Everyone has to move sometime or another, but seasoned moving customers are well aware that not all moves run smoothly. Professional movers can speed up the moving process, but choosing the right company is also important. If you don't do the research beforehand, a bad moving company can make your moving process even more of a headache. Just as each moving company will differ in their services and prices, it’s extremely important to know what to expect on moving day. So you’ll want to do your homework and research as many vendors as possible.

When researching, keep an eye open for scams and rogue movers, as they will never have your best interest in mind. Once you have a list of movers, here are 11 things to consider when looking for a moving company:

1. Get a Complete Estimate

Any estimator that does a quick walk-through of the building will not catch all of the details when giving you the quote. When calculating, they should ask questions about what exactly you will be bringing with you to your new location. Just be prepared to answer the questions regarding which items will not be going on the truck and will need to be decommissioned:

• Donated
• Thrown away
• Sold
• Left behind to new owners
• Given away
• Transported yourself

Chicago Office Movers can help you with decommissioning items to local non profit organizations.

2. Choose a Company with One Name

You might be surprised to find that a number of companies operate under various names to avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau and other online review platforms. Make sure the company has an address that is local and information about their licensing and insurance.

Check for any other name the company “does business as” in addition to their state and federal license numbers. Also make sure to check their online reviews, reviewing any complaints and compliments about them.

3. Never Pay a Large Deposit

While some can’t be avoided, reputable moving companies will not require a large deposit before moving. The service – at least the majority - should be paid at the end of the move. Otherwise they may disappear with your belongings and you have a lawsuit on your hands. When you do pay, use a credit card to protect against possible fraud.

4. Create an Inventory

When walking through your home, the estimator will take an inventory of all your items and furniture to determine the bulk weight of the home. They should also be thorough and check all storage areas, including drawers, desks, lobbies, bookcases, and filing cabinets.

A significant factor of the moving cost will be the overall weight of your belongings as well as the amount of space it will take up on the truck. When presented with the estimate, look it over carefully and make sure you understand everything on it.

5. Look at Reviews

More and more potential customers are trusting online reviews as if they were recommendations from their friends and family. A reputable moving company will have an overall high rating, provided that they have served their customers well.

When researching these reviews, you will find that few to none will have a perfect score. This is OK. Some customers just can’t be satisfied. But it will be up to you to decide which company to hire based on what others have said.

6. Be Aware of Extra Fees

Keep in mind that many moving companies – even those that are reputable – will add on additional fees for specific cases. Things like going up and down more than one flight of stairs, narrow streets, truck transfers, and moving to or from 2-story homes are all likely to result in additional fees. However, this should be noted in the initial estimate, so you won’t come across any surprises when you get the final bill.

You can also call the company ahead of time if you are unsure of whether or not something will incur an additional fee. Just keep in mind that all movers are different; therefore, while one company may include going up multiple staircases in the service, it may be counted as extra in another.

7. Be Aware of the Packing Process

Keep in mind that if you decide to pack your items yourself, the mover is not responsible for any damage to them. But if the mover does packing and things are broken in the process, they should be covered under the mover’s insurance policy.

Before hiring the company, ask about their packing experience and the materials they use to protect items. This will be helpful to know when they pack up your inventory, machinery, or special equipment.

8. Know Your Moving Contract

While some companies vary, there are generally 3 different kinds of moving contracts:

• Binding Estimate. This includes a guaranteed price for the move that includes all additional fees and requested services. If you want to add on additional services after the contract is made, these fees need to be paid within 30 days after the move.
• Non-Binding to Exceed Estimate. This prevents the company from charging for overages to the original quote they provided. The estimate given is the maximum you will need to pay for the services provided.
• Non-Binding Estimate. This means the mover cannot charge any more than 10% above the original estimate. Just know that the overage must be paid within 30 days of the move.

9. Report Any and All Problems

It’s understandable that not all damage to your items will be noticed right after the move. But you are given 9 months to report any damage or other problem to the moving company, as well as to file an insurance claim. So if you open any box a year later and find something shattered, it’s too late.

