Moving to a new office space can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’ve outgrown your current location or are upgrading to a nicer office, the process is the same. You’ll need to coordinate the move with your entire team without sacrificing productivity for days on end. Before you start packing boxes and purchasing roll after roll of packing tape, follow these tips to help you reduce the headache and stress of moving your entire operation.
Start Early
Remember, moving a business takes considerably more time than a residential move. The last thing you want is to rush through the commercial moving process. Start searching for a moving company as soon as you narrow down your office choices. While you may not be able to get a firm quote on the cost of the move until you pick a final location, the sooner you narrow down your options, the better. This way, you’ll know who to call once you sign the lease or purchase contract.
Back-Up Files
You’d be amazed at the number of businesses that forget to back up their files before the movers arrive. Rather than take the risk of your electronics getting damaged in transit and losing all the information you need to conduct business, back them up ahead of time. Ideally, your files should be saved and backed up the morning before leaving for the new space. This way, all information in the files will be up-to-date and ready to help you operate at full steam once the truck is unloaded.
Delegate Tasks
Moving to a new office means moving everything out of the old space. This can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. Instead of a rushed free-for-all packing spree, delegate packing tasks to members of your team. Make each individual responsible for packing up their own desk and computer. This ensures that they know where all of their equipment is, how it was packed, and maintain any organizational systems they already have in place. For common areas, have one department pack up the kitchen while another packs up the supply closets and so on. Not only will this speed up the packing and moving process, but it also ensures that everyone chips in and stays busy.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Junk
Old files and out-of-date documents take up a lot of space. Before you move, go through any physical files you have on hand. Set documents that you want to keep aside and pack them for the move. Everything else that’s not essential or is no longer relevant can be shredded and disposed of.
Don’t Forget to Change the Address.
While you’ll need to fill out a change of address request with the post office, you’ll want to update your information everywhere. Update your website, online business directory listings, and any local publications your team works with. If your current address is listed on business cards and pamphlets, you’ll want to contact your printer and either have them produce new materials with the updated information or apply updated address labels to the materials you already have.
Whether you’re just starting to plan your move or have signed the lease on your new office space, Eden’s Moving is here to help. Our experienced crew understands the challenges businesses face when moving to a new facility and will make a move as painless as possible. Contact us today for a free moving quote.
