Relocating your office space can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor–but it can also create positive change in your work culture, inspire employees, and impress prospective clientele. Whether you’re downsizing or expanding your business, it’s important to know how to calculate your office moving costs so you can make the most out of your move.
Commercial moves in Dallas, Texas can either go smoothly with no issues or run into many bumps along the way, depending on how well you plan for your big move. In this article, we’ll dive into the things to consider when moving office spaces so that you can get it right the first time.
How to Prepare for an Office Move
There are many steps to take before you even begin researching quotes for moving. To get started on your office move, you need to check off these items first:
Review Your Leases
Most businesses rent the space they are currently running out of, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions of your current leasing contract before starting the moving process. For example, if you plan to move within the next year but your lease agreement states you have another two years on your contract, you may receive penalties or fines for breaking the lease prematurely.
If you plan to sublease your previous office space, verify the terms and conditions regarding subleasing. Not all lease agreements allow for subleasing, and violating the terms of the agreement can be costly.
Additionally, review the terms of your new lease agreement. Check that your new space can support your technological needs and that it meets the requirements for your business to operate.
Touch Base With Vendors
Just like with residential moves, you need to prepare for services to transfer over to your new space with you. Contact your phone, internet, cable, security, and any other vendors you work with in your current space to sort out the logistics for switching over.
Set Your Budget
Now that contracts and vendors are squared away, you can begin the budgeting process. Your budget should include:
- Deposits and rent
- Fees, including legal and operating costs
- Penalties, if necessary
- Parking
- Mover costs
- Employee overtime
- Insurance deductible
- Potential loss in profits
When you are in the process of moving, certain teams may not be able to carry out the duties of their job. Equipment may be in transit, or necessary supplies may not have been unpacked yet. Expect and budget for a certain amount of downtime that may result in a loss in profit during the move.
Set a Timeline
With your budget in mind, you can now determine what parts of your business need to move and when. By planning this way, you can mitigate the loss in profits so that teams can keep working while others are still setting up.
Most commercial office moves take between one month and one year to complete, so determine when you need to be fully-operational while setting your move plan.
Get Moving Quotes
There are many commercial moving companies in Dallas, and most charge hourly rates and hidden fees–you may receive a quote that’s perfect for your budget, only to find out later that you owe much more than you expected. With hourly movers, any unexpected incidents result in you footing the bill.
At North Dallas Moving and Storage, we charge a comprehensive flat rate before we begin services, so you’re never surprised by the cost of your move. With upfront costs and customized move plans, you’ll never deal with hidden fees.
Consider Specialty Items
Opt for a moving and storage company that is licensed and insured so your equipment is protected during the move. Certain items, such as large printers, copiers, computers, and data towers require specialty packing and moving.
When shopping for quotes and estimates, be mindful of expensive, fragile, or large and heavy items that may require careful planning to move. Your moving company should have the resources and equipment available to properly pack and transport these items.
Move Forward With NDMS
Preparing for a commercial move can be a daunting task, even if you’re a small business with ten employees or a large franchise with more than one hundred staff members. NDMS is recognized as a leader in commercial moving in Dallas, providing you with a single point of contact that specializes in arranging your move. For your free, no-hidden-fee quote, call us or submit a request through our website to get started today!