On moving day, open as many boxes as you can after they arrived at the new location and be thorough when checking for damage. All problems should be listed in details on the mover’s copy of the final bill, and make sure to check it for any changes before signing it.

After making your claim, the mover has 30 days to acknowledge it and 120 days to deny or accept charges for it.

10. Never Sign a Blank Moving Contract

Rogue moving companies may present you with a blank moving contract before adding services and charges to it. Never sign it. Everything – and absolutely everything – must be listed in detail, including extra fees, pickup, and delivery dates.

Always read your contract carefully, checking that all of your items are listed, before signing. If a computer wasn’t listed on the inventory form before the driver pulls out of your garage or parking lot, you shouldn’t expect it to be in the box. You also won’t be able to file an insurance claim for it because it wasn’t listed on the contract.

11. Choose Insurance and Protection Plan

Reputable moving companies will offer a number of insurance plans you can add on to protect your belongings. This way the moving company will assume liability for the value of your belongings moved. Be sure to take a detailed estimate of the overall value of your items before choosing the insurance coverage.

Choose a Reliable Moving Company

While some moving companies can offer better solutions for customers than others, it’s crucial to find a reputable moving company that keeps your best interests in mind. From start to finish, the service should be professional, friendly, and financially accurate. Remember to always stay on the lookout for red flags such as asking you to sign blank contracts, missing items from the inventory, and “rough” estimates.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

If you live in the Chicago metropolitan area and are looking to move your business, check out our professionals at Chicago Office Movers. Our union movers are dedicated to professionalism while keeping your best interests in mind. We understand that many items and furniture within a business are fragile as well as the information that must be kept confidential. As we conduct hundreds of moves every year, we know the best ways to make the process as smooth as possible.

In addition to our services, each of our movers is background-checked, trained, certified, and experienced to provide you with the peace of mind you need during the transition. Our staff will also be able to handle all aspects of the moving process for you, including move management, packing, furniture assembly, decommissioning, and more.

Our union movers will work with you every step of the way. This includes providing additional information like answers to frequently asked questions, a Commercial Moving Timetable Checklist, what to expect from the process, and more.

Contact Us

For more information regarding our commercial moving services or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (312) 244-2246.

Homeowners who work remotely will need a home office. Sometimes, a residential home or apartment has limited space. When space is tight and work needs are pressing, property owners can find workarounds. Here are ways to create a functional home office in a small area.

1. Find a nook

The first step in creating a small home office in a limited space is to find an appropriate nook. Ideally, this place will be quiet and have limited distractions. A property owner should be able to accomplish work tasks without disruptions—making finding the right space paramount.

Someone who lives in a home with multiple bedrooms has plenty of home office location options. Simply turn one of the unused bedrooms into a functional office space. Or, if the home is a studio apartment, consider setting up room partitions to separate the work and living spaces.

The empty space under the stairs can be transformed into a small office. A hallway offers plenty of horizontal space for a creative home office. A walk-in closet or wardrobe area can be updated to serve work needs. In such tight spaces, every inch is put to good use.

The office nook should be a quiet one. This means finding a space where other householders do not normally congregate. Avoid setting up the office in the center of the busy kitchen, for instance. A functional home office keeps the professional and personal life separate.

2. Install equipment

A computer, office accessories, and a printer will need a desk upon which to sit. When looking for desks, choose one that maximizes the limited office space. Homeowners have multiple options: L-shaped desks that fit into corners, writing desks propped against the wall, or floating desks.

A flip-down desk can be made upright when not in use. Consider that spaces can have multiple uses. A dressing table in the guest bedroom can double as a work desk. Alternately, turn a nightstand, dining table or coffee table into a temporary or permanent workstation.

In small nooks with laminate flooring, add a faux fur rug to soften up the workspace. Keep office supplies, such as staples and paperclips, nearby. Divide drawers, reuse jars, or utilize hanging hooks to create inventive storage spaces for the office supplies.

