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.

Chicago is known for countless attractions, including its famous skyline, architecture, museums, and sports teams. The Windy City is also famous for its smorgasbord of culinary delights. Visitors and residents alike savor the appetizing dishes that give the city its reputation for great eats.

Home to more than 7,300 restaurants, Chicago also boasts of exceptionally rated ones. The city features seven AAA Diamond-rated restaurants, 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, 40 James Beard Award-winning restaurants and 54 Bib Gourmand winners. There’s a local restaurant for every budget, too.

Clearly, Chicago understands the nuances of creating fine cuisine. Upscale dining may not be affordable for everyone, so the city invites food lovers to its hundreds of accessible  and city-wide food trucks. Iconic Chicago dishes, such as the eight that follow, entice even the finickiest foodie.

1. Deep Dish Pizza

Who does not revel in a thick-crust tomato pie filled with melted mozzarella and an assortment of mouth-watering toppings? Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza is one celebrated food that visitors to the Windy City are advised to not pass up.

Pull out a slice from the tall, circular pan in which it is baked. Watch the mile-high cheese stretch as you load the decadent pizza pie onto the plate. Visitors can try a slice of this showstopper at multiple local restaurants. Several well-known Chicago restaurant chains serve deep dish pizza.

Chicago Classic Deep Dish is available at Giordano’s, one of many Chicago-based chains. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is another chain, with locations dotted throughout the city. Smaller chains that serve the notable pie include My Pi’s, Pequod’s, Labriola and Bartoli’s Pizzeria.

2. Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich

As a sandwich filled with slices of tender roast sirloin cooked to perfection and tossed into a thick Italian-style roll, the Chicago Italian beef sandwich draws hungry lunch crowds. Al’s Italian Beef serves up this well-known sandwich in any of three variations: dry, with extra gravy or dipped.

3. Chicago-style Hot Dog

Another lunch favorite is the Chicago-style hot dog—an all-beef frankfurter topped with relish, celery salt, peppers, tomatoes and onions. Served with a tangy pickle, this hotdog should be eaten with a squirt of mustard. Chicagoans know to hold the ketchup on the popular Chicago-style hot dog!

4. Popcorn

Those used to dry microwave popcorn can expect a sumptuous flavor sensation when they try the sweet or savory popcorn from Chicago’s own Garrett’s Popcorn. The popcorn coatings are so delicious that customer lines extend well beyond the front doors of this well-known popcorn shop.

Nuts on Clark is another favorite popcorn chain, having made its reputation with tasty gourmet cheese-flavored popcorn. Chicago Kernel offers spicy cheddar popcorn. Popcorn in Chicago is such a treat, that in 2003, the Illinois General Assembly designated popcorn as the state’s official snack.

5. Saganaki

Saganaki, the flaming cheese, is recognized by its Greek moniker. But the dish of delicately floured, fried cheese was invented in a Chicago restaurant called the Parthenon. The iconic fiery cheese is a Chicago favorite, with its splash of Brandy, a dancing flame and the chef’s accompanying cry, “Opa!”

6. Pulled Pork

Chicago has learned a good deal about barbecue, and the city’s many barbecue venues are a testament to the pit masters who have perfected the craft. Smoked meats waft through the air in Wicker Park’s Smoke Daddy restaurant. The eatery serves up a satisfying dish of slow-cooked pulled pork.

Earl’s BBQ is another restaurant in which diners can order pulled pork as a breakfast treat. Pulled pork fans can also head over to Honky Tonk BBQ, a restaurant with an escapist Wild West theme, where the pit master creates some of the city’s most delicious pulled pork.

7. Italian Ice

Summer in Chicago is never as sweet without Italian ice to complement a meal. The frozen dessert is simply a concoction of sugar, ice and juice or whole fruits. While Italian ice is available in a range of flavors, lemon is a favorite and better known as frozen Italian lemonade.

The cool dessert is offered by shops and restaurants throughout Chicago. Amy’s Candy Bar serves Italian ice as a scoop or in push-up form. Little Lulu’s Italian Ice creates its frozen treats with cane sugar. Scooter’s Frozen Custard adds frozen custard to the Italian ice, creating a tasty parfait.

8. Chocolate

Chicago has been in the business of producing fine chocolates for decades. In fact, Milton Hershey learned the art of making chocolate upon a visit to the city. Chocolate retailers abound by the dozens here, and each one tempts chocoholics with endless varieties.

The Magnificent Mile, famous for its shops, also boasts a booming chocolate market. Dylan’s Candy Bar entices visitors with 7,000 confection options. Nutella Café is located within the city. Bite down on butter toffee at The Fudge Pot, which has been a Chicago mainstay for over 50 years.

Moving to Chicago?

Chicago’s iconic foods satisfy the appetites of locals and visitors alike. When a company relocation to the Windy City is in the works, you’ll need a reliable corporate mover, like Chicago Office Movers, to accomplish the task with efficiency, affordability, and professionalism.

Chicago Office Movers’ crews are licensed and trained to handle a diverse range of office goods and equipment. We’ve carefully loaded and unloaded antiques, artwork, cubicles, IT systems, electronics and office furniture. Our teams also provide conveniences, like packing and unpacking services.

As the city’s most reputable commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers has helped countless businesses relocate. Among our satisfied customers are Lake Forest College and Alcatel Lucent. We’ve earned high ratings for our secure handling of materials and ability to work within various budgets.

Get a Free Estimate

When your company is ready to relocate and eager to benefit from all the foods and attractions that Chicago offers, choose Chicago Office Movers for a seamless move. Our dedicated crews will relocate your business locally, long distance or internationally.

