Moving offices is sometimes a necessary choice you may have to make to keep up with the growing needs of your business. It is not an easy task though. There are quite a few logistical challenges that you need to overcome to move successfully, but the most critical bit is finding the right space.

Leasing or renting commercial real estate has become even trickier in the current climate with the pandemic still raging through the world. Many organizations are working remotely, and others are working with lowered capacities in the office due to social distancing regulations, and also the convenience of their employees.

Businesses in this scenario can easily find themselves having more space than required. In some cases, where there has been considerable growth, you may find the need to have more office space It could also be the case that the downturn in business generally has made the rental expense burdensome. 

Whatever the reasons for your move, there are a lot of things that you need to keep in mind while moving offices. This blog will cover some of the key things to make a note of before, while, and after moving.

Before You Begin, Exhaust All Other Options

Renting or leasing commercial properties comes with its downsides. Many factors are not entirely in your control, and finding the right office space in the right area for the right deal may take a while, especially given the current climate. 

What we recommend to most of our clients who come to us with requirements for moving offices is to find and exhaust other options first. If you are moving because you have more space than needed, subletting the extra space could be a more viable option, especially if you have a long-term deal with your landlord.

The new space will also have its riders in the form of longer leases or more expensive monthly rentals. The first step we recommend is to try to renegotiate a better deal with your current landlord. You can probably get your expenses under control and also save on moving and brokerage expenses. 

Renting or leasing commercial properties comes with its downsides. Many factors are not entirely in your control, and finding the right office space in the right area for the right deal may take a while, especially given the current climate. 

What we recommend to most of our clients who come to us with requirements for moving offices is to find and exhaust other options first. If you are moving because you have more space than needed, subletting the extra space could be a more viable option, especially if you have a long-term deal with your landlord.

The new space will also have its riders in the form of longer leases or more expensive monthly rentals. The first step we recommend is to try to renegotiate a better deal with your current landlord. You can probably get your expenses under control and also save on moving and brokerage expenses. 

What Are The Things to Keep in Mind While Moving Moving Offices?

Okay, let's get to the important bit. Moving offices can be daunting, but like everything in life, good planning is central to a successful move. Let's look at the steps in some detail.

Understand Your Requirements

This is the sensible first step. List the various reasons that have made the move inevitable. This will give you a good sense of the things you need to look for in the new office space. It is also important to have inputs from most of the teams and important stakeholders, as each will have their plans and needs. 

Once the needs are clear, the base is established. You can start finding properties that match the requirements and take the next step in moving offices. It is also important to not just account for current requirements but anticipate some of your future requirements too. Singing a new lease or rental agreement is a long-term commitment, which makes it difficult if you find yourself in a situation where you have to move again in a year or two. 

Shortlist Localities

The next step in the process is to look for suitable localities and find what properties are available there. Within Orange Country, there are variations in property availability and rates. The choice of location depends a lot on your preferences, especially the convenience of your employees and proximity to your clients. 

Areas like Irvine, Newport Breach, Huntington Beach, and Mission Viejo have a negative absorption rate, and you are likely to find more office spaces in the current context. Areas like Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Santa Mesa, and Fullerton show high vacancies, and these could be good areas to watch too.  Given the amount of disruption that the pandemic has caused, property owners would be open to offering concessions. If cost is one of your concerns, finding and focusing on areas where there are more offices available is likely to give you better deals. 

Finding The right property

The next step is also perhaps the most difficult: Actually finding the space that works for you. You may have to go on multiple visits to find the right office space for your needs. It is also important to get more people from your office to go see the space and ensure that all their current and future needs will be met. Make a note of the current state of the office space and the office building, and to make sure other aspects like security and access are taken care of. 

It is advisable to work with a commercial real estate broker to ensure that you have the best outcome possible from this. Having an experienced Orange country agency will greatly help you to quickly find the office space, and with further steps too. 

Negotiating The Deal That Works For You

Before you sign on the dotted line, it is important to make sure that the lease agreement you are signing is protecting your interests in the best way possible. You will most likely be signing on a long-term deal, so not having favorable terms could hurt you a lot. 

The structure of the deal and the rates would vary greatly from area to area and are dependent on the property type, the length of the d ca commercial real estate, and other parameters. Having an experienced agency or legal help would be necessary to ensure your protection and make sure you get the best deal possible. It is also worth noting that given the supply-demand inequality in market; there is a rise in concessions that are being offered to new tenants, including free parking and reduced property management payments. Be sure to include those in the deal too. 

Time to Move Office!

The next step is of course planning and executing the big move. Moving offices smoothly involves getting buy-in from everyone in your organization, and also a lot of communication, both with your internal staff, and external stakeholders like vendors and clients.

Having a clear plan for logistics, making sure that all items are marked and categorized properly, taking care of sensitive important documents and equipment.

Why Working With an Orange Country Real Estate Broker is the Best Idea?

There are a lot of moving parts involved in planning for, finding, and moving offices. If you do not plan for all eventualities, you may soon find yourself spending more than you budgeted on moving, and it would hurt your business. 

It is also important to note that finding a suitable property takes a lot of time and effort, so having an agency with experience in Orange Country and who knows the market will help a lot. The asking rates and terms vary according to property type. Finding industrial property would need a different approach than finding shopping centers or retail spaces. The per square space rates also vary a lot, so having a broker to advise you will help you find the best deal.

Conclusion

Southern California in general, and Orange Country particularly, is a dynamic commercial real estate market. With the pandemic-related disruptions and the rise in coworking spaces and multi-tenant office spaces, there are a lot of constraints and choices for businesses and property owners. If you are moving offices, this is certainly a good time. 

But, given the pitfalls, it is important to consider this holistically before making a move. Orange Country real estate brokers are your best bet for getting the best outcome for you. Finding the best real estate agent is certainly critical to getting the best results.