Even when the space is small, a home office should feature ergonomic office furniture. Opt for a chair with back support. Ideally, the chair’s height will keep the user at eye level with the computer screen. This setup promotes healthy blood flow and reduces back and shoulder problems.

A small office space may prompt homeowners to use a desk chair that doubles as dining room seating. No matter what type of chair is utilized in a small home office, it should slide easily under the desk. For this reason, avoid choosing a wide office chair with bulky armrests.

3. Utilize vertical space

A small workstation may have limited horizontal space. Workers, however, can efficiently utilize the ample vertical space. The full height of the wall can be used for shelving. Drawers can be stacked. Repurpose the area below the desk and optimize storage space.

4. Add lighting

Natural or artificial lighting is important in a small home office, especially for those who work long hours at the desk. Two sources of light are recommended: a main light and a desk lamp. Combine overhead lights with adjustable lamps for ample lighting in the small area.

If practical, set up the home office near a window. Exposure to sunlight is important for not only physical but emotional well-being. Sunlight gives the body a healthy dose of vitamin D, while helping workers feel emotionally charged and alert.

5. Organize cables

A home office will be fitted with technology, from computers to printers. Electronics will cause a chaotic clutter of cables. Keep productivity up by maintaining a clean, clutter-free work environment. Tuck the cables away behind the walls. Prevent tangled cables by using bread clips.

6. Limit distractions

A small home office may have limited desk space. Nevertheless, it is important to keep essentials nearby. A water bottle or coffee mug, for instance, takes up minimal desk space, but keeps the worker refreshed throughout the workday. A visit to the kitchen, on the other hand, can be distracting.

7. Add accessories

House plants are perfect office accessories. Potted plants add visual interest as well as introduce a continual supply of oxygen to the home office space. Plants help to keep the home office user calm, as a result. Consider adding vertical shelving for the plants if desk space is limited.

While the smallest home or apartment can be creatively transformed to accommodate a home office, your company may be planning to relocate to a bigger or smaller facility. If so, choose a top-notch commercial mover, like Chicago Office Movers. We help companies of all sizes relocate successfully.

Work with a Commercial Mover

A corporate move requires months of planning. At Chicago Office Movers, we’ll support you throughout the relocation process. Our experienced specialists offer advice and planning strategies. Moving crews are available to both pack and unpack office goods. We also provide short- and long-term storage.

Your office move will be handled with utmost care by our licensed, union movers. We have experience safely relocating a variety of delicate office goods, including IT systems, science lab equipment, and fragile electronics. We move office furniture of all sizes, as well as machinery and cubicles.

Working with Chicago Office Movers ensures that your business resumes operations in a timely manner. Disruptions to employee productivity are minimal when our movers handle the packing for you. Once at the new destination, our efficient unpacking services have your company back up and running fast.

Contact Us

Choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming office relocation and join the ranks of our countless satisfied corporate customers, like Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent. We facilitate a smooth office relocation that stays within budget and on schedule.

Contact us today at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.

Thriving businesses will have a need to upgrade facilities or relocate to a bustling hub in order to keep up with explosive growth. An office relocation is an exciting event. But insufficient planning can produce unnecessary stress. Follow this guide for out-of-state moves and relocate with ease.

An efficient and quick relocation is key to minimizing downtime and maintaining customer and employee satisfaction. Crossing state lines with a business in tow, however, is a daunting task. Coordinate logistics well in advance in order to return full speed to business operations.

1. Review the Current Lease

Six months prior to the office relocation, examine the current commercial property lease. Exiting the building sooner may result in losing the deposit. Be aware of any responsibility for costs associated with property damages (i.e., broken light fixtures or chipped paint) sustained during the move.

2. Look for Commercial Movers

Obtain quotes from at least three professional, full-service office movers. Experienced commercial movers improve the likelihood of an efficient and successful relocation across state lines. Opting for a low-cost mover with less handling experience could cost the business significantly more in the long run.

3. Create a Relocation Budget

Develop a relocation budget to deter overspending. Scale back on expenses (i.e., employees pack items, rather than movers). Consider moving coverage, especially if the business heavily relies on important machinery or equipment. Machinery that breaks during the relocation could halt business operations.

