When you think about moving your business, it can be discouraging to think about how many opportunities you will lose during the relocation process. In fact, some companies lose out on a lot more than they originally plan due to unexpected complications like bad traffic, broken items, not having approval to move in to your new location, etc.

But with an efficient moving company and the right plan, there is a way to relocate your business while minimizing downtime. Check out these steps on how to move your business without losing productivity.

1. Create a Plan

There’s no such thing as over planning, and it’s never too early to start. So as early as possible, plan out everything to keep all disruption to daily activities to a minimum.

• Meet with all employees and prepare them for the upcoming move.
• Make lists of all tasks that need to be completed (coordinating with the move company, packing, finding a new working space, getting supplies, etc.).
• Consider all of the possibilities and potential setbacks and have a plan on what to do for each situation.

2. Create an Inventory

To get started with the planning process, move throughout the office and write down all of the items that will be moved to the new location. Ask yourself these questions:

• How much inventory needs to be moved?
• How many large items need to be moved?
• How will you be transporting important documents?
• Is your new location have enough space to hold all of your belongings? Do you need a storage space?
• How will you be moving electronics, like computers, phones, and monitors?

3. Consider Getting Rid of Some Items

While you may not be moving all of your belongings to your new location, you will need to form a plan for the remaining items. Many families and businesses use moving as an opportunity to declutter as they can save a lot of time and money by not moving everything.

This is also an opportunity to update everything – out with the old and in with the new. For example, it would be a good idea to get rid of that old 90’s sofa that’s been turning yellow for years. Many furniture stores will offer free delivery (after spending a specific amount), so you can save money during the move by keeping the weight off.

You may also want to update the office equipment as older items may require more maintenance than the newer models. This could save a ton of time and even resources when it comes to being more productive.

Lastly, instead of throwing away the older items, consider donating to your local charity.

4. Record Your Inventory in an Excel Spreadsheet

A successful move is one with a detailed inventory. After looking through everything that needs to be moved, start organizing items to help you figure out how many and what kind of packing supplies you will need, the duration of the move, and size of a moving truck you will need.

Having a detailed list will also prevent items from going missing during the relocation process.

5. Create a Timeline and Moving Schedule

One of the most important steps in the planning process is to forecast how long everything will take. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How much time do you have before having to move out of your current place?
• How much overlap will you have in between when your new location will be ready and when you have to be out of the old one?

Make sure to plan ahead early enough so that you will have time to get through the process while still having enough time to work on daily tasks.

6. Pack as Early as You Can

It can be annoying to sort through your items and figure out those you won’t need until after the move, but packing these things ahead of time will save time when it comes to finalizing everything last minute. Make the workload easiest on yourself by spreading it out.

7. Buy All of Your Supplies

Many moving companies will supply you with the materials you need, but they can be a bit more expensive. So if you’re looking to save a few dollars, here’s a list of what you’ll need to pick up:

• Shrink wrap
• Bubble wrap rolls or packing paper
• Packing peanuts
• Packing tape
• Labels
• Markers or sharpie pens
• Moving blankets
• Furniture movers and sliders
• A variety of different sized boxes

8. Use Specialty and Different Sized Boxes

Getting regular boxes to pack everyday items is important, but don’t forget to buy different sizes. While it may seem more efficient to load everything into large boxes so there’s less to move, but this can be physically challenging and even dangerous for the movers.

Small and medium sized boxes on the other hand will keep the weight off the items packed on the bottom and are also easier to lift and move.

Don’t forget to label your boxes so the movers will know which room to leave them in after arriving. Some companies even use color-coded labels and match them up with the color in the room.

9. Pack Efficiently

Moving is already expensive. You don’t want to add to it by reckless packing and breaking valuables. Always make sure to use bubble roll and packing peanuts with fragile items. Heavy duty boxes can also prevent items from becoming damaged, especially if they will be supporting the weight of other heavy boxes.

Don’t forget to wrap electronics separately, wrapping them with bubble wrap and using boxes that are fitted to their size. Cover all furniture with moving blankets and stretch wrap to prevent them from becoming dirty or scratched.

Finally, use packing tape to seal all the boxes properly.

10. Coordinate with Utility Companies

There’s more to planning than just the physical moving of belongings. You will need to contact all vendors and inform them of where you are moving and the date it’s happening.

Also, who will be setting up your computer equipment, phones, security systems, and internet at the new location? These are things you don’t want to forget about.

11. Notify All Customers and Public of the Move

Before moving, put up a sign that will inform your customers of when you are moving and the address of the new location. This will also show that you are well organized.

Also, putting up a sign at your new location will stand out for bringing in new customers. Even if it’s temporary, having something is better than nothing.

In addition, you can send change-of-address cards to customers and vendors. Many stores will have different, inexpensive designs to choose from.

Finally, inform the post office of your new address and forward your mail to the new location.

