Recently, I received a call to help a small law firm move its offices. They were not moving far from their current location, but as I’ve learned over the years, the distance a firm is moving is not the most important thing. The same things have to be done to insure a “less stress” relocation process whether moving next door or across town.

With the new office space drawings in hand, we met with the contractor, the office furniture representative, the computer company, the VOIP providers and others. Planning wall removal, furniture placement and outlet spacing are some of the first things to be done. This is to ensure that when the movers arrive with the furniture, the pieces not only fit where needed, but they also have phone and electrical outlets available in the correct locations.

Making selections such as flooring, paint colors and window treatments are next on the list. The selections for this law firm were made based on current furnishings as well as personal preferences. If you haven’t managed this type of commercial move before, this is a great time to get someone to help who is good with colors and textures. Sometimes that helpful person is an ASID Interior Decorator and, sometimes, it’s the guy at the paint store!

Here’s a tip - if you need to match paint color and can’t remember the number from the old paint can, take off a light switch cover and remove a small paint sample. Most good paint stores will be able to match from that sample.

Now that the initial plans have been made we will begin the demolition phase of the job soon. I will keep you posted as the project progresses.

See the pictures below of the new office space … taken after meeting with the contractor but before renovations.

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"Before" Office Entrance

"Before" Reception Area

"Before" Conference Room

"Before" Storage Space