4. Designate a Moving Committee

Assemble a team of employees to execute the relocation. A moving committee made up of volunteers may be responsible for planning, packing, unpacking, and organizing. Appoint a move coordinator to ensure that employees have a point of contact for questions and concerns.

5. Notify Important Contacts

With the logistics in place, the moving committee should announce the upcoming relocation. Notify employees, partners, vendors, and customers about the move date. Provide the new office address and contact information to everyone who will be affected by a change in the business location.

For example, send the new business address to banks and financial institutions, phone company, insurance company, internet service provider, and printer service company. Also keep any professional organizations in the loop about when the new business address will go into effect.

6. Offer Relocation Program

Prepare employees in advance by arranging relocation bonuses and pay adjustments. Include site visits so that staff have the opportunity to scout schools and tour the new community. Offer reimbursements for moving expenses, like home buying, transportation, or temporary living.

7. Obtain the New Floorplan

In preparation for moving all equipment and furniture, obtain a detailed floorplan of the new office space. Plan the layout for existing furniture that will be transported to the new location. If necessary, consult a furniture company to purchase new office furniture.

8. Work with IT

Work with the IT personnel to devise a plan to set up computers and technology in the new space. If the IT team is unable to tackle the task, consult outside professionals. IT personnel should also be assigned to pack up company-provided employee laptops, monitors and other IT equipment.

Seek professional help for office equipment that requires special handling, such as complex machinery that must be disassembled or potentially hazardous materials. Moving companies will not transport flammable goods, like propane tanks, aerosols, or acids, so dispose of them prior to the relocation.

9. Pack Office Goods

Rather than utilize professional packing services, budget-conscious companies may elect to save on moving costs by instructing employees to pack their office goods. When pursuing a DIY route, provide employees with an ample supply of sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, and labels.

Important documents can get lost during the shuffle of a major office relocation. Or, unanticipated obstacles at the new office can delay booting up right away. Prevent the loss or damage of correspondence and paperwork by creating electronics backups prior to the move.

10. Confirm Utilities Work

On moving day, the professional movers will load the office goods onto their trucks. Before the last pieces of office equipment are loaded, confirm with the utility company that all power, internet and water are working at the out-of-state office location.

11. Install Equipment

Once the moving truck arrives at the new office, refer to the floorplan devised earlier to lay out the furniture and equipment. Work with the commercial movers to install the office equipment. Test that the technology, such as Wi-Fi, cable, phones, and computers, are functional.

12. Settle In

Unless the commercial movers handle the unpacking of office goods, designate employees to handle the task. Restock supply cabinets with items needed immediately. The more individuals involved in setting up an operative workspace, the faster the business can resume operations in the brand-new location.

Settle into the new space by welcoming employees with an office warming party. Consider leaving a welcome gift on each staff member’s desk. A welcome pack may consist of brochures about restaurants in the new state, treats to further energize employees, or a coffee mug.

Don’t forget, after you have moved to a new office, there are more to do besides decorating and organizing the new office! Read this blog to find out what you need to update when you relocate to a new office.

Full-Service Commercial Mover

A successful office relocation across state lines requires more than detailed preparation and organization. You need an experienced team of movers behind you. Companies on the move will find top-notch moving services from the commercial, long-distance movers at Chicago Office Movers.

As a highly rated commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers provides comprehensive relocation services for businesses of all sizes. We understand that an efficient move is critical to minimizing downtime. Businesses receive help with all facets of moving, from packing to move management and unpacking.

Companies with fragile equipment are also in good hands when they work with Chicago Office Movers. Our office relocation crews are experienced in machinery moving. We’ve moved office goods of all types, from appliances and server rooms to office furniture. We also assemble and install furniture.

Expect an efficient out-of-state relocation when you work with the experienced crews at Chicago Office Movers. We have earned a reputation for excellence with the Chicagoland businesses we serve. When you are planning an interstate office move, contact us for a free estimate.

