Access to a high-quality talent pool, greater workspace, and company expansion are among the top reasons businesses relocate. Hiring professional assistance with this major event offers to relieve many of the stresses associated with a company relocation. Preparing staff for the imminent transition, however, falls upon the shoulders of the business owners.

How to Prepare Your Employees for an Office Relocation

1. Communicate

The decision to relocate, whether to a building across the street or to one out of town, affects employees significantly. Workers will be obligated to consider changes to their commute and re-evaluate childcare situations. Plus, if the new office is significantly further away, your employees will have to deliberate whether or not to relocate. The routine of employees’ everyday lives will be disrupted, making it important to relay the news with sensitivity.

Respecting your employees’ time and contributions means giving them appropriate notice of the relocation. Use an empathetic approach to notify your employees well in advance—at least two to six months—of the move. Loyal workers will be motivated to change gears to better suit the new work arrangements.

Provide a concrete moving date, the new business location and how employees can best prepare for the new office. In addition, give all workers the new office address, phone number, parking amenities and public transportation options.

Keep all employees regularly updated on the move. Frequently sending emails and placing signs regarding the office move helps ensure workers stay in the know. Employees tend to lose trust in the company or experience resentment when managers fail to provide adequate information about the relocation process. Keep communication lines open, making yourself available to answer emails or discuss the move in group meetings.

2. Boost Morale

Along with communicating the relocation plan, give your employees a good reason for the move. Will the new location allow the company to reach a larger number of customers? Can the employees expect better access to technology and other workplace infrastructure improvements?

Involving those who strive every day to deliver optimum service offers a boost in morale, so that they can continue giving their best even in the new office environment. Ask workers for input on the new office layout and ways their new workspaces can help them achieve their finest work. Employees who feel included tend to demonstrate positive feelings toward the company.

Business owners might create transition teams, assigning groups of employees to take charge of certain aspects of the move. Involvement gives workers the opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and be an integral part of this important milestone in the company’s history.

3. Reorganize

Starting fresh in a new town, city or state provides ample opportunity to declutter and reorganize. Prepping for a new office is the apt time to discard unnecessary paperwork and files. Instruct your employees to pack essential files, paperwork and any small equipment. Provide sturdy packing boxes, labels and plenty of shipping tape to streamline the process.

4. Assign Teams

Relocating an office requires the effort and abilities of everyone in the company. Delegate important tasks to employees to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

For instance, establish a committee to be responsible for double checking the lease dates of the new building. This team should also ensure the utilities (gas, water and electricity) as well as janitorial services and security systems are set up to operate upon the arrival date. This committee could also be given the task of obtaining keys to the new building and receiving necessary parking details.

A second liaison may be instructed to get ahold of the map to the new building. Having employees who are familiar with the new layout is extremely beneficial on moving day. These workers can instruct moving personnel where to place office furniture, including desks, shelving, equipment and other property. If your office features specialized equipment, permission from the vendor may need to be acquired. This second committee can request and obtain necessary authorizations.

5. Work with a Mover

You may even wish to delegate to a third committee the job of hiring a professional moving company. This third team could be tasked with the additional responsibility of bringing on furniture installers, design firms and necessary contractors to ensure an easeful transition.

The committee should seek a professional office mover who is experienced in office relocations and offers valuation coverage. This group of employees can also be in charge of getting moving quotes and determining whether or not the mover offers fixed rates.

Shifting offices is a team effort. Ensuring success starts and ends with a constant flow of communication among employees and between business owners and their staff. Upon the move, a company’s culture has plentiful chances to reinvigorate. While relocating an office is a taxing burden, the results are well worth the financial investment, time, and energy.

Chicago Office Movers

If you plan to hire or designate staff to handle hiring an office mover, turn to Chicago Office Movers. As a professional office moving company with licensed and union movers, Chicago Office Movers takes the hassle out of moving day.

Chicago Office Movers are experts in office moves of all sizes. Our numerous awards, years of experience, and five-star reviews are validation of our professionalism and skill. Area customers include Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent, among many other small, large and well-established businesses.

