Space planning for offices is top of mind for many of our small business clients. In addition to residential moves, we regularly handle office moves here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Because a move is the perfect time to consider the best layout for your new space, we thought a quick refresher of the things you will want to consider as you plan for your new space would be a great topic for a post.
If you are moving a storefront business or your office space this year, we hope this information will prove insightful and be of benefit to you!
5 Things to Know When Space Planning for Offices
- Know Your Objectives – This is different for each business. For some it’s about promoting creativity and interaction across your team, while other companies are more interested in cost reduction, efficiency and improved productivity. When you start with the end in mind, it makes space planning for your office more effective and much easier.
- Consider Optimal Work Spaces – From cubicles or open offices, private or shared offices, virtual offices, quiet rooms, to outdoor work spaces – Consider the best scenario for your business. A move is a great time for a business to evolve. Rather than “just move” your small business space, leverage it! Think about WHERE you want your business to be 2-5-10 years down the road, then approach the space planning for offices in your new business location with THAT vision in mind!
- Remember the Meeting Spaces – As face to face meetings give way to virtual ones, the nature of meeting spaces are changing. As you begin space planning for offices and related spaces in your new digs, think into the future. Over the next 2-5-years, how do you see the nature of meetings changing in YOUR business? With that in mind, you will want to find the right mix of small/large meeting rooms and spaces, small and private virtual meeting rooms as well as brainstorming & creative spaces.
- Keep Your Support Spaces in Mind – It takes a village! Each small business has different needs. Remember to think PAST today, to how your business is growing, As you do the space planning for offices and your business as a whole, see how you could optimize work flow, productivity and functionality of your mail room, fulfillment and shipping space, office supply space, filing and record storage space, and your IT, print and copy spaces. Support spaces include your kitchen, break rooms, outdoor spaces, library, waiting and reception spaces and general common areas. Support spaces are the core of how well your business functions, remember to include them in your planning.
- Design for Your Objectives – As you consider things like paint, carpeting and furniture for your small business office space, remember that there is a particular psychology to color in the workplace. As you do the space planning for offices, support spaces and meeting spaces, make sure to allow the culture of your small business enterprise to inform the new environment you design!
Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
Photo Credit: A special thank you to NextSpace for the use of their photo of Co-founder Jamie in his office – Next Space: Co-Working in San Francisco – Because “Working Alone Sucks”- For those freelances, creative types and solo-preneurs out there who are ready to move your business out of your home and into an collaborative community, definitely check out NextSpace.us in San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Venice Beach and in Chicago!