Bringing style to a cubicle is a DIY task. No hard and fast rules come into play when uplifting the mood of an office cubicle. The best part of designing the interior of a cubicle is that your personality takes center stage. Add a splash of color, throw in a few accessories, and end up with a comfortable, lively work space into which you can retreat for the entire workday.

1. Embellish a Cubicle Wall

You are surrounded by three walls when working inside a cubicle. As a first tip, these panels deserve the most attention. Decorating the walls is super easy, especially given the cushion-like texture of standard cubicle walls. Tack up calendars, favorite photos, and framed art in a cinch.

Feeling dramatic? Take the cubicle wall panels to new heights. Cover the entire expanse of the panels with colored fabric or wallpaper, like shimmery aqua blue for a tropical feel, bright yellow to evoke the cheeriest of temperaments or even camouflage for the occasions when you feel like hiding out.

When you fancy a new look, the existing wallpaper or fabric can be easily switched up. The temporary nature of hanging wallpaper onto cubicle panels makes altering the ambiance of your cubicle simple and quick. Change out the panel décor as often as you fancy!

2. Perk Up the Floor

The dull carpeting of the cubicle floor is no match for the vividness of a spectacular floor rug. Add a hefty dose of personality to your office cubicle by laying an eye-catching rug along the floor. If you kick off your shoes during the daily grind, the soft rug will keep your feet cozy.

3. Add Plants for Vibrancy

Nature may not thrive in the well-contained atmosphere of an office. But you don’t need trees to experience nature from nine to five. Several plants flourish in the bright, white lights and cool temperatures of an office environment. Just remember to water the plants so they stay hydrated.

Known for growing in limited natural light, the fern is an ideal plant for cubicles. If your cubicle features a window, set an Aloe Vera plant along the windowsill. The trellises of the English Ivy plant accentuate the desks of any cubicle. Little time for care? Bamboo plants are low-maintenance.

4. Add Some Light to Influence the Ambiance

Lamps come in all sorts of sizes and designs, from liquor bottle lamps to rustic design lamps to comical vintage lamps. Unique floor lamps, custom table lamps, bookend lamps and hanging lamps add massive flair. A mandala lamp shade, for instance, is a perfect conversation starter with colleagues.

Bring a lamp into your cubicle and plug it in for warm, subtle lighting. The golden light of a lamp boosts an officer worker’s mood and streams a cozy ambiance throughout the cubicle atmosphere. Say goodbye to harsh office ceiling lights with the placement of a desirable, functional lamp.

5. Add Little Furniture

While hauling in a sofa will not pass in a cubicle space, bringing in shelving might. Cubicle panels are ideal places to install shelving or vertical bins. Shelves can be painted to your preferred color. Supplemental shelves add a personal touch while serving the functional purpose of refining organization.

Office workers may also bring in their own chair to add vibrancy to the cubicle. Consider a brightly colored ergonomic chair to increase physical comfort, an upholstered chair that matches your preferred cubicle color scheme or a chair that features a no-nonsense, contemporary design.

6. Make it Your Own

Adding items that are personal to you like pictures, drawings and handcrafts are some of the best ways to really personalize your workspace. This can also improve productivity as you feel more comfortable being surrounded by memories that are unique to you.

In addition to adding pictures of family and friends, you can also add pictures of your favorite things, such as an animal, plant, flower, car, etc. This is your own space so you can personalize it according to your preference!

7. Incorporate Some Quotes

Adding some inspiring quotes can go a long way and even give you some motivation for those Mondays where you just don't want to be at work! We're also not talking about "Live Laugh Love", but something from celebrities or world figures like Walt Disney, Tony Robbins, Abraham Lincoln or Albert Einstein.

