Relocating to a new location is the most crucial and thought-out decision for any business. The purpose of making a shift can be due to increasing rental prices to all the way purchasing a new building for team expansion. The most common checklist which any business would come across while deciding a new location for their business can be in different permutations of the following:

Marketing Checklist

  1. Updating name address and phone number in Government records
  2. Updating physical location address
    1. Online for Google My Business, Yahoo, and other listings
    2. On each marketing collateral like business card, website, EDMs, etc.
    3. On all the social media platforms
    4. To retarget location-based campaigns
  3. Updating citations
  4. Keeping business phone numbers consistent across all the channels
  5. Spread the Word! Let the community know about your new location

Strategic Checklist

  1. Allot a budget for all your shifting needs
  2. Strategising and communicating the shifting timeline to all the relevant parties like staff, vendors, IT support professionals, government, etc.
  3. Update your business insurance
  4. Eradicate unwanted items like old and worn-out furniture or other unnecessary items
  5. Appoint packers and movers
  6. Preplan the arrangements at your new location and appoint a person or team to look after all the shifting processes, depending on your business requirements
  7. Keep all the business cards, letterheads, and brochures ready for the new location
  8. Set up a new look for your new location!

Amidst all these considerations, it is common to miss out on minor but important things which relate to your building. Irrespective of what industry you operate in, to avoid having “Oh no… we didn’t think of this…” moments, here are 10 things to look into when moving your business to a new building:

1.    Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler System

The task of keeping your business safe is the responsibility of your fire systems. Hence, to choose the best device which is most suitable for your business is up to you.

There are three kinds of fire alarms available based on their varied functionality. These are ‘Voice and Location alert’, ‘Safety path light’, and ‘Interconnected system’.

  • Voice and Location Alert helps recognise carbon monoxide and/or fire emergencies by sound alerts from an alarm at a particular location to help you identify the location of the hazard.
  • Safety Path Light is equipped with a built-in path light which illuminates to guide you with the escape route when the alarm is alerted.
  • Interconnected Systems are battery-run devices that provide safety even in the event of a power cut. This alarm system is interconnected using a wireless system to alert you of a fire in any part of the office.

On the other hand, the water sprinkler systems used during fire emergencies are of four types differentiating from one other based on their activating system and application. These are:

  • Wet pipe meaning the sprinkler pipe contains water. This is ideal for office buildings
  • Dry pipes contain nitrogen or pressurized air in the pipe but release water when the air pressure is lowered. This is ideal for garages, freezing temperatures, and attics like locations
  • Pre-action is similar to dry pipe, however, it needs a smoke detector and the sprinkler must detect heat to work. It is ideal for museums and libraries wherein the accidental operation of the system would not be ideal
  • Deluge is used in high hazard premises for instance an industrial plant or an airplane hangar where materials combust quickly

2.    Safe and Sufficient Parking

Parking problems are quite commonplace these days. And consider a point when your employees have to park at a far-off place or pay fines often simply because the new business location does not have sufficient parking space. This can potentially lead to a greater attrition rate.

Moreover, when the parking is not safe and secure, it would let the outside visitors in. This boils down to the same issue of customers and employees’ inconvenience with parking or worst case theft! Parking bollards, in this case, are the best solution to avoid a mishap like this. They are available as:

Choose the type which best suits your business because they not only mark the boundaries of your business but provide you with many safety features and benefits.

3.    Accessibility for Specially-Abled People

According to the Australian government’s Disability Standards 2010, it is required to ensure dignified, equitable, and cost-effective access to specially-abled people. According to this standard, there needs to be a clear opening of a minimum of 850 mm or more. It is thus important to check if your new building complies with this standard.

4.    Waste Disposal Facility

Well-defined waste management system and setting up of waste disposal facility at your premises not only benefit you with reputation but also saves money while protecting the environment.

5.    Emergency Exit

According to the Australian Standards AS2293 exit signage and emergency lighting are a mandatory requirement at every door exit, at stairs, ramps, and corridors to aid emergency evacuation of the building.

6.    Public Transport Accessibility

The last thing you would want is your vendors and customers to walk away when they cannot drive to you. Check for nearby transportation which will aid your business needs. This can be public transport, ferry, or even railways depending on your industry.

7.    Standby Generator

As a backup system to supply power, it is important to equip your business with a standby generator if your business is at a mid to large scale. This one-time investment prevents lost business when employees are not able to work due to power cuts. It also saves you from paying extra labour.

8.    Electricity and Water Points

Depending on the industry and work undertaken by your business, it is important to check if the electricity points are sufficient with the required voltage and if the water is accessible wherever necessary.

9.    Well Ventilation

Consider if there is a need for exhaust or insulation to maintain favourable temperatures in all the seasons.

10. Safety

The safety of your business is of paramount importance. Choose a location that is not prone to burglary or theft and is safe for the employees who might be running the business at night.

In summary, this piece of information provides a detailed checklist in three different areas which your business can focus on before moving to a new building.