Your Business Office Move Checklist

Making a residential move is one thing, but if you’re moving your business office, there are other matters to consider. Both types of moves will have you using a moving company explains the Allied Moving Company, but there are some differences when it comes to a business office move.

1. Make a plan. Just as you would plan carefully while executing a residential move, you need to do the same for a business office move. Develop a blueprint to help your team follow and execute the plan. It needs to take into consideration all facets of the move from packing to finding a new location, and on to the move itself.
2. Hire a moving company. A business office moves require the assistance of professionals. Fortunately, a moving company can handle your business officemove just as easily as your residential move. Here, you should interview at least three moving companies to determine if they’re able to handle your move. If so, then ask for estimates. And ask for references and check each one. Only when you’re comfortable with the moving company should you proceed. Otherwise, solicit additional information or keep looking for a moving company.
3. Get help. Your workers may handle some of the prep work, but you don’t want to take away from their regular responsibilities. This is where hiring outside help can be wise. Start with your local employment agency to find day laborers. You need people who can pack boxes and organize files. Some lifting may be required as well.
4. Acquire your supplies. If you were moving your home, you’d be able to pick up boxes at your local stores and use these. But a business move is an entirely different animal — you’ll need cartons, boxes and other material that isn’t available just anywhere. Besides, some of the boxes you’ll be packing will be stored — you need a storage system for tracking that information. Also, consider copying at least some of your records to a disc drive. Reducing your paperwork load will save you much space and curtail your costs.
5. Reach out to the utility companies. Not only must your contact the utility companies about your moving plans, but you should also find out what your estimated costs will be at your new location. This can be a good time to rid yourself of a costly phone system, by scaling back and providing cell phones for your staff. One central number may still be necessary, but extensions may not. Budget for your utilities, including the phone, heat and electricity, water and sewer, as well as garbage removal and recycling.
6. Update your company information. Making a move means telling your employees as soon as your plans are finalized. You’ll also need to tell your clients as well as the utility companies, post office, other businesses, and anyone else who needs to know your new location. Send out a preliminary notice two weeks before you move and again once the move is complete. If you still use letterhead, then make that update. You should also update your website and other company contact information. Have the changes in place on the day that your move has been completed.

Moving Considerations

Make use of a checklist to keep track of your move. Share that list with senior management and assign key tasks to different department heads. On a regular basis, meet with your team to verify that the move is progressing as planned. If a problem does arrive, then you will be equipped to head it off and offer a remedy. Complete your move and enjoy the transition to a new space.