How to Unpack After Moving to Your New Office: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Unpack After Moving to Your New Office: A Step-by-Step Guide
The new office is impressive and the staff are excited to begin work. Everything is proceeding well—except the mountainous boxes piled up in nearly every square inch of space are intimidating. Rather than be overwhelmed, use these tips to unpack with ease after a relocation.
Jumpstarting on work projects in the new location is impossible without unpacking the essentials, from technology that streamlines tasks to important paperwork. The work mounts and the employees grow increasingly frustrated without knowing where to start with the unpacking process.
Fortunately, unpacking after moving to a new office can be accomplished with minimal stress. Organization is key during the unpacking efforts, as it allows for a more organized workflow once complete. Breaking up the unpacking into smaller chunks also makes the process manageable.
1. Take Inventory
Accounting for all the office possessions is the first step in the unpacking process. Check the inventory list the moving company provides to ensure all the items are delivered. This should be done as soon as possible after arriving so that corrections can be made and mistakes fixed.
Do a headcount of all major office goods, such as desks, chairs, equipment, and filing cabinets. Communicate with office personnel to confirm they have received the boxes necessary to perform work tasks. If necessary, open the boxes to verify the contents.
2. Arrange Furniture
Ideally, the layout in the new office will be established prior to relocating. If not, scope out the new space, which will have different configurations than the old one. Arrange the desks and chairs to create a growth-oriented, dynamic office environment the staff will appreciate.
Factor in work zones, such as specific areas for collaborations and others for individual workstations. Balance personal and collaborative workspaces for a more productive work environment. Maintain an open flow through the office and maximize natural lighting when arranging desks and cubicles.
3. Set up Technology
Setting up the technology is also preferably done prior to arriving at the new office. IT staff should have access to the building to set up servers and wireless networks. Once the desks and monitors arrive, IT personnel run the cables, implement security measures and validate the IT systems.
The office’s IT teams should manage the computer cables to reduce tripping hazards and maintain the visual aesthetics at individual workstations. Effective cable management, though a mundane task, optimizes the functionality of the network infrastructure and promotes smooth network operations.
4. Unpack the Essentials First
Once the critical technology (monitors, mice, and keyboards) is unpacked, the less-important files and office supplies should be removed from their boxes. Rarely used office goods, such as reference books, can be left in their respective boxes and unpacked leisurely.
Advise each employee to unpack their boxes and containers at their workstations rather than delegate the unpacking to other staff. Office workers best understand how they’d like to utilize their given space. The responsibility of general unpacking, however, can be shared amongst employees.
5. Unpack Right Away
The longer the boxes sit in the new office location, the longer the company downtime will be. Unpack as soon as possible after relocating to minimize downtime. If unpacking requires a bigger investment in time than is practical, unpack a few boxes each day until the task is done.
A time-saving convenience many offices take advantage of is the unpacking services corporate movers provide. Once at the destination, the moving crews unpack boxes, install equipment, and reassemble furniture, such as large conference desks. They also provide initial packing services for added ease.
6. Encourage Staff Input
Once the office is unpacked, ask the employees for their input. Any suggestions they make to their individual workstation setups or the office in general can increase productivity, promote comfort, and create an efficient work environment. Staff also feel valued and part of the change.
Remember that once equipment is in place and the supplies are in their containers, the office setup can be modified as work needs change. Employees may find a different workstation configuration better suits their needs. Or an office bookshelf may be more suitable elsewhere.
7. Take Time to Adjust
It may take a few weeks for the team to adjust to the new location once unpacked. Allow ample time for employees to settle in and give them opportunities to make tweaks as they see fit. Remember that the new office layout should evolve with the company as needs change.
Teams may expand over time as the company grows. Furniture may need to be rearranged or equipment upgraded as priorities shift. In general, however, it’s important that the workspace remains functional as soon as the office goods are unpacked as well as anytime needs change.
To make your office move even smoother, check out [What to Pack First During an Office Move] for helpful tips on tackling the initial packing phase efficiently.
Top Commercial Movers in Chicago and the Suburbs for a Smooth Office Relocation
While relocating to a new office is an exciting event, the packing process is often stressful. Chicago Office Movers takes the stress out of your move with a comprehensive range of services designed to streamline your corporate relocation and prevent unnecessary angst.
Our licensed and insured commercial movers are experts at packing offices of any size. We successfully pack a range of items, from fragile artwork to bulky machinery. Plus, our crews are background-checked to assure our valued customers that their goods are in secure hands throughout their corporate move.
We are also available to unpack your office goods at the new location. Our packing services minimize overall moving time as well as corporate downtime. You receive a full inventory of all items packed so you can quickly account for all your belongings.
Additional conveniences offered include short- and long-term storage options, insurance and service contracts and professional assistance with planning the relocation. Since we specialize in commercial moves, our specialists can provide you with expert tips to ensure a seamless office relocation.
Whether you intend to move IT systems, science labs, or cubicles, Chicago Office Movers is prepared to help you pack and relocate with ease. We are available to relocate your company locally, long-distance or internationally. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office for a free estimate today at 312-244-2246 !