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

Relocating a business to Chicago requires that the essential utilities be set up beforehand. Once the utilities are turned on prior to the move, businesses can resume operations without further interruption. Setting up business utilities in the Windy City is a straightforward process.

What are basic business utilities?

A utility company is responsible for delivering utilities to a business. In addition to everyday operating costs, the business will pay utility bills. At a minimum, relocating companies require basic utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, trash pickup, internet, and phone.

Utility costs vary significantly from company to company. Variables that affect the price of monthly utilities include the square footage of the building, geographic location of the company, industry, energy utilization, and several other factors. Energy is among the biggest overhead costs for a business.

1. Electricity

Electricity is one of the major utilities a business needs to operate. The local electric company will set up and physically deliver the electricity to its service area. Energy is required to power the office’s lights, computers, AC, refrigerators, and printers. The business will pay a supply and delivery charge.

As a northern Illinois city, Chicago receives its electricity through Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd). A subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (the nation’s leading competitive energy supplier), ComEd distributes electricity to four million local customers. Businesses can set up and manage an account via the ComEd website.

2. Water and Sewer

Water and sewer are essential utilities to set up when relocating to the Windy City. Company bathrooms, kitchen sinks and water fountains rely on the water supply to function. Every business, whether it sells food, electronics, or other consumer items, depends on water as a resource.

Prior to relocating to Chicago, businesses will be required to contact the City of Chicago Water Management, which delivers clean drinking water. The Department of Water Management is also responsible for removing storm runoff and wastewater through the sewer system.

3. Natural Gas

Natural gas will soon be the fuel of choice for various corporations. In commercial buildings, natural gas powers heating systems, water heaters, and air conditioners. Manufacturing facilities depend on natural gas to run machines that prepare electronics, home furnishings, and appliances for consumers.

Close to 850,000 local customers rely on Peoples Gas for the regular supply of natural gas. Companies relocating to the Windy City can connect service by accessing the Peoples Gas website, following the online prompts, and finally setting up an account. Bill management is available online, too.

4. Internet

Internet is increasingly becoming viewed as an essential utility, much like electricity. Businesses without access to the internet are severely disadvantaged. Companies that conduct online activities, utilize online content providers, or make use of social media networks require an internet connection.

Chicago’s largest internet provider is Xfinity. Through the various bundles offered by Xfinity, even small companies have access to big business capabilities. Buying a monthly package is as easy as visiting the Xfinity website, choosing a plan, and following the online prompts.

5. Trash Service

Waste removal services are necessary for the disposal of garbage, recyclables, and organic waste materials. An office may be provided different types of bins to hold various waste products. Each of these bins are picked up by the trash service at different rates.

Chicago businesses rely on the various trash services offered through the DSS. Not only are DSS crews responsible for trash pickup and recycling, but they also handle tree trimming, graffiti removal, rodent control, towing, snow removal, and lot cleaning—which are relevant to major area corporations.

Trash service can be set up through the City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS). The DSS makes an impact on the cleanliness of the city by responding to over one million service requests annually. Visit the DSS website to set up an account and manage monthly bills.

6. Security

While the utilities are the basics, large corporations might include security services as an essential part of their utility budget. Companies who require security are advised to consult a public utility security service to safeguard the facility against threats.

Do companies need an EIN to set up utilities?

A company does not need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to set up and administer business utilities. However, utility companies may accept the EIN in lieu of a social security number. An EIN is a type of federal tax ID that can be useful when applying for business utilities.

When relocating a business to Chicago or starting a new one here, setting up utilities is critical to success. Employees require running water, electricity, internet, and a clean workspace to perform. Ensure workflow continues without interruption by setting up utilities before the move.

Work with a Commercial Mover

Setting up utilities is just one step of many in the relocation process. Before packing up the office, consult a professional corporate relocation company, like Chicago Office Movers. Our years of experience in office relocation will ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible.

When choosing Chicago Office Movers for your corporate relocation, you can be assured that the move will stay within budget. Our moving crews are highly trained and experienced—which allows them to perform their job efficiently, skillfully, and without delays.

Countless local companies continue to rely on Chicago Office Movers for our quality service, professionalism throughout the relocation process, and affordability. We’ve helped universities and major corporations, like Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent, move seamlessly, earning us multiple five-star ratings.

Working with us gives your company access to professional packing services, short- or long-term storage, relocation planning assistance, and moving equipment that is guaranteed to protect fragile office goods. We also move items securely, which is a benefit for security-conscious companies.

Contact Us

When you seek a reliable office mover, schedule Chicago Office Movers to handle your relocation from start to finish. We are available to help you move locally, long distance, or internationally.

Call our office at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.

Chicago is a bustling town known for its unique charm and lively nightlife. Tourists flock to this major U.S. city from all around the world. Visitors and residents alike find plenty to do in Chicago. Here are a handful of the most popular attractions in the city.

As the largest city in the Midwest, Chicago was originally a water transit hub. Chicago’s lakeshore borders Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, and the Chicago River runs through downtown. The city was founded in 1830 and soon became a busy industrial metropolis.

Twenty-five years later, in 1855, Chicago built the world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, which stood 10 stories high. Well-known architects added to the city’s skyline. During this time, Chicago became a national retail center, attracting business tycoons, like Marshall Field.

Nicknamed the Windy City, Chicago’s colorful history lends significantly to the major attractions it boasts of today. From recreational activities on the lakefront to stunning architecture in downtown, Chicago continues to satisfy its urban residents and out-of-town tourists with equal zeal.

1. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is recognized as one of Chicago’s premier attractions. Nestled on Chicago’s lakefront, Navy Pier offers families and individuals a wide range of events, free public programs, culture and dining and much more. Navy Pier has reopened since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ride Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel, which is nearly 200 feet high. The