Warehouse relocation checklist – Be ready for your move

Whether your business is expanding, seeking a strategic location change, or looking to optimise your supply chain operation, a warehouse relocation can be a daunting task. Without proper planning, it can become a source of stress and go very wrong.

If you’re relocating warehouses because you have run out of storage space for your inventory, or you’ve now got surplus warehouse space that you no longer need, consider these alternatives first:

> Optimise your warehouse layout to maximise space

> Find overflow storage options (short-term or long-term) for that extra inventory

> Sub-lease your surplus warehouse space

If a warehouse relocation is still the right move (pardon the pun) for you, let’s make it a successful one.

Warehouse relocations - What needs to be done?

At uTenant, we understand the challenges of moving warehouses and have crafted a comprehensive warehouse relocation checklist to help make your warehouse move as smooth as possible.

Develop a warehouse transition plan

ou transition plan should start 3-6 months before you exit your current warehouse space. A detailed warehouse transition plan is the key to avoiding common problems such as move-in delays, inventory problems, staffing issues, and an overblown budget.

In your transition plan, you will need to:

> Schedule the move,

> Check warehouse regulations and permits,

> Update your address and communicate it to everyone,

> Check your Make Good provisions,

> Allocate the right resources.

Schedule the move

There is never a perfect time to move warehouses, but with planning you can get the timing right so it’s the least disruptive to your business.

Choose a suitable date and coordinate with staff and removalists. Reputable warehouse moving companies are often booked weeks in advance, so early scheduling is crucial. We advise you to:

> Get quotes from multiple companies,

> Compare the pricing and included service,

> Ask if they can dispose of excess equipment.

You will also need to consider your employees’ schedules and availability – will their working hours be impacted by the moving date? Will they need to be involved in the relocation team?  Will they be required to do overtime or will there be downtime?

Check warehouse regulations and permits

You may need to obtain building permits or approvals to set up or make fit-out changes to the warehouse you are moving into. Contact your local council to find out about their specific requirements and ensure you meet all regulatory compliance requirements.

It is also important to ensure that emergency evacuation routes are taken into consideration when you are planning the layout of your warehouse.

Update your address and tell everyone

Inform clients and suppliers promptly after signing the lease. Once you’re established in your new location, it’s vital that everyone can find you.

You will need to inform your customers and suppliers of where you are moving to, when you are moving, and how this move will affect them.

Update your address across all platforms, including:

> Supplier delivery address

> Staff email signatures

> Business directory listings

> Website

> Social media pages

> Business cards

> Google My Business listing

Also, ensure you arrange the transfer of your existing business phone number to your new premises. Make sure you contact your phone service provider to discuss this, as there may be some cases where your business number cannot be transferred.

Don’t forget about informing your utility companies and arranging any necessary postal services or mail forwarding.

Check your Make Good provisions

Check your make good clause in your lease agreement before you remove any parts of the existing fit-out. You may be required to return the warehouse to the original condition, so it is important not to cause any damage in the process, that you'll need to rectify.

No matter what your lease agreement states you should make sure that the property is clean and tidy, and that you have repaired any damage caused when you hand back the keys.

In some cases, it may just be a matter of carrying out repairs or maintenance in order to make good. We encourage you to speak to your landlord, as they may be able to find a new tenant who will be happy with your fit-out. This avoids you having to remove it.

Allocate the right resources for the move

Businesses run better with effective management and the right resources – your move is no different.

Efficient management and proper allocation of resources are key to a successful move. Plan and allocate staff, time, and equipment for packing, moving, and overseeing the relocation.

You should begin organising and taking inventory of all the items to be moved weeks ahead. Identify fragile items (or ones that need to be handled with specific care), what needs to be kept and what needs to be disposed of.

Make sure that you have qualified people moving your valuable equipment and that you have capable staff in place to oversee the move on the day. Your average removal company may not have the tools or equipment necessary to safely move your industrial equipment. This is why taking the time to find a qualified removalist company with the expertise to match your requirements is extremely important.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately estimate the time that it will take you to move. With proper planning and partnering with an expert relocation company you can mitigate any potential problems and reduce the likely hood of wasting time and money.

Warehouse relocation checklist

No matter how big or small your warehouse space is, our warehouse relocation checklist will help with your move. Download it now.

At uTenant, we can put you in touch with trusted businesses to help you relocate without the headaches. Get in touch if you need to discuss your move. We’re here to help make your move simple.

Updated: 25 January 2024