Any commercial tenant that moves offices is likely to have to complete an office de-fit. But if you’re prepared and organised, a de-fit doesn’t have to be such a dreadful task. To assist you, we have created the definitive dos and don’ts list to guide you through the de-fitting procedure.
Step 1: Begin with a gameplan
When it comes to an office strip out, planning ahead is key. Take into consideration all you need to do, as well as what you have already done and communicate this to all people involved. Create a timeline so that everyone is on the same page and for minimal distractions.
Step 2: Declutter, declutter, declutter
This is the fun part – or not! Determine which items will be kept and which will be thrown away or sold. Have a decent packing and storing system in place to make things easier to manage. Use labels on boxes and products, and color-code as necessary. It can be perplexing if something isn’t correctly labelled, especially if there are multiple people working on the project. This will also help when putting things back together again.
Step 3: Give yourself plenty of time
A de-fit is quite a daunting task for many businesses, which is why you need to allow yourself plenty of time for the task. If you do this, it can be executed with a minimum of fuss. Obviously, the amount of time depends on the amount of items in your office.
Step 4: Get help from a professional de-fitter
This is always a good idea, especially if the fit out is large and involves sensitive equipment. They have the experience in handling such equipment, as well as an understanding of the health and safety implications involved with some pieces of equipment. Eliminate any chance of accidents by having a professional to do this for you.
Step 5: Don’t do more than what’s required
It is important to focus on the work at hand, and not be tempted to do a little bit extra. Avoid overextending yourself during the de-fit process by taking on more than you can handle. Most of the time, it should be pretty simple to determine what must remain and what must be removed. If you’re ever in doubt, refer to your lease agreement.
An office de-fit doesn’t have to be a dreadful task. If you are prepared and organised, it can be completed with minimal fuss. By taking the time to prepare and hire the right professionals, you will find that the above tips will ensure your de-fit is as smooth as possible.