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How to Move Your Business without Losing Productivity

How to Pack Computer Equipment

Moving-Boxes-in-Office

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.

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