Included in Chicago Office Movers’ comprehensive list of services are paperwork storage, the option for short- or long-term storage, availability to move locally, long distance, or internationally and insurance contracts. Our professional movers have the manpower and equipment to shift all types of office goods, such as IT systems, lab equipment, electronics and cubicles. We also handle packing and unpacking, alleviating business owners of this time-consuming task.

At Chicago Office Movers, we take pride in our professional team of movers, years of experience, and essential equipment.

Free Estimate

For invaluable office relocation advice and a free estimate, contact Chicago Office Movers at 312-244-2246.

Corporate events are a must-have for companies nowadays. Benefits like keeping employees happy, teambuilding, and even improving overall productivity can pay off for companies of any industry. On the other hand, finding an event or activity that everyone will enjoy can be difficult.

Thankfully, Chicago offers a ton of activities for employees with all different interests. Everything from bus tours to escape rooms, it shouldn’t be too hard to find one idea everyone can agree on.

Check out the list of the best corporate events in Chicago, IL:

1. Escape Rooms

One of the best ways to get to know your coworkers and work on those teambuilding skills, escape rooms will give you a challenge, other than work, to focus on. Within each room, you will be racing against the clock to solve multiple puzzles and escape using limited clues.

Escape rooms come in all different challenge levels as well as different themes. Whether you choose to escape from one of the most difficult space rooms or opt for an easier scavenger hunt on a pirate ship, you will definitely have something to talk about on the next business day.

Here are a few highly rated options:

The Escape Game

Fox in a Box Chicago

PanIQ Escape Room Chicago

2. Scavenger Hunt

Weather permitted, scavenger hunts are one of the best opportunities to become familiar with the city. Especially if your company is planning to move or has already moved to Chicago, you’ll find a lot of architecture, unique dining options, and other attractions, even if you don’t find what you are initially looking for.

Scavenger hunts involve various teams to search the city, solving clues that lead them from one location to the next. Race to the finish and you might get a prize!

Here are a few options:

Scavenger Hunt

Stray Boots

Windy City Field House

3. Sporting Events

This idea can seem a little original, but Chicago is known for it’s famous sports teams. Popular teams like the Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, and even the Bears are what make the harsh winters and expensive rents all worth it! Plus the seating available, such as the rooftops of Wrigley field or the box seats at the United Center offer a whole new experience to watching your favorite teams play.

All inclusive packages for corporate events are common, not to mention suites available for the employees. Load up from the dessert cart!

4. Indoor Skydiving

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rushing adventure, check into indoor skydiving at iFly. Suit up and pop into their indoor wind tunnels. Simply lean forward and up you go. There will be someone to spot you of course, but this option is a great way to take a break from the cubicle.

iFly locations are available in Naperville, Rosemont, and Lincoln Park. Be sure to check one out if you’re looking for something extra exciting!

5. Charity Events

If your team is interested in giving back for the event, volunteering as a group to a local non-profit is a great way to build relationships with your colleagues. Charities are always looking for helping hands (and donations) to help their cause.

Common activities for corporate events can include:

• Feeding the sick, poor, and others in need
• Walking dogs
• Walk to End Alzheimer’s
• Planting trees
• Food packing

If you have a favorite charity, you can reach out to them directly to see if they have events coming up that your company can attend. Remember every little bit helps!

6. Bowling

One of the activities that never get old, everyone loves to go bowling! Chicago is littered with bowling alleys, even with some that have different themes and food. Many also have fully stocked bars and kitchens so you can combine dinner and entertainment into one package.

For some companies, some bowling alleys offer private rooms, providing more convenience and fun to your experience.

Here are some options to choose from:

• The Lucky Strike
• 10 Pin Bowling Lounge
• Timber Lanes Bowling Alley

7. Game Shows

Team up against your coworkers to see who’s the fastest on the buzzer! You can choose from any game shows like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, and more and battle against your friends.

