We've decided to launch this new, regular feature of W&H Talk so that we can address questions and issues that you, the tenant, may have on your mind. We hope you'll find the column useful; if you have any comments or ideas for future columns, please e-mail us at allison@whpropertiesny.com.

One subject that many of our tenants have mentioned is the unpleasantness and major inconvenience involved in moving. Almost all of us have moved at some point, – and, it's safe to say, almost none of us has found it enjoyable! It isn't just the enormous amount of time that moving takes, as well as the extraordinary cost too often involved; more fundamentally, it's also the disruption to your business and to your sanity that can make it such a dreadful experience.

Even seemingly small tasks associated with a move can be time-consuming and expensive, and they can interfere with day-to-day operations. Some of these "small" tasks include changing letterhead, business cards and marketing brochures; arranging for a new phone service; informing customers of the change in address; and organizing the set up of computer systems and networks in the new location.

Many companies lose several business days when they move. Even if a move takes place on a weekend, employees use up valuable time packing and unpacking documents, books and equipment. More valuable time is lost if systems aren't up and running. Then, there are the costs of hiring a moving company. The reputable services, not surprisingly, are extremely expensive, and using a less than reputable service is risky business indeed.

Other Options

Feeling overwhelmed? Well, we have some good news for you: moving may not be necessary for you – even when you think it is. Before you incur the big monetary, psychological and other costs involved in a move, consider two much easier, much less expensive alternatives: renewing, or (if your space needs have changed) moving within your current building.

Simple renewing is always an option, of course, but your needs may encompass more than just a renewal. For example, you may have experienced or be anticipating growth, and need more space; alternatively, you may be winding down or down-sizing your business, and no longer require the same amount of square footage; or you and your employees may just think it's time for a new look for the company.

Having thought about your space needs for the years ahead, perhaps you have concluded that your lease won't be up for some time, so that it's too early to consider renewing your lease, or moving within the building. But there are two good reasons why it is not too early at all: 1) Your building may be in a position to – and even eager to – renew your space now, or make available to you fairly quickly other space in the building; and 2) With the office market tightening, the deal you can get today is likely to be a better deal than, say, a year from now – when the market and the economy are both expected to be much stronger.