ensure everything goes according to plan. Rather than being thrown off by unexpected issues that sometimes accompany moves, your move manager will be prepared with a full set of resources in case of an emergency. The goal is to have your move stay on track, and your move manager ensures this happens.

A Stress-Free Move

move managers make it easy to focus on your businessMove managers take the stress off of you while moving. Rather than juggling work and planning a move, a manager makes sure you can focus on what is important. With a move manager, you won’t have to worry about the little details while moving. If you need new furniture in your new location, a relocation manager will coordinate the delivery and install with the vendors, so you can focus on keeping business operations going.

Moving can be put off for months if there is too much on your or your company’s plate. With a move manager, you don’t need to worry about straining your business.

At The Quality Group, we make sure our managers work with you every step of the way. Our hands-on approach to your relocation will not only help you move quickly but efficiently as well. At Quality Group, we are here to help you.

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

5 Reasons To Buy New Office Furniture When Moving

Posted on June 13, 2017 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation, Office Furniture

Buying New Office Furniture for Your New Office Is Sometimes The Best Option

Moving to a new building, whether it is up-sizing or downsizing, can be tough for any business. Will the furniture fit in the new space? Is the furniture even suited for the new space? Today, we’ll be giving you five reasons why selling old furniture and buying new office furniture may be the right, and easy, choice for your company. FF&E installation can save you some headaches.

1. Buy New Office Furniture to Fit In a New Space Searching online to find new office furniture, office furniture when moving

One of the most obvious reasons to buy new furniture is to avoid the risk of your current furniture not fitting in your new space’s floor-plan. When you purchased your current furniture, you may have had your old office space in mind. Your new location may be smaller or larger than your previous space, and the old furniture just may not fit.

If you buy new furniture for the office you’re moving into though, you have the ability to shape your purchase for your new space. Rather than fitting a large desk into a small room, simply sell the old desk and trade it in for a smaller desk that is better suited for the space.

2. Buy New Office Furniture to Fit a New Aesthetic

Just as square footage matters, appearance is also a big deal in a new office. Your furniture needs to match your space’s aesthetic to create a more pleasant atmosphere for both you and your employees. To make sure you create a pleasant atmosphere with appropriate furniture, consider other aspects of your new area outside of the floor plan.

How much natural lighting does the new space have? If the natural lighting differs from your previous space’s lighting, your furniture may change the look of the office entirely.

The color of the walls could clash with your older furniture as well. For instance, dark furniture may clash with a dark color on the walls or make the room feel gloomy. Many problems can be easily avoided by starting with a blank slate and buying new furniture, specific to the new space.

3. New Furniture Will Last Longer

Your old furniture may be ready for an update. Moving offices may give you the perfect opportunity to upgrade. Rather than furnishing your new space with older furniture, simply replace it instead. Newer furniture will age with the new building not having the same wear-and-tear as the old furniture. A change in scenery can also be a valuable investment in your employees’ happiness and productivity.

4. Allows for Evaluation of What Is and Is Not Necessary

Board room with new office furniture, ffe company new orleans, ff&e installation new orleansOver years of being in the same space, offices can get cluttered. You may have gotten a new desk that was a steal at the time but subtracts from the limited space you have available. Think of selling your office furniture as spring cleaning. Selling gives you a chance to consider what is really necessary for your space and what is not.

When having a chance to buy everything again, you may realize that the three plastic filing cabinets you bought last year may be too much. Instead, you may decide to downsize to one or none at all. Moving allows for reevaluation, which can be the best thing for a new space.

5. Ultimately, It Is Easier To Sell or Donate

Convenience is another reason to buy new furniture rather than moving old furniture. Rather than focusing on the hassle of packing old furniture, sell it instead. As moving is a stressful time, selling the previous furniture can simply make it easier on you.

At The Quality Group, we want to make your job easier by doing our job. Connecting with the industry’s best, we coordinate your move by teaming up with office furniture planners when you want new furniture for your office. We even set up your new space for what’s best for your business. Moving is exciting and stress-free when you have the right help from your movers and furniture suppliers.

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free. The company now has locations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Jackson, Mississippi, and is able to do high quality FF&E installation throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

Organizing a Company Move as a New Hire: 5 Steps to Plan a Move

Posted on April 25, 2017 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

Hired to Organize a Company Move - 5 Steps to Plan a Company Move

As a relatively new hire, you are ready to help the company accomplish their day-to-day goals. You were surprised, however, to be asked to plan the business’ relocation to a new building. It’s a large task and the last thing you want to do is get something wrong. Begin your business move research here and find out how to plan a business relocation as a new hire in five easy steps. A company move does not have to be a difficult undertaking.