Events like these will have your team laughing, doing physical challenges, and doing some critical thinking that will have the team talking for weeks. Step out of your cubicle comfort zone and up to the plate when facing off your coworkers through fast decision-making and being prepared to fail in front of everyone! This will ultimately build that company spirit that’s hard to accomplish everyday.

Check out these options:

The Game Show Game Show

Game Show Gurus

8. Dinner Cruise

If you have the budget for something a little more fancy, check out one of the cruises on the Chicago River. When cruising, you’ll see some of Chicago’s most prominent, updated buildings, everything from Marina City and Merchandise Mart to the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Willis Tower.

If you want to make the experience extra special, you can rent out the whole boat for a private event. Enjoy a 3-course meal and all that Chicago scenery has to offer with the convenience of the company of nobody but your coworkers.

Check out these options:

Odyssey

Mystic Blue

9. Office Party

Looking to save a few bucks? You can always host the party in the office. Order in food, bring some games, music, and drinks, and you have a party of your own!

Need some help moving things around? Chicago Office Movers can help move office furniture to and from your space if needed. With office decommissioning, we can have your furniture professionally moved and returned to the right places while working around your schedule.

Chicago Office Movers

Moving to or from Chicago? Chicago Office Movers is a full-service moving company that can help with anything and everything you need, from packing to crating to furniture assembly. Each of our movers is licensed, experienced, background-checked, and insured for your peace of mind. We are also able to move a number of specialty equipment like machinery, inventory, paperwork, and even lab equipment locally, long distance, and internationally.

You can be as involved or as hands-off as you prefer. We understand that you have work that needs to get done, and moving can easily take time away from operations; so we’ll take care of what you don’t want to deal with. Leave the moving process to us.

Get a Free Estimate

To get a free estimate on your commercial move, contact Chicago Office Movers at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form. We will get back to you shortly!

Businesses heavily rely on digital technology to conduct daily operations. Offices typically utilize any of three general classifications of computers: thin clients (featuring a mouse, keyboard and screen), standalone computers (laptops or desktops with or without towers) and multiple servers.

No matter what computer device your business uses, when moving day is around the corner, you’ll need to know how to safely pack the equipment.

1. Obtain Proof of Purchase

Take a few necessary steps before you unplug the cords and buy sturdy moving boxes. Gather all the purchase receipts associated with the business computers, software and accessories. Proof of purchase is helpful if the need to verify the cost of replacement arises.

If receipts are unavailable, obtain a professional estimate of the value of your business’ computer equipment. If the office computers are lost or damaged during the relocation and you enroll in the mover’s protection plan, the value of the equipment is compensated.

2. Back Up Data

Important files are irreplaceable. Prior to loading the computer equipment into boxes, back up all the business files, including financial documents, research files, and work data. External hard drives can be a dependable place to back up the business data.

You’ll digitally protect the business’ records in the event the physical computer equipment is lost or damaged during the move. When you start packing, ensure the external hard drive is packed into a box separate from the computer equipment.

3. Be Aware of Climate

Technology equipment is susceptible to variances in weather. Extreme hot and cold conditions can damage electronics. Shortened battery life, warping, cracking, condensation and data loss are possible consequences of dramatic shifts in temperature.

Moving vans are not typically climate-controlled. Keep this fact in mind when you are moving in the subfreezing winter or scorching summer months. If possible, keep the box holding your computer equipment in a temperate environment, like a personal vehicle.

4. Label the Computer Cords

With the advanced preparation out of the way, you can focus on the physical activity of packing the computer equipment.

Electrical cords are an unseen jumble behind a desk. When you are prepared to move, the mess of wires is in full sight. Keep the various cords organized with color coded labels. After relocating, re-assembling the electrical devices is quick and easy.

Prior to unplugging the computer cords, stick-colored labels on each cord. For example, adhere a yellow sticker to the mouse, and another yellow sticker to the mouse’s electrical cord. Perform this step for each of the many wires that enable the computer to function.

5. Visually Record the Setup

At this stage, ideally, you have not unplugged the computer’s electrical wiring. While all the electrical components are plugged in, snap a digital photo of the color-coded setup.

