The case for moving

If you’ve definitively outgrown your space, or feel the location or amenities are no longer fit for purpose, then the appeal of moving presents an attractive blank canvas and the chance to start a ‘new chapter’ for your organisation.

As with choosing to stay put, you need to be aware of getting swept up in the vision without interrogating its practicality. Here are some of the considerations businesses contend with when deciding to move.

A better deal

Moving presents an opportunity to negotiate a new lease, which may mean you can secure better rates and terms than your current premises. This isn’t guaranteed however, and you need to be aware of changing conditions in the property market, levels of demand and occupancy, and also keep in mind that not all locations are of equal value. You may also have an opportunity to renegotiate with your current landlord if a lease break is immanent.

Reducing floorplate size

Many businesses have undergone dramatic changes in the way they work in recent years, with the move to hybrid and location-independent working providing an opportunity for businesses to work with a lower desk-to-staff ratio, saving considerable property costs. However, you may be able to take this route in your existing premises, either by handing back some of the space to the landlord, or by choosing to sublet, or set up a coworking space to generate revenue.

A world of options

Moving represents a chance to leave behind all the bug bears and imperfections of your existing space, with a range of options on the table for your new premises. It can be easy to think the grass is greener, however you need to make sure you don’t get carried away with the promise of the new, and take time to identify potential issues and imperfections with the new spaces on offer. Nowhere is perfect, and you want to make sure that your move genuinely represents a step up before you commit.

The importance of objectivity

The decision to move offices isn’t one you have to make alone. You’ll need to work with property agents and your legal representatives to discuss your options. Most importantly, it will reap dividends if you engage with workspace consultants early in the process to help understand your real workspace needs, rather than relying on preconceptions.

Taking the time to analyse and build your ideal workspace blueprint will put you a firm footing for any decision you make