Did you know that there are approximately 40 million corporate relocations each year? While these moves may be stressful for HR and for the person in charge of the move, they’re generally a good thing, because they indicate growth. A company likely moves because it’s outgrown its current facilities, and needs more office space.
However, of the approximate 40 million company relocations that occurred in 2013, the average amount spent on relocation expenses was an estimated $16,000. This figure may cause some sticker shock to those who are looking to move their business into a new facility, but there are several ways to minimize these relocation costs.
1. Hire the Professionals.
There are several relocation services that cater to businesses. These professionals can help you move all of your equipment in the safest, fastest and most cost-efficient way possible. However, before hiring them, it would be wise to shop around, compare prices, and call the Better Business Bureau to ask about any complaint history, just to make sure you’re hiring the best.
2. Ditch Your Furniture.
You can further minimize relocation expenses by ditching your current, shabby office furniture, and instead acquire some newer pieces sent directly to the new office. This eliminates the relocation expenses of moving heavy furniture, as well as earning back some money that could go towards the move. Many might think it’s a more expensive strategy to just buy new office furniture, but there are lease programs out there that can help, as well as wholesalers and used office furniture stores that can supply good deals.
3. Communicate With Employees.
In addition to monetary relocation expenses, you also have to consider the toll it takes on your employees. Although moving is a good indication of growth, your employees may not see it as a good sign. In fact, they may take it as a bad omen that ruins their morale, and thusly stagnates their productivity. In order to keep this from happening, it’s essential to minimize these personal relocation expenses with clear, effective communication. Use face-to-face meetings that keep employees updated and appraised, and email newsletters to keep them informed of the ongoing status of the move.
Relocation expenses can be pretty high, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. So long as you bear in mind these tips to minimize office relocation expenses, you’ll do just fine. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. More like this blog.