Your smartphone will hold a record of the computer’s mish-mash of wires and serve as a helpful guide when setting up the configuration after the move.

6. Unplug and Pack the Cords

Now that you’ve created a digital map with your camera, the next step is to unplug the computer. Wrap each cord separately using a Velcro wrap to prevent tangles.

7. Buy Dish Pack Boxes

Unlike standard boxes, a dish pack box offers double-layered walls to protect the most fragile of items. The extra thick dish pack box is perfectly suited to move computer equipment. Due to the added layer of protection, dish boxes are also pricier.

8. Pad the Box

The key to preventing breakages in the dish box is padding. Crumpled packing paper is the optimal packing material, because it can easily wedge into corners and thoroughly pad every inch of space. The goal of using ample amounts of paper is to prevent the computer equipment from shifting during the moving process. Layer the bottom of the box with plenty of crumpled paper.

9. Wrap the Equipment

All computer monitors, hard drives and accessories, like keyboards should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Optimally wrap the technology by facing the bubble wrap’s pop side toward the computer equipment, such as the computer screen and tower. Secure the wrapped items with shipping tape.

10. Pack the Computer

Place the heaviest computer equipment on the bottom of the disk pack box, above the bottommost layer of packing paper. Add a second layer of crumpled packing paper to the top of the heaviest items to sandwich them.

The lighter-weighted accessories, like the bubble-wrapped keyboard, should be placed on top of the second layer of crumpled paper in the same box. Add additional layers of fill before adding the lightest of items—the cords.

Once the box is full, look for any empty spaces that could allow for possible shifting when the box is carried. Tightly stuff all empty areas with additional packing paper.

Seal the packed box with double layers of packing tape.

11. Label the Packed Box

The last task is to properly label the box holding the computer. Using a thick marker, write down what room the box should be moved into. Most importantly, write on the box all the contents it holds, i.e., computer, cords and keyboard. Be sure to write “Fragile” on the box.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

When you lack the time to carefully pack the computers in your office, give the task to a reputable, professional mover, like Chicago Office Movers. Our IOMI-certified and insured movers are trained to handle this moving specialty service with safety, security and ease.

Comp-U-Wrap

Specializing in commercial moves, Chicago Office Movers carefully packs your business’ computer equipment using protective, anti-static bubble-filled bags, known as Comp-U-Wrap. This eco-friendly option allows us to streamline not only the packing process, but overall downtime as we move the rest of your items.

Our experience in quickly and efficiently packing and moving miscellaneous office goods, furniture, and machinery solidifies our local reputation for professional excellence.

Serving the needs of Chicagoland for over 35 years, Chicago Office Movers is qualified to handle packing computer equipment and other office possessions using Comp-U-Wrap bubblewrap. No job is too small or too large for our dedicated movers.

Get a Free Estimate

Chicago Office Movers offers a free estimate on professional packing and moving services for local businesses. Give us a call at (312) 244-2246.

The suburbs have been a haven for big business for decades. Chicagoland suburbs like Oakbrook, Schaumburg, and Northfield are a handful of locales that in past years exploded with growing businesses.

The Move to the City

However, recent demands for cutting edge technology and the people behind them spur companies to rethink and re-strategize. Businesses that once soaked in the luxury of their suburban locale, with ample parking spaces, quick access to highways, and quiet surroundings, are now moving to the city. The shift in mindset is not restricted to Chicago, but takes shape all across the country.

McDonald’s, Kraft Heinz, and ADM Move to Chicago

McDonald’s corporate headquarters is one example of a transnational company that has shifted from its cozy base in Oakbrook to an exciting nine-story building on Randolph and Carpenter Streets in Chicago. Motorola, based in suburban Schaumburg, as well as Kraft Heinz and ADM, have also made the move to the bustling city of Chicago. Long gone are the days when people moved to where jobs are—these days, companies are shifting to reach a new type of employee.

Why Companies are Moving to the City

The city boasts plenty of lure. City life offers vibrancy, diversity and opportunity. A tax incentive gives companies reason to eye the city landscape. Companies are relocating to the city to gain access to a younger workforce and, as a result, to stay competitive in the new digital playing field.

