Relocating office premises? Our top tips for a smooth tech move.

With many companies having adopted a hybrid work model over the past couple of years, traditional office spaces are occasionally proving to no longer be the most suitable option for work. As a result, many enterprises are considering their next premises move - whether they’re relocating to reach new markets, downsizing to cut costs, or conversely growing their space to accommodate a bigger team - there are essential moving points everyone should consider.

If your company is relocating, it's crucial to be well-prepared and organised to ensure a smooth and easy move. Having assisted numerous clients with premises relocations over the past 20 years and having completed our own office move in the last couple of years, we truly understand the challenges and opportunities that arise when relocating premises. As such, we’ve compiled a handy guide to help simplify your tech move.

What steps should I take to plan an office move?

There are a plethora of issues to consider when planning your move, and everyone involved will have a different priority. Whether that priority is aesthetic concerns for your new space, or your future proximity to amenities, all issues are worth full consideration. However, if you want to ensure your business has minimal downtime during the move and your employees can get back to work with ease, then the tech and IT aspects of your upcoming relocation should be a main priority.

To help you make an all-encompassing IT checklist before you move, we’ve highlighted our top tips and areas of focus below:

1. Audit your existing IT systems and office setup. 

   Before you begin the move, conduct a comprehensive audit of your current IT systems and office setup. This will help you make a relocation plan that highlights any potential technology issues that could arise during the move, allowing them to be tackled before they cause increased business downtime.
   
   

2. Consider server room location and conditions.

   The Comms room houses your hardware and IT equipment, so must be secure and lockable for security and insurance purposes. It’s imperative that the server room is also an air-conditioned environment in order to protect your equipment and data - as overheating can pose a significant threat to your hardware, software, and resources. Ensure the power supply to your Comms room is adequate to support your machines - seek advice on technical specifications from an IT partner if necessary.
   
   

3. Plan for adequate power supply and electrical points.

   Ensure that there are enough electrical points and a suitable power supply in your new office space. You need to consider location and capacity to provide your employees with a functional workspace; a survey is a must in mapping out supply, accounting for floorplan and desk locations.
   
   

4. Think about WAP locations.

   Consider the placement of multiple access points around your new office space to build a wireless network infrastructure. The number and strategic placement of access points are essential to ensure optimum connectivity. Specialist software can be used to deliver a heat-map of the building, telling you where WAPs need to be located to offer full range across your offices.
   
   

5. Ensure internet connectivity.

   Ensuring your office has internet access should be a priority before moving, and it's essential to install a backup connection in case any issues arise relating to your primary internet connection. A smooth and cohesive transition to a new wireless network can be ensured by utilising specialist software such as Ekahau, a tool designed to help businesses plan and deploy Wi-Fi networks based on reports accounting for factors such as network performance and signal strength.
   
   

6. Assess excess hardware.

   Relocating premises provides an excellent opportunity to assess how much excess hardware is currently in use. Consider whether outdated or excess systems could be migrated to cloud services, helping your business save on space and money.
   
   

7. Hire an experienced IT partner.

   Allow experienced IT professionals to relocate your equipment via their secure and trusted processes. They can ensure equipment is securely packed and transported, taking liability for your equipment through their moving insurance. Transporting equipment without professional assistance can become a more expensive and frustrating choice in the long-run – it's best to take no chances!
   
   

Commencing Your Move

Relocating your business can be an exciting time of growth and progress, but the process of auditing, planning, and physically moving can also be overwhelming. To minimise stress and disruption, it’s advisable to consider all of the IT aspects we’ve highlighted above, while also taking into account the unique needs and systems of your business.

To ensure that your new office environment is fully prepped, and your existing equipment is safely relocated, it’s recommended that you seek the services of an MSP or an experienced office relocation firm before tackling the task alone. At Fitzrovia IT we fully comprehend the obstacles and possibilities presented by an office move, and have an expert and friendly team who can take the stress out of your move. From heatmapping to network assessment, we can fully assess your new premises before you start packing.

To find out more about partnering with Fitzrovia IT and getting the support of our team when moving premises, contact one of our IT experts today.