12. Plan Activities for Move Day

While many companies choose to move over the weekend to avoid interfering with daily business activities, but this is usually more expensive. However, if you do move during the week, make sure that the calls are routed to a mobile number and someone is assigned to pick up during moving day.

Choose the Right Moving Company

When looking for a moving company, some will help you with the planning process, including all of the steps listed above. Specific movers, like Chicago Office Movers, are available to do all of this for you. Everything from planning to furniture assembly, you have the option to be as hands on or off as you’d like, allowing you more time to focus on daily business activities.

If you are searching for a moving company in the Chicagoland area, choose Chicago Office Movers. Our union moving professionals specialize in business moves of all sizes, moving them both locally, long distance, and international. We are trained, experienced, IOMI-certified, uniformed, and background-checked to provide you with complete peace of mind throughout the entire move.

Get a Free Estimate

To get a free estimate from Chicago Office Movers, contact us directly at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form and we will be in contact with you shortly. We look forward to working with you!

With the economy booming, businesses are thriving across the country. Not only do business owners have the opportunity to grow their small business, but they are able to sustain the growth while hiring more employees.

According to a recent study by CNBC, 10 cities were identified after studying 50 of America’s biggest “boomtowns”. Compared to the others, these cities had the strongest growth in the past 5 years. Taking into account the number of physical locations, employees, and total receipts for non-employers.

Top 10 Cities for Business Growth and Development

10. San Antonio, Texas

In addition to the growing businesses, San Antonio is at the top of the list for one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. With beautiful weather year-round and no income tax for Texas, it’s no surprise that this town is desirable.

It has also grown 11% in terms of the number of thriving businesses as well as 17.5% in the number of paid employees. If you’re currently job searching, you might want to check this place out.

9. Denver, Colorado

This is one of the best cities for small business growth employment. In fact, average wages have increased from $26.50 to $29.40, making it an annual growth of 2.6%. The fastest growing industries in Denver include: science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

While the growth has slowed in the past few months, it continues to climb the business growth scale. There has also been an increase in paid employees of 20% between 2011 and 2016.

8. Fort Myers, Florida

While this town is popular for snow birds and retirees, the business growth has reached 16% between 2011 and 2016. In addition to the business growth, this city has been growing in popularity because of the “work, play, and live” vibe.

In addition, there are a lot of opportunities and the cost of living is very low. To make it even better, the forecasts show that these trends will continue in the future.

7. Boise, Idaho

In addition to this business growth, Boise has been known as the 2^nd top spot for young professionals. The biggest factor in this trend is the climb of living expenses for Seattle and San Francisco. Boise offers a similar climate at a significantly lower rate compared to sister cities.

The number of paid employees has increased almost 19% between 2011 and 2016, according to CNBC.

6. Orlando, Florida

Perhaps due to the growth of so many theme parks like Disney World and Sea World, Americans are flocking to this city in search of jobs. With that, businesses have been thriving here.

In fact, Orlando is ranked as the fastest growing city in Florida in terms of population and housing, employment, and business growth. Top industries for this city include STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

5. Raleigh, North Carolina

Despite the unfamiliarity by most Americans, many large companies have offices here. There are also a number of large schools in this area, include UNC, Duke, and NC state. In addition, the cost of living is low.

But due to the colleges, Raleigh has many opportunities for both businesses and individuals looking for jobs. It has grown almost 21% in the number of paid employees between 2011 and 2016.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

Not too far south, South Carolina is just a little ahead with the increase of number of businesses up to 13.5% between 2011 and 2016. One of the noticeable inclines in businesses includes independent fast food restaurants, with an improvement of 7% within the last 5 years, according to CRDA.

Along with the steady business incline, new construction has boomed. If you’re looking for a brand-new building for your business, you will have lots to choose from in Charleston, NC.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Known mostly for its country music streets and venues, Nashville is also making room for growing business in the area. As more people move to this city, its easy to go straight to a concert after work.

According to Patch, Nashville has a diversified economy, having rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality for a number of years. The number of paid employees has also increased almost 21% between 2011 and 2016.

2. Austin, Texas

In addition to business growth, Austin has seen skyrocketing numbers for overall job growth, according to Biz Journals. With all this extra help, businesses have the resources to grow and expand both locally and internationally.

This city has also seen one of the highest growth trends in the number of paid employees: 21.1% between 2011 and 2016.

1. Provo, Utah

Home to the third largest private college, Brigham Young University, and a $16 billion economy, Provo has been ranked by a number of sources as the fastest growing city for business growth and development for 2018.

The New Yorker has proclaimed Provo as “the next Silicon Valley,” with 2 of the world’s 73 private venture-funded companies with valuations over $2 billion. This city is also home to a number of Fortune 500 and multi-million dollar companies, not to mention world-class recreational and sporting facilities.

To top it off, Provo has exceeded national rankings for job growth, affordability, livability, and entrepreneurship.

Moving Your Business

Looking for new opportunities for your business? You should definitely consider one of the cities mentioned above. With these trends, you shouldn’t have any problem with expansion or finding employees in these places.