Work with Millennials and Technology

Cities are teeming with tech-savvy millennials. As computer technology roles are now nearly equivalent to the high-level positions of CEOs, corporate leaders are seeking to fill their top ranks with exceptional talent.

People under 35 and with expertise in IT prefer the slew of opportunities and attractions that cities feature. Tech professionals, like those who build e-commerce tools, prefer the endless choices of dining spots in the city in comparison with the humdrum of a single, suburban corporate cafeteria.

Millennials are also reluctant to buy cars. Rather, top talent favor public transportation abundantly available in cities. In Chicago, Fulton Market is bustling with brand new apartments and the finest restaurants in the city. The Chicago Loop, with its burgeoning business district, is also attractive for Generation Y talent. Suburban companies are taking note of millennials’ tendencies and uprooting their suburban bases in favor of city ones.

Opportunities for Companies

Companies are quick to note that 140,000 college graduates are produced each year by local colleges. When companies post jobs in their downtown hub, their human resources departments are flooded with four to five times more applicants. Despite the congestion, Chicago continues to lure companies and a highly qualified workforce.

Access to Customers

Technology is making giant leaps and giving customers the ability to make purchases with their smartphones. Companies want to win the new generation of customers that are using technology to buy products. Businesses also are aware that customers are increasingly avoiding the long trek to the outlying suburbs to shop.

Access to Digital Operations

Businesses thrive with instant access to the digital hubs of other companies. McDonald’s, for instance, shifted its digital operations to Chicago to be near the digital bases of Yelp and eBay.

Rather than meander in the remote suburban office park, young professionals seek to easily mingle with similar creatives. Companies with hubs in the city offer innumerable opportunities for invaluable interaction with like-minded professionals, allowing creativity to flourish far more readily.

Access to Airports

Being in major cities, many companies have access to airports, which is an advantage for businesses with international clients, interstate customers, or overseas locations. Executives can be at the airport terminal in under 20 minutes.

Downsize to Save Costs

Companies are rejecting the open spaces of suburban locations. Rather, businesses in recent years have elected to downsize, making doing business from the city an optimal choice. Kraft Heinz, once based in suburban Northfield and employing 2,200 people, now has its headquarters in Chicago.

With cost-cutting efforts, Kraft now has 1,500 employees working in downtown Chicago. Motorola retains 1,600 employees in its suburban Schaumburg space, while 1,100 workers operate from its downtown Chicago location.

By eliminating the isolation plaguing suburbs, corporate campuses create an open atmosphere. Brand recognition is developed by and associated with where businesses are located. Technology companies are opting out of the tree-lined ponds of the suburbs and choosing the buzz and exhilarating activity that city environments offer.

Ability to Work Remotely

Telecommuting and collaborative work environments have offered employers the chance to reduce the office space required per employee. Three decades ago, each office worker required 200 square feet of office space. Now, 125 is the standard. The reduction in necessary office space makes operating out of the city, where space is scarce and costly, financially feasible.

Moving Your Business to the City

Tech companies are keen to see the major advantages of moving to the city. When your company is planning to dive into the benefits of recruiting, mingling, and doing business in the city, turn to Chicago’s most renowned corporate mover, Chicago Office Movers. As a moving company dedicated to corporate relocation, Chicago Office Movers will skillfully handle your office move from start to finish.

Work with a Professional Mover

Upon providing a free estimate, Chicago Office Movers will help you with planning and corporate relocation. Once a moving plan tailored to your unique business needs is formalized, the plan will be executed. Our team of licensed and background-checked union movers will carefully pack and unpack office property. Insurance and service contracts are offered for maximum protection. You’ll receive tracking information so you are fully aware of the moving truck’s location at each phase of the move.

No matter what type of business you are relocating, Chicago Office Movers has the experience and qualifications to make the corporate move seamless. Included in the list of goods Chicago Office Movers has professionally moved are science lab equipment, artwork, IT systems, cubicles, electronics and office furniture.