Plan an Impressively Organized Company Move as a New Hire with These 5 Steps

  1. Get the Moving Facts

Your first step in planning the company move is determining or getting access to the facts of the move. You’ll need to know the budget of the move, when the relocation needs to take place, and where it is the company is moving. The owner of the company or your supervisor should be able to supply you with this information, as you’ll need it to plan the move.

  1. Research Moving Companies

do research, 5 steps a plan a moveOnce you have the facts of the move, you can begin researching moving companies that will meet your base criteria and can provide an organized relocation. You can also establish additional criteria that the moving company needs to meet in order to provide an easy move. Move planning and vendor coordination, or the planning of additional moving contributors, may be an additional requirement so that all moving aspects are organized and planned by experts. With their knowledge, commercial moving experts can ensure efficiency and reliability.

During this step, you should also research the reputation of the moving companies you are considering. Look at their website to see what services they offer and look at online reviews to know if people were satisfied with the company’s service.

  1. Planning the Move

Once you have researched the companies and chosen one for your business’s move, you’ll need to inform your supervisor of the plan and inform the chosen moving company about your current and new office. Let the moving company know what items are being moved from your current workspace and where the items are going in the new place.

Some moving companies such as The Quality Group offer a free consultation where they take note of all your equipment and furniture so that they know how to use their resources to better accommodate the business. If your supervisor is expecting to be present for the consultation, be sure to schedule it on a day when they are free. When the consultation is occurring, make sure to show the moving company all the items that will be included in the move so they can plan to work as efficiently as possible.

  1. Inform Employees

Once your supervisor has signed off on the moving plans and finalized dates and times, you’ll need to inform the rest of the company. You will need to make sure all employees know the specifics of the move and what their responsibilities will be. Having a meeting where people can ask questions will allow everyone to voice their concerns and get answers they need. Following up the meeting with reminder emails and information packets will ensure nothing is forgotten as the moving date draws closer.

  1. Inform Clients and Change the Company Address

Your final responsibility before supervising the actual move is informing company clients about the address change and also updating mailing materials. You can meet up with the email marketing team or request the email list from your inform clients and employees, office moving baton rougesupervisor and send out an informative email to all the company’s clients about the upcoming move. Updating social media, sending out letters, and sending out reminder emails will also help ensure clients know about the company move.

You will also need to update the company’s address on any company materials and advertising channels. Brochures, business cards, social media profiles, etc., will need to be changed to reflect the new address of the company. Update the mailing address with the post office as well to prevent confusion and mail mix-ups.

Being put in charge of a company move soon after being hired can be nerve-wracking, but you can successfully organize it by following these five simple steps. For easier and more organized commercial relocations, contact a moving company that provides moving consultations and planning. A commercial relocation company that offers a wide-variety of services will help you successfully plan a move and meet the expectations of your new supervisor.

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free. The Quality Group operates in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, 

Storage Units for Moving Offices

Posted on December 20, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

Storage Units

When getting ready to move your business to a new location, it’s important to research storage units to find one that works best for your company, how to pack effectively, and what items should be insured.

Storage Units and You: Finding the Best Options for Moving Your Business

There different types of storage unitsStorage Units:

Deciding what type of storage unit is best for your move comes down to what type of items you’ll be storing. Consider the pros and cons of indoor versus outdoor storage units:

If you will be storing valuable items, personal possessions, furniture, or anything that you’d like to have maximum protection for, an indoor storage unit will be your best option. This type of unit is perfect for protecting your items from water damage, rust, and light.

Keep in mind that temperature controlled does not mean humidity controlled.If you will be storing artwork, antiques, or other collectibles, it’s best to consider special humidity-protected storage options for those items.Most moving and storage companies partner with third-party vendors, who can ensure your items, especially collectibles, are stored in a proper environment. Discuss your options with the moving company and be aware of any special requests or accommodations that need to be made.

If you need to store vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, or other bulky items, an outdoor storage unit will do the job. Generally, this is the less expensive option and is better suited for larger items that do not require an indoor setting or temperature-controlled protection. If affordability is your primary concern, an outdoor storage unit may be the right option for you.

Packing Effectively:

To eliminate unwanted moisture that could lead to mold while in outside storage, wipe down the inside of machines that hold water with baking soda. Also, avoid using cardboard boxes for long-term storage unless it is inside a temperature-controlled unit. Cardboard is susceptible to humidity and could also attract unwanted pests to your belongings. Generally, the best storage containers are plastic boxes or totes with tightly secured lids.