You can certainly achieve a lot if you adopt their strategies and views on life as they certainly did something in life to be successful! So why not surround yourself with your favorite quotes. Below are some of our favorites:

• "The best way to predict the future is to create it" - Abraham Lincoln
• "The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." -Walt Disney
• "The pessimist sees difficult in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficult." -Winston Churchill
• "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today" -Will Rogers

8. Keep It Organized

No cubicle or office will look good with a ton of decorations and no organization. With a few file organizers, mini desk shelves, pen holders and room to put your papers, you can keep things neat and organized. Outer order contributes to inner calm! Here are some more tips on office desk organization.

Some of these organization accessories can also be personalized. So if you want to paint or draw on them, or even add some stickers, go crazy! The sky's the limit.

9. Make it Seasonal

Of course you can never forget the holidays! what better way to decorate the office space than to incorporate some holiday pizzazz! Whether it be streamers and little party favors for the new year, a little Christmas tree or menora for December, or some colorful leaves in the fall, there are a ton of trinkets available on Amazon to scroll through.

Some people go as far as setting up a whole fireplace right beside their desk, complete with garland, plants and a holiday picture above. That's definitely going above an beyond!

Others have completely gift wrap their entire desk and everything on it! There's also those that set up an entire Christmas village, complete with little lights and cotton padding for snow.

Bonus tip: Think ahead of how these accessories will fit on your desk before purchasing. Many customers make the mistake of buying a ton of items and not having enough space to place them all. That's how things become cluttered.

10. Give It a Theme

Many cubicles have a whole theme incorporated into their working space. Some are straight blue, purple and pink while others will have a full football field mouse pad that covers their full desk space. Other ideas to consider are Disney, holidays, flowers, retro, beach, nature and patterns.

Just be sure that the theme is appropriate and doesn't contain anything offensive or too personal to make others uncomfortable as they will still be walking by.

11. Add Accessories for Gusto

Unless you have a tendency toward minimalist design, go all out with accessories. Even standard office supplies, like deep blue paperclips, markers and bright green pushpins, can be decoratively housed inside mason jars to simultaneously serve as office supplies and brilliant cubicle décor.

Play with washi tape. The variety of designs makes decorating with the tape fun and unique. Stick the colorfully designed tape around the edges of file cabinets or around table-top jars. The ornamental tape provides beautiful accents to any materials or objects upon which it is adhered.

Have fun with paint. Large rocks may be painted in metallic colors, like silver or gold, and strategically placed next to books. The rocks serve a dual purpose—as decoration and as bookends. Add metallic sheens to the tops of the mason jars or trays that house office supplies.

Toys are not just for kids. Mini action figures, stuffed animals, and building blocks line some cubicle shelves for a brilliant effect. A themed approach works best. Customize your work space with a sci-fi theme or an animated one. Avoid the mess of clutter or items considered inappropriate for work.

When your office cubicle is dull and dreary, take decorating your workspace into your own hands. The options for infusing your cubicle with humor, vibrancy or scintillating color are endless! Once you take to reinvigorating your space—just once or every few weeks—your colleagues are sure to ask who is your new office cubicle designer.

Moving Cubicle Decorations

Whether your office cubicle décor features attractive pastels or bold hues, you’ll require the services of a dependable mover, like Chicago Office Movers, during an office renovation or remodeling project. As Chicagoland’s premier office mover, Chicago Office Movers handles moving office goods from start to finish.

Included in the company’s comprehensive business moving services are disassembling cubicles and office equipment, packing and labeling boxes, unpacking and setting up in the new space. Moving specialists also are available to provide assistance with the installation of furniture or appliances.

Moving to another building during an office renovation demands the help of experienced professionals. Chicago Office Movers is equipped with the manpower and equipment to make moving an easy task.

Expect only quality service and exceptional work from our skilled movers. Chicago Office Movers is dedicated to serving Chicagoland’s large and small businesses.

Get a Free Estimate

Before the office renovation or remodeling is set to start, contact us at (312) 244-2246 to get a free estimate from Chicago Office Movers.

Businesses still have to move, even during a pandemic.  Businesses may relocate for many different reasons. These could range from more customer traffic and better growth opportunities to the possible need for more or less space. However, relocating a company can also be time-consuming, disruptive, and during a pandemic, even downright dangerous. A business relocation plan has always been an important part of a corporate move, now even more so with the extra added considerations and regulations in place.  A detailed checklist of relocation tasks is a must!