Just be sure to choose the right moving company as many will not have your best interests in mind. It’s important to find one that has positive reviews, well-established, is insured, and offers each of the services for which you are looking.

Chicago Office Movers

If your business is located in the Chicago metropolitan area, check out Chicago Office Movers. Our union moving professionals are all background-checked, uniformed, licensed, insured, trained, and experienced to provide the moving services you need. We can manage your entire move, including the planning, moving, furniture assembly, heavy equipment moving, and setting up your new office.

Contact Us

From moving long distance to internationally, our commercial movers can move your business forward. Give us a call at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate or fill out a contact form.

As a full-service commercial moving company, we know that people hate moving. Even when you’re relocating to keep your dream job, the process of packing everything up and getting used to a new location is stressful.

In fact there’s a number of things you’ll need to do before and after moving, like getting a new driver’s license, switching over the utilities, finding a new home, selling or subletting your current place, and everything moving-related. So it really boils down to how much you love your job or want a new one.

While many individuals are simply unable to relocate due to family or other personal reasons, Careerbuilder has claimed that 44% of employees are “willing to relocate for a career opportunity.” If you are one of those people, you’ll want to check out these tips on what to expect before moving for work.

Benefits of Relocating for Work

Despite the headache of having to switch everything over, adjust to a new location, and pay for all of those moving expenses, some employers are willing to cover them. There aren’t too many that are willing to pay for full-service relocation packages, but depending on the demand for employees, you might be able to get away with paying nothing at all (or a small portion).

But regardless if they’re paying for your move or not, here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind before going.

1. Look for a New Home

If you have a family, the first question you will need to ask them is if they are willing to relocate as well. It would also be a good idea to take some time to visit the new location and visit some new houses before buying one right away.

Even if you can’t find the perfect home during the visits, it’s still beneficial to get to know the area. You might find a good restaurant, park, or other attraction so you will have something to look forward to before moving. These places can also help you to feel more comfortable about your decision to relocate for work.

 2. Find a Temporary Home

It’s not likely that anyone is able to find a permanent home before moving day. But finding a place to stay that offers month-to-month leasing can buy some time until you do find the perfect place to call your own again. If you have kids that are in school, make sure to check out the school districts before committing to your new home.

Some companies are also willing to cover the cost of first and/or second month’s rent. It’s common for corporations to place employees in executive condos, apartments, or home that’s particularly used on a temporary basis.

3. Know What Costs are Covered

If your company is covering your moving expenses, it’s important to know what exactly is covered. Some packages only cover the transportation costs while others go as far as managing your entire move, packing, furniture assembly, and moving your belongings for you.

In some cases, employers will offer a lump sum to their employees. So you will want to make sure that you keep all receipts from your move, such as packing supplies, movers, and gas for the moving truck. Also keep in mind that you may qualify for a tax deduction if you moved more than 50 miles.

4. Keep Your Items in Storage

In some case, temporary housing won’t have the space to fit all of your belongings. There also isn’t much point in unpacking everything if you’ll only be living there for a few months. So it’s important to find a secure storage space that allows easy access to your belongings, as well as accommodations for moving everything to your new location.

The storage spaces at Chicago Office Movers is designed to hold large, heavy items, including desks, office furniture, warehouse equipment, and other large assets. We also offer insurance plans to keep your belongings covered at all times.

5. Additional Funds for Extra Expenses

Anyone who has moved before knows perfectly well that surprise expenses pop up throughout the moving process. But some companies understand this and are willing to cover them too. Some are even willing to compensate up to $5,000! Just make sure to save your receipts to support your reasoning.

In addition to covering moving costs, some employees have been able to use this money for their down-payments on new homes or first rent payments. Some cases might involve a family member staying behind temporarily, so an extra rent payment that can be covered with these additional funds.

What to Keep in Mind

Nobody really looks forward to the moving process when relocating for work, but for some professions, it’s necessary. But it’s important to know what exactly is covered within company relocation packages, if offered, and any other perks to make things easier.

Also keep in mind that some things are negotiable. As long as you stay within reason, you may end up with a lot more than what you started – all because you said something!

Working with a Professional Mover

While finding a mover to move your home is important, you’ll also need one to move the company. Specializing in commercial moving, Chicago Office Movers handle everything from move management to transporting heavy equipment both short and long distances.

Our union movers specialize in commercial moving and can handle all of your business relocation needs. Give us a call for a free estimate!

With the vast number of businesses in different industries, we understand that specialty equipment will vary. But with the help of our moving resources, we can safely pack and relocate everything you need to your new location.

Our professionals are also licensed, trained, experienced, uniformed, and background-checked to keep your business protected at all times. Especially when it comes to keeping your items safe and any physical documents confidential, you can depend on us to cover the relocation process while you focus on your business needs.

Get a Free Estimate

For a free estimate on our commercial moving services, contact Chicago Office Movers at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form and we will contact you shortly!