We recently moved AWE into a slightly smaller, yet even better, AWEsome office.  We had less than two months to find a new location, have all tenant improvements completed, and move.  It turned out to be an AWEmazing and informative process.  Here are a few things I learned along the way that I hope will help you during your next office move:

  1. Depending on the size of your office, managing the tenant improvement process can be feasible as long as you have the right contractors in place.  Start with a great general contractor who can meet all your expectations and knows how to work with all types of personalities.  After that, get all of your subcontractors lined up. Once you have all the subcontractors in place and everyone is doing their job, let them. Don’t try and micromanage.  If you’ve hired the right team and have given them the all the information to complete the job, it will all come together.
  2. Create a move list on all internal items that need to be moved (like phones, internet service, and computers, etc.).  On that list, add a column for who’s going to handle each item, and another column on the action plan for completion – delegating is a great way to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
  3. Meet with staff in advance of the move and explain to them your expectations, and what will be required of them before and after the move.  This way, no one has to sit around with nothing to do!  Keep everyone engaged and involved, and the process will move along beautifully.
  4. When packing your individual offices, use computer bags to hold all electronic cables from your phone, computer, stereo, phone chargers etc.  Keeping those items together in one place will help expedite the set up process once you are in your new space.  You will not have to ask around for a phone cord or cable connection, because everything will be together and placed in the designated office.
  5. Use e-crates rather than boxes to pack your personal belongings.  Start with a base crate on casters, place an empty e-crate on it, fill the crate full, close the lids and place another empty crate on top.  Begin the packing process again until you’ve filled a maximum of four crates stacked on top of each other with labels on the side of each e-crate showing the location of where to place that e-crate in the new office.  Rolling stacks of e-crates in and out is so much easier than trying to lift cardboard boxes.  Besides, you will have to breakdown the cardboard eventually, and the e-crates are reused over and over again by the movers – easy AND green!
  6. Make sure you have sketches of each office furniture layout taped to the door of that office.  This will help free up time for you to do other things while the installers are setting up your desks according to the plan.
  7. Once you’re finished, open a bottle of champagne and make a toast to yourself and your staff for a flAWEless move!

Moving and into new space doesn’t have to be a pain.  Cover your bases with great contractors, good movers, and an organized staff.  I have a move list if you need it – call for more info! 602-841-7480

AWE Label

–Andrea Moseley, President/CEO, a.k.a. Our Big Wig!
Andrea@www.awecorporateinteriors.net