Is It Possible to Move During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The short answer to this question is yes, but there are many precautions you must take to protect yourself and your employees and ensure a safe move. We understand while you may want to hold off your business relocation until after the pandemic, you may have no choice but to move due to the end of a lease, expenses, or other factor.

When preparing your company for relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may need answers to the following questions:

Can I Hire a Moving Company?

Yes, moving companies like Chicago Office Movers are still providing business relocation and commercial moving services during the pandemic. Our professionals will take certain precautions to make your move as safe as possible such as disinfecting our moving equipment and trucks daily, using personal protective equipment like masks and gloves, and practicing social distancing. For more information, consult our COVID-19 moving guidelines.

Can I Tour New Offices and Buildings?

If your business needs to move during the pandemic but has not found a new office or building, it is still possible to find a new space. If you find a space that interests you, you may be able to take a virtual tour. This will allow you to get a good look at the new space without showing up in person. If you really want to see the new space in person before making a decision, you may be able to view the space while taking precautions like wearing gloves and a mask and practicing social distancing while on the property.

How Should I Protect My Employees During the Move?

It is probably best to involve as few of your employees in the move as possible, but we understand that some employees will need to be present during the move. Direct your employees who will be present during the move to wear masks and gloves, wash and sanitize their hands frequently, and practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet of personal space. You and your employees should take every precaution necessary and be mindful during the move to protect yourself and others.

COVID-19 Business Move Plan

Once your reasons and destinations are set forth, here are some top things to put into your plan.

1. Assign appropriate people to manage the move plan

There should be an internal leader that serves as the move coordinator, department coordinators, and your moving company single source coordinator.  All these people will be working together to plan and execute all the parts of the relocation. Keep open communication between your staff and coordinator from Chicago Office Movers.

2. Assess and compare the potential risks and benefits of relocation during a pandemic

Assuming this is something your organization must and can do during this time, make sure your staff and all parties are safe and following pandemic guidelines. Never push past the limits of what is allowed during the time of crisis. Also be aware of the moving company’s guidelines during the pandemic.

3. Have multiple contingency plans due to the unknown

There is always some sort of unknown that should be considered but in times of many unknowns, you must be as prepared as possible.  You may wonder, how should I prepare for unforeseeable issues? Check and double check the process, have a back up plan for anything of major significance, and confirm things twice before executing. Communicate with all coordinators throughout the process.

4. Use a checklist

Use our comprehensive checklist of essential activities for the countdown to your relocation including assigning responsibilities.  Include a list of important contacts for the relocation period.  This also includes things such as using our identification program for tagging items.  Schedule all meetings with department coordinators and hold meetings and training sessions via face to face or virtually during times like COVID-19.  Schedule Electric Data Processing, workstation, phone and all IT relocations.

5. Finish your packing ahead of time

Finishing your packing before your move is always an important step. However, having all of your items and equipment packed at least 24 hours before your move is essential during the pandemic. This is because the coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. Finishing your packing and leaving the boxes untouched for at least 24 hours will help ensure that the boxes are not contaminated.

If possible, get new cardboard boxes instead of using old ones that may be contaminated. Take the opportunity to clean and sanitize items as you pack. Once your items arrive to the new office or building, wait another 24 hours before beginning to unpack. Creating an unpacking plan will help reduce the time spent unpacking and lower the risk to your employees. If you need professional assistance with the packing or unpacking, talk to us about our packing services.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

If your business is located in the Chicagoland area, Chicago Office Movers is ready with sanitized vehicles, equipment and packing materials to ensure a safe company relocation. As an essential business, our union movers practice safe handwashing, social distancing, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and never work when sick. As always, we keep our commitment to provide a safe, quality move for businesses of all types and sizes.

Free Estimate

Get a free estimate on your next move, even during social distancing, by giving us a call at 312-244-2246 or filling out a form. We look forward to working with you.