Commercial moves are a whole new ballgame than residential relocations. There are a lot more factors to consider, and if you’re not well prepared, you may make costly mistakes. In this article, we’ll discuss eight tips for having a successful commercial moving experience. By following these tips, you can avoid common blunders made during commercial moves and ensure your relocation goes off without a hitch!
Notify All Stakeholders
If possible, notify all stakeholders about the move several weeks or even months in advance. This includes employees, clients, and other business partners.
It’s best to send out a communication plan outlining why you’re relocating and the exact date of when you’ll move in. This way, everyone stays in the loop, and you can avoid any confusion. Notifying your employees in advance will also give them time to adjust their work schedules and make arrangements for the move.
Take Inventory
Another important thing to do before you relocate is to take inventory of all your business items. This includes everything from office furniture and supplies to electronic equipment like computers and printers.
When taking inventory, remember to take photos of your items so they can be easily identified in case of damage during transit. Also, don’t do the inventory alone. Delegate tasks to different team members so that the job can be completed more quickly and efficiently.
Downsize
Downsizing is often a necessary evil during commercial moves. You want to move as few items as possible to save on costs and minimize the amount of time it takes to load and unload your belongings.
When downsizing, ask yourself if each and every item is absolutely necessary for your business operations. If not, then get rid of it.
Plan for Downtime
When moving a business, there is always going to be some amount of downtime as you get settled into your new location. Plan for this in advance by arranging for an alternate workspace or having employees work from home during the transition period.
Create a Moving Plan
Create a moving plan that outlines each step of the process in chronological order. This is important because it will help you stay on task and avoid getting off-track by wasting time on unimportant details.
Speaking of plans, also take time to create a detailed and precise floor plan. This will help you visualize how your new office space will be configured and identify any potential problems. In addition, having a floor plan can help with the packing process. You’ll know exactly which items need to go in which rooms, so they can be unloaded and arranged accordingly.
Create a Moving Budget
It’s also important to create a moving budget before you move. Write down all of your expenses on paper or in an Excel spreadsheet, and make sure to keep track of every single dollar you spend during this time. This way, if there are any unexpected costs associated with relocating your business, they won’t put a dent in your wallet.
Pack In Advance
Another way to ensure a successful move is to pack in advance. When packing, make sure you follow the following tips:
- Label everything: When packing up your office supplies and furniture, be sure to label every box with a clear description of its contents. This will help ensure that nothing is misplaced during the move.
- Pack heavy items on the bottom: When packing boxes, be sure to put the heaviest items on the bottom. This will help keep the box from becoming too top-heavy and potentially toppling over.
- Pack fragile items with care: If you have any delicate or fragile items that need to be moved, make sure to pack them in bubble wrap or some other protective material.
- Secure electronics: Make sure to pack your electronic equipment in boxes that are specifically designed for storing electronics. This will help protect them from damage during the move.
Call in the Big Guns
Since commercial moving can be complicated, it’s best to hire professional movers. Professional movers are experienced in commercial moves and will have the necessary tools and equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Are you planning a commercial move? Get in touch with us today, and let us take care of everything for you! We’re the best in town!