Moving Your Office? Things to Keep in Mind

Moving is always a challenge, but moving an office can be particularly complex. As hard as it can be to move your possessions from one space to another, you don’t have to worry about things like avoiding business downtime and communicating your move to customers. 

Office moves require careful planning and smart execution to avoid unwanted consequences. Here are some tips for your upcoming office relocation.

Moving Your Office – Things to Keep in Mind

Your company may have a small office with only a few employees or a whole building with hundreds of employees. Whatever the size of your operation, there are some key considerations you need to keep in mind when moving from one location to another.

1. Plan far ahead and plan thoroughly.

You can hire a moving company to help pack up your office and move it from place to place. But the moving company is only capable of handling the actual move. They can’t ensure that there is minimal disruption to your business. That’s up to you – which is why proper planning is so important.

Your company probably already has systems in place to plan and execute projects. Usually, the easiest way to plan your move is to use the same systems you use for other projects. For example, if you use project management tools to keep your teams in sync and operating efficiently, you can use the same tools for your move.

2. Get the timing right.

If you have flexibility on your moving date, try to find a time when it will be easiest to move your business. For example, if you have a slow season, it would make sense to move then.

3. Know what your lease requires.

Your lease is a legally binding agreement, so you want to be sure that you adhere to that agreement. Review your lease carefully for details that concern you, such as early termination clauses, end dates, deposits, fees, and so on.

4. Pay attention to service end dates and start-up dates, such as utilities.

The last thing you want is to get everyone to the new office and discover that your internet isn’t connected yet. You also don’t want to pay for services you aren’t using at your old location. Identify all of the services you need to stop at your old location and start at your new location. Try to schedule stop dates and start dates to minimize disruptions to your operation.

5. Notify all necessary parties of your move.

Depending on your business, it may be important that your customers know that you are moving offices. If so, get the word out early and remember to tell them again after the move is completed.

6. Hire a moving company that is experienced with office moves.

It is important to hire movers that know what they are doing, especially when your business is concerned. Some movers only do residential moves. Others do commercial moves, but only certain types of commercial moves. Look for a moving company that has moved offices and can give you references proving their competency.

Let Us Help With Your Office Move

Our moving team appreciates how important it is that your office move is done right. If you are planning to move your office, please contact us. We can help you with the planning process and we will make certain that you get the quality service you deserve.

7 Important Items to Pack for Your First Night in Your New Home

Organizing and coordinating a household move can be stressful with the many details to attend to. To reduce stress and make a first night easier, we recommend packing a “first-night” box. The purpose of this box is to ensure you’ll have everything you need upon arrival in your new home and eliminate the need of having to poke through boxes to find essential items.

To help you plan, here’s a list of common items people usually need on their first night in their new home:

1. Personal Items

Pack a couple of sets of clothing for each family member, along with PJs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair products, medications, and any other personal hygiene items you’ll need. Basically, think of your first night as a weekend getaway and pack any personal items you’d take on a short trip.

2. Electronics

Chances are your phone will be on your person during your physical move, but don’t forget additional items you might need shortly after you arrive, such as chargers, tablets/laptops, and headphones.

3. Bedroom Items

To start your first night off comfortably, plan for fresh bedding. Ahead of your move, wash and separate any sheets, pillowcases, and blankets you’ll need. (Don’t forget pillows!) If you’ve got little ones, pack any special blankets or stuffed animals they hold onto as they doze off to sleep.

4. Bathroom Necessities

It’s easy to forget items that aren’t as obvious, but ones you’ll find you really need upon arrival, like bathroom necessities. Remember to pack toilet paper, soap, hand soap, towels, washcloths, shower liner and hooks, and a bath mat.

5. Kitchen Must-Have’s

Even if you plan to order takeout your first night, you’ll still need to have a few kitchen necessities, such as glasses, coffee mugs, dishes, utensils, and napkins. You might also want to tuck in some snacks, beverages, or breakfast items so you can start your first full day in your new home without hunger pangs or needing to deal with running to the store for food. Don’t forget to pack one or two trash bags.

6. Cleaning Supplies

Even if your new home looks spotless, you’ll want to clean a few key areas for good measure. Useful items to keep on hand include disinfectant wipes, paper towels, gloves, cleaning rags, cleaners, scrub brushes, broom, and dustpan.

7. Kids’ Essentials

If you have children, especially little ones who are too small to help lift and unpack, put aside a few toys, books, art supplies (e.g., coloring books and crayons), or other play items to keep them occupied while you attend to moving details once you arrive in your new home.

Additional Tips

After inventorying your household needs, you might find you actually need more than one box for your first night. Here are some additional tips to help make a smooth move.

  • Clearly label all “first-night” boxes.
  • Put boxes aside, so they aren’t inadvertently packed with other belongings.
  • Bring these items in your car, if possible (if not, talk to your mover about making them the last box on and the first box off the truck.

The first 24 hours of being in a new home are exciting but can be challenging when everything is still packed. Setting aside the essential items for your first night makes it easier and more comfortable.

Are you looking for a professional mover? Contact us today to learn how we can make your move a seamless one.