When storing items in a unit for long-term storage, will you need to have access to any of those items while they are in storage? If you think you will need to retrieve items from the storage unit, store those items last or consider self-storage.

Moving heavy and cumbersome appliances will sometimes require third-party assistance from experts. It is important to hire a professional to remove any appliances that require disconnecting hoses and sealing gas valves to prevent leaking. For example, refrigerators and dishwashers require emptying water and draining lines and can cause damage to floors during the removal process if not done properly.

As a general rule of thumb, the less you have to pack, the less stress you are likely to endure. Because costs are based on the amount of equipment you have, the best time to organize and decide what items to keep and what items are no longer needed is before the moving truck pulls up.

Get insurance for your moveGetting Insurance:

When considering what items to insure in your storage units, consider the most valuable and irreplaceable items. Any valuables that will be transported or stored for long periods of time stand the possibility of damage and/or devalue. Because there are generally many levels of protection to choose from, it’s best to research all of your options and pick the insurance plan that works for your business. Try to pick an insurance plan that will provide reimbursement if your items are damaged in transportation or storage.

Before the big move, do your research on insuring your equipment, determine the type of storage unit you’ll need, and use these tips to pack effectively so your move will go smoothly and efficiently.

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

Designing an Office Space With Efficiency and the Future in Mind

Posted on October 4, 2016 by - Moving Preparation, Office Furniture

You’re company is relocating, so why not take this opportunity to design your new office space with the future and efficiency in mind?

Capitalize on your business’ relocation and use it as a chance to design a new office space that focuses on workflow optimization, potential expansion, and employees’ overall work environment satisfaction.

Designing an office space does require careful planning to create a productive space but can be done by focusing on a few key points. Office spaces should be created with a focus on workflow optimization and spatial design. Also, all office spaces should promote a positive working environment, while keeping in mind the potential for company expansion.

A Company Relocation Provides Opportunity for Better Office Space Designs

Workflow Optimization

Workflow optimization is important if you want to reduce costs and provide better services for your clients. Designing your workspace with optimization in mind leads to increased performance and a positive environment.

While all areas of your office will benefit from workflow optimization, the positive effects will be most noticeable in delivery systems, back-office operations such as technical services, and material handling areas.

To create an office using workflow optimization, some easy tips can be used. Remember to construct wide isles so multiple people can pass comfortably. Create areas with easy access to technical equipment and electrical outlets. Position your mailroom near the delivery dock to make the exchange of mail and packages seamless.

When designing with workflow optimization in mind, the main focus should be on eliminating waste and improving the overall efficiency of your office.

Spatial DesignDesign your office space with group workplaces for collaborative projects.

Working hand in hand with workflow optimization is spatial design. In today’s work place, it is important to design spaces that enhance collaborative behavior and encourage innovative discussions.

A spatially designed office should support the free flow of ideas from people in the office. From open workspaces to dedicated meeting rooms, create spaces that your employees can use to share and workshop ideas. Make it easy to get from place to place and encourage teamwork with suitable group furniture, tools, and design.

Potential Expansion

When relocating, you should keep an open mind about potential future expansion. The last thing you’ll want is to have to redesign or move your office again due to an unexpected need for expansion. Not allowing space for expansion now will cost you both time and money later.

Having a multifunctional room in your office that can be used for meetings now and employee workspaces in the event of an expansion later can save you big in terms of time and money. If you know the business will expand in the future, purchase a building with extra land for future renovations.

Project for future business endeavors now to avoid being inefficient in the future.

Positive EnvironmentDesign your office space for efficiency and your employees' happiness.

Sometimes we tend to look past the fact that our immediate environment affects our emotions, mannerisms, and general wellbeing. When relocating, create an office space that promotes a positive environment. Include break rooms, open snack pantries, and creative meeting rooms to enhance your employees’ happiness.

Providing your employees with a creative and innovative work place leads to an overall positive environment, increasing productivity as well.

Relocating your business provides many opportunities for you to design an office space that supports innovation and high productivity. Focus on workflow optimization and spatial design to create a new space that promotes discussion and creativity. Remember to plan ahead for any potential expansion your business may go through. Above all, design a workspace your employees are proud of and comfortable in that results in a positive work environment for everyone.

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

Communication is Key to a Successful Move

Posted on September 20, 2016 by - Moving Preparation

Your employees play a big role in your office relocation so it’s important to have open communication during a move. The better communication you have with your employees, the more successful your move will be.

From communicating key messages to listening to your employees concerns, there are many opportunities to ensure clear communication and an efficient move.

Communication During a Move Sets Up Your Business for Success

Communicate Key Messages Communicate key messages during a move.