Get a Free Estimate

Chicago Office Movers offers professional experience to ensure your office move happens on time and within budget. Our dedicated team of specialists stand by to answer any questions about your corporate move.

Give us a call at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form to receive a free quote!

Especially for businesses that serve customers at their location, known as local businesses, their location can have a significant impact on their profitability. But unless you have a home office, buying or leasing a location is necessary. While each company will need to comply with different requirements, it’s important to review the needs of your business when choosing the location and type of space you will be inhabiting.

The following are examples in which a location would be necessary for your business:

• Your vendors are nearby
• It’s known and easily accessible for the products and services you’re selling
• You are in close proximity to your target audience
• There are other businesses nearby that complement your business (such as a pet store located next to a dog shelter)
• Real estate or leasing rates are affordable in the area
• It’s a growing and/or prospering area that offers opportunities for your business to grow

Tips for Choosing a Location

• Research all options. In addition to researching the area, look into the demographics and economics, making sure that the area would be able to support your business.
• Research other businesses in the area. It’s important to know the location of all competition as well as businesses that complement yours.
• Research local councils. Get to the know the area by speaking with the local members, asking about planned development, rates, business activity, and zoning.
• Review the current and future needs of your business. Make sure your marketing plan is updated and your future location is aligned with your business goals and needs.

Types of Business Locations

Each business is limited to specific layouts of potential spaces. In other words, a retail store should not be looking at offices or warehouses for their next location. When researching your next commercial space, it should support your business’ operations and needs.

You should be able to look around and picture your assets in the potential new space, giving you a good idea if you have found your next location.

The types of business locations include:

• Retail stores
• Shared commercial office suites
• Temporary spaces, or pop-up businesses
• Warehouse, manufacturing plant, or storage space
• Standalone office space

Steps Included in Choosing the Business Location

1. Choose your next location
2. Request the purchase documents/lease
3. Review the documents with a real estate attorney
4. Negotiate the price
5. Sign the purchase documents/lease
6. Work with a professional moving company to start the relocation process

When choosing a location, it’s important to find one that will meet the financial needs of your business, allowing it to grow. Consider seeking legal and/or financial advice regarding the area before signing any documents and to avoid any mistakes that you may regret later.

Relocating Your Business

If you are in need of a larger space or you are no longer able to reach your target audience, it’s important to find a new space that will solve this issue. Keep in mind that businesses change over time; so what may have been a good fit for you before may not be so accommodating now.

Make sure to review the current situation of the company and choose a space that accommodates your needs and allows you to expand without having to relocate again in the near future.

The needs for business relocation:

• Client and customer convenience: If you own a retail store that is hidden or not easily found by local customers, this can be a huge problem. You’ll want to have a location that is easily accessible, allows customers to conveniently enter and exit, and even show off your products if you have a storefront window.
• Lower business costs: If recent changes to property taxes or the price of your lease increased substantially, moving your business to a more affordable location can be the best option. This will allow you to cut costs and possibly even increase profits.
• You need more space: It can be exciting to search for a bigger space after your expanding your company. But in any case, if you are limited by your current space, such as not having enough parking spots, desks, or space available for equipment, you will need to look for a larger space.

Important tip: As with any move, you must notify the government the change in your address and to forward any mail from your old address to your new mailbox.

Business Moving Professionals

After you have chosen your new location and signed the purchase or leasing documents, you’re ready to work with a moving company that can relocate the business. When looking finding one that can handle all aspects of the process would be ideal so you can focus on business tasks.

At Chicago Office Movers, we specialize in business moves. Our professionals ensure to handle the entire process, from planning to installing furniture at your new location. We will work with you to determine what you need, provide the moving supplies and manpower to safely relocate all items and equipment.

Whether you are looking to move computers, inventory, furniture, or other pieces of equipment, we make use of professional resources in order to keep the service efficient and minimize downtime. After the move, we will ensure that everything is installed properly in the right places and that you are satisfied with your new location.

Free Estimate

For more information regarding our business relocation services or for a free estimate, give Chicago Office Movers a call at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form. We look forward to working with you soon!