What Makes East London Tricky
The main problem with office removals East London is that the area was not developed with modern commercial flows in mind. Shoreditch has narrow streets. Parking attendants in Hackney are ruthless. And if you are relocating anywhere near Liverpool Street or Stratford stations, expect gridlock.
Canary Wharf has its issues, too. Everything is modern, but you can’t just show up with your van. There are permits, service lift bookings have to be made weeks in advance, and building management have strict moving time slots. Most office buildings in the Docklands only allow moves during business hours, meaning you have to work late or come in very early.
The Tech City Factor
There’s a reason Shoreditch and Old Street are called the ‘Silicon Roundabout’ – a multitude of tech companies clustered there. If you’re one of them, your office relocation comes with additional complications. Servers and other sensitive equipment need to be packed with care. Plus, your business relies heavily on the internet, so the new place needs to be up to speed with all that.
Be careful who you let deal with your IT. Lost data can kill your business.
Getting It Done
Plan. It might seem calming to be in East London, but the Tower Hamlets and Hackney councils have very strict parking permit regulations. Some roads have parking restrictions intended for residents, for which you must obtain a permit. Other roads have specific times during which loading is not permitted.
Everything should be clearly marked. Not everyone will instantly be able to identify the location of their desk in the new open plan office in East London, but your new location will look modern. Clear labels save hours of confusion on moving day.
Separate your kettle, mugs, toilet rolls and a few other basic supplies for the move. Moving is stressful enough without the added frustration of not being able to make tea on your first morning in the office because you can’t find your things.
The Reality
East London’s got energy and cheaper rent than Central, but office moves here require careful consideration. From a sophisticated tower in Canary Wharf to a hipster warehouse in Hackney, do not assume it’s all smooth sailing. Get local quotes, obtain relocation permits asap, and prepare for an imperfect first week. Most settled businesses find the initial chaos worth it, but only if the initial planning was done.
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