One of the most important messages you should communicate to your employees is the reason why you’re moving. It’s not just about telling the office that the move is going to happen, but reassuring them that it is the best thing for the business’ future. Communicate with your employees about how the move will grow the business, create a positive impression to clients, and generate a better working environment.

Early Announcement

It’s important to let your employees know about the office move as soon as possible. Employees need to know what to expect and have the chance to ask questions. If you delay the news about the move, you run the risk of negative rumors starting. This could, in-turn lead to your employees feeling that their jobs are threatened. It’s best to avoid the possibility of rumors from the beginning by announcing the move honestly as soon as possible. You’ll be able to address any questions and unknowns with true information so no employees are left thinking of the worst scenarios.

Talk About the FutureCommunicate during a move about future plans, address everyone.

Get your employees excited about the move by painting a clear picture of the business’ future. Communicate how this move will be beneficial to all employees. You can send out pictures of the plans or a link to the virtual tour of your new location. When employees are hyped up about the relocation they are much more likely to have a positive attitude during the moving process.

Listen to Staff

Your employees will have a lot of questions and concerns when it comes to the move. Be sure to take time to speak with all your employees and listen to their anxieties. Give them the chance to tell you what you can do to make this move stress-free for all employees.

Communicate Throughout the Relocation

Most importantly, you should continue communication about the move to your employees throughout the whole relocation process. Share updates about the new building or send out a countdown to the move day. You can also prepare an office-wide newsletter that includes tips on packing up an office, tips on moving a family, and general updates about the relocation.

Relocating your business is a stressful time for you as well as your employees, but with a few added communication efforts, it can go smoothly and can be a success.

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

 

How to Downsize Your Office Space

Posted on August 16, 2016 by - Moving Preparation, Office Furniture

There are many benefits to downsizing your office space. It can be a money saver, a workforce enticer, and a business expansion enabler, but making it happen can be tricky without some careful planning. The point is not to move into a new office that will have you and your employees crammed and rubbing elbows with each other for an extended period of time. Instead, you want to find a smaller yet comfortable space that eliminates unused areas yet keeps functionality at its full potential. If you are downsizing your office, consider these tips:

To Downsize Your Office Space, Don’t Think Traditionally

Multi-Functional Rooms

Many companies have dedicated conference rooms, meeting rooms, and break rooms that people use on a regular, but isolated, basis. These rooms usually serve specific purposes and the rest of the time each sits empty and unused. Businesses can easily conserve space by finding an office that has a room that can be used for all of these purposes. A single room can be dedicated for those eating lunch for several hours in the day and then serve as a meeting room or conference room during other business hours. This will cover all your business needs while reducing the amount of office space required.

FurnitureDownsize your office space with multifunctional furniture.

Workspaces, tables, and chairs are all relatively easy to change when downsizing your office. Many furniture companies now have modular furniture options or furniture that can be converted and used in multiple ways. For example, a large table that can be broken down to several smaller ones or a desk that also acts as storage space can be extremely useful to the business trying to save space. Easily moved lightweight furniture and furniture on wheels can also make reconfiguring your office easy when the need arises.

Location

There are many alternatives to the traditional, stand-alone office building. If you are looking to downsize your daily needed square footage you may consider alternative workspaces. Pairing up with another business to share conference areas or break rooms can help decrease the square footage of your needed personal office space. You can also encourage your employees to work from different locations. Allowing your employees to work from home or another location, even on a rotating basis, can save your company loads of space.

Think Vertically or Digitally

When needing more storage space, many businesses tend to expand horizontally, adding in another desk or file cabinet. Horizontal expansion however is not always the best option. Businesses can use less square footage if storage is built vertically or digitally. Acquiring shelves to go on top of desks or to be secured on walls can mean less furniture spread throughout the office. Digital storage is also a great option to reduce the amount of furniture and thus space needed in an office. You can remove large amounts of paper and store it online or on hard drives and turn a whole file cabinet into a folder on a computer with digital storage.

Interior designersInterior designers can help you downsize your office space functionally.

Designing an office to be both functional and space efficient requires skill and knowledge about what products are out there and what designs are functional. Interior designers can design and organize an office for functionality and efficiency no matter the office size. Choose interior designers that partner with a relocation company for a smooth transition through space design, furniture selection, and furniture installation. If your goal is to have a small yet functional office, hiring a moving company that is paired with interior designers can help your business achieve your ideal balance of office size, storage area, and workspace room.

Downsizing to a smaller office can be a beneficial decision for your company. With some careful planning you can obtain increased efficiency in a smaller space and save money all at the same time. Think outside the standard office space to downsize effectively and remember these practical tips for a smooth transition

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.