When transitioning into a new workspace, business owners may choose to either relocate to a new building or decommission their current office. While these processes share some similarities, they serve different purposes. Understanding the key differences between office relocation and decommissioning is essential.

Quick Comparison: Office Move vs. Office Decommissioning

What is an office relocation?

An office relocation is simply moving from one building to another. The new office may be located down the street, in another state, or across the ocean. Company owners choose to relocate to meet their current or future business needs, whether that involves downsizing or upgrading to a bigger facility.

Why do companies relocate?

Growing businesses that seek to attract a new talent pool may relocate to an urban area populated by young, ambitious professionals. Similarly, businesses with plans for expansion might move to a bigger building to house a larger number of employees.

Business growth can also demand additional office space to accommodate advanced technology and equipment. Inventory needs may change as businesses experience a spike in growth. Moving to a prestigious address or a brand-new building enhances a company’s image and improves morale.

Conversely, companies may downsize and see the need to operate out of a smaller building. Especially with the increase in remote and hybrid work, many businesses have reduced needs for physical office space. Relocating to a more efficient space can be a cost-saving measure.

What is involved in a corporate relocation?

Moving to a new office requires packing up the existing office equipment, supplies, and furniture and relocating them, often with the help of a commercial office mover. A corporate relocation is a major event and requires detailed, advanced planning to be successful and limit downtime.

What is office decommissioning?

Decommissioning an office also involves moving out of the current workspace. However, the difference is that the business is obligated to clean the office space, returning it to the condition it was when they first moved in. Upon decommissioning the office, the security deposit is returned.

The business must clean the office from floor to ceiling, eliminating all traces of their use of the space. The purpose of office decommissioning is to make it easier for the next tenant to move in and give them an opportunity to customize the space according to their business needs.

Learn More about the Benefits of Office Decommissioning

Why do companies decommission the office?

Office decommissioning is stipulated in the lease terms and is therefore expected once the tenant leaves. Oftentimes, the lease agreement describes in what condition the space must be left, whether that’s the original condition or a specific state as defined in the lease.

Some leases simply require a “broom clean,” which involves a basic cleanup of debris. Others demand an extensive cleanup involving the removal of furniture and fixtures, disconnecting utilities, and fixing damages. Failure to adhere to the decommissioning requirements could result in financial penalties, like security deposit deductions.

What is involved in office decommissioning?

The decommissioning process varies depending on the terms of the lease. In general, however, the property manager may require that the business turn off phone lines and remove office equipment, such as photocopiers and fax machines, before the space is vacated.

The property manager may point out damage caused by the tenant during their stay that must be repaired. It is beneficial when business managers bring photos of the space before they move in. Sharing them with the property manager helps identify fixtures that need repair before vacating.

Liquidating office furniture is another part of the decommissioning process. Companies might reuse desks, chairs, and computers and relocate them to the new office. In the event the office furnishings are unusable, it’s advised to recycle or donate them rather than discard them in landfills.

Before deciding what to do with the office furniture, company owners should consider the layout of the new office space and how the existing furnishings can be incorporated. Some used equipment may pose as dangers, like lead exposure, and should be appropriately handled.

Consider creating an inventory of all the office equipment and furniture. The list should include details, such as damage and the current conditions of the goods. Wear and tear could increase the cost of restoring or transporting the items. Take ample photos to reference later on.

How long does decommissioning take?

The length of time to decommission an office varies based on its size and the extent of decommissioning needs. On average, expect to dedicate up to six months to the process. Most companies hire a trusted commercial mover to manage the office decommissioning and shorten this timeline. Delegating the decommissioning process to a commercial moving service gives a company time to focus on prepping the new location and limits disruptions. Plus, the mover can serve double duty and relocate the business to the brand-new building. One trusted mover is Chicago Office Movers.

Office Decommissioning from Chicago Office Movers

We offer comprehensive office decommissioning services, whereby our specialist meets with your property manager to learn the requirements of the decommissioning. Customers are provided with the contact information of the project manager who oversees the decommissioning, in case questions arise.

Our crews work tirelessly to restore the office, removing appliances, fixing damaged drywall, and removing dangerous products, such as lead paints and flammable chemicals. We also remove, recycle, or repurpose unwanted office furniture, preventing them from ending up in landfills.

Additional services included in the decommissioning process include disconnecting cables, replacing light bulbs, and replacing ballasts. The tiles are cleaned, and the carpets are vacuumed. We’re also available to remove signs, recycle e-waste, shred documents, and paint the office space.

Rest assured that the office decommissioning is performed by qualified specialists. Our crews are insured, bonded, and licensed. The main objective is to return the existing office space to its original condition and satisfy the lease requirements. Whether your company has plans to relocate or seeks thorough decommissioning services, Chicago Office Movers is qualified to provide both.

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