Moving sites can be exciting but also stressful if not planned for accordingly.
Deciding on a new site should not be a rushed process. It is important to make a list of priorities and must-haves. This ensures that when you arrive to move everything in, there are no mishaps!
What to look for when moving sites
The new site should be practical, functional and have room for the business/organization to grow into over time. It might be hard to imagine in an empty space, but try to picture the layout based on the current site as it is now. By doing this and having a floor-plan thought out ahead of time, planning ahead will make moving sites more streamlined and efficient.
Consider the size of the space and take measurements. If measurements are provided to you, still take your own just to double check. Is the site big enough to hold all the machinery, plus have a break room/staff room, offices, storage?
Be sure to check the flooring- has it been laid correctly and is it even? Are there any trip hazards such as raised blocks within the flooring or cracks/indents? Make sure the flooring is safe and can withstand the weight of all the equipment. Plus everything else you will need to put in there. If there are any issues with the foundations of the site, this can have a detrimental impact on the operations of the machinery.
The next thing to check is the roof. Look out for any damp/mold, whether there are any leaks or large holes in the roof. Also check out whether it has good drainage for when it rains or there is snow. The last thing you need is an excess of water collecting on top of a flat roof with nowhere for it to go!
Make a plan
Once the new site has been chosen, a plan for actually moving there needs to be made. Carrying out a risk assessment at both sites will help increase safety, efficiency and will help with the overall move. Ensuring that safe processes are in place when transporting the machinery is vital. This means having professionals move the machinery/equipment as they are aware of the risks and know how to prevent them. Additionally, having professionals move your equipment means you can relax. You know the machinery will arrive safely and on time.
Prior to the initial move, have a team go ahead to get the new site open and ready to receive the machinery so that it is a smooth transition. As mentioned before, having a floorplan figured out beforehand will assist in getting the machinery into the new site faster, but also allows you to have some room for change if needed. If the machinery starts arriving and the original floor plan doesn’t seem to be working the way you thought it would, it won’t be as difficult trying to shuffle things around. You will already have a good idea of the space and what you can do with it.
Finally, making a schedule for the move will help everyone stay on track and will keep communication flowing. Whether you’re moving in just one day or over several weeks/months, having a schedule that is regularly updated will be extremely helpful to your business. Factor in travel time/traffic/delays so that the timings aren’t thrown off too much in the event of a delay. The schedule can be as strict or relaxed as you like, just having one is a great step.
If you are moving sites in the near or far future, give us a call for help!