Anybody have experience or live thru an office or warehouse move?

[Fluid Power]

I bought a building. Now I have to move operations 58 miles to the new location. We have a warehouse full of inventory (pneumatic parts etc, small items etc) and 3 offices full of, well, office stuff. Any ideas, horror stories or advice?

Darren

[wiedemab]

This really isn't all that comparable because of the distance, but I managed an office expansion project where we essentially had to move everyone out, back in, out again, and then in for good.

Here are my thoughts - - take them for what they are... I would try to have a functional office setting in the new place - ie: at least the basics from a computer system standpoint so that you can still run the business. Once you are "functional" at least minimally then I would move the rest.

What little experience I have with moving physical product, equipment etc.. I would try to do that all in one shot versus a little at a time. That may just be personal preference.

Our philosophy when we were going through all of the changes was that if we could at lease answer the phones and take orders, even if there would be a little delay in the shipment due to the move we'd be better off than having a bunch of product ready to ship, but the systems were down....

It somewhat depends on how your business operates too. It'll probably be a bit painful --- ours was.

Good luck!

[SLO_Z28]

Set up your floor layout from the office/workspace out. Its easier to arrange things to fit the user, than to arrange the user to fit the office.

Just a management tip here as I did this when working for a dealer, we had a housewarming party/car show with tons of BBQ and had fun as a team. You are going to have people that are upset about moving because it is not familiar or comfortable to them any more, let EVERYONE have some input as to how the space is set up, this will help with employee satisfaction and retention. Have very clear goals for the final layout, and make sure that none of the goals are in conflict with each other(ie. clean and inviting customer service floor, but right next to the loading bay where diesel trucks will idle loudly for half the day). Most importantly in a leadership position keep your calm, keep cool, and make clear and concise decisions. This will be a stressful event for everyone, your attitude can do a lot to make this easier for everyone.

[Fluid Power]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am fortunate the staff is small, with 6 people. 3 of which are outside sales guys. The office space is completely open which is nice. The warehouse is warehouse space and is not as brightly lit or heated the way I like. I will replace the lights replace the old LP heaters and epoxy the floors. (I like the 'race shop' look!) and it makes a fantastic work space even if the warehouse guy is the only one back there full time. I already have 1 office guy who says he won't make the drive. (His will increase from 25 minutes to 38 minutes.) I compensated him by shortening his work day and letting him gas the car on my dime. There is no pleasing some people. I will post pictures when we close!

Darren

[GregWeld]

Darren --

I moved a business once -- from a 5th floor location in New York City....

We had the "new" location all mapped out - and all the electrical - phones etc and "mods" done in the new location completely finished BEFORE we even packed a single box.

We closed the books out at the end of the month.... Notice was sent to every customer in their statements and if no statement they were mailed one anyway. Then each person had a supply of boxes and tape - They were responsible for packing and labeling their area of influence/desk/operation.

The movers came in - trucked it to the new location - not far away - and each person was responsible for being there on Saturday, and Sunday if required - to unpack and get their area ready for Monday AM opening.

The move went off without a hitch.

The lender required inventory audit we had each year was far more disruptive!

[71RS/SS396]

Originally Posted by Fluid Power

I already have 1 office guy who says he won't make the drive. (His will increase from 25 minutes to 38 minutes.) I compensated him by shortening his work day and letting him gas the car on my dime. There is no pleasing some people. I will post pictures when we close!

Darren

Darren, I wouldn't do that it's likely going to cause strife with other employees. The other employees will see it as favoritism and will want the same treatment. I doubt this guy wants to be unemployed in this economy. Just my $.02

[Fluid Power]

Originally Posted by 71RS/SS396

Darren, I wouldn't do that it's likely going to cause strife with other employees. The other employees will see it as favoritism and will want the same treatment. I doubt this guy wants to be unemployed in this economy. Just my $.02

I guess it does sound a little like favoritism, however, like I mentioned, out of 6, 3 are outside sales, I pay their gas bill already, count me, that leaves 2. My office manager lady just started and it cuts her drive by 2/3rds, and last, the guy who won't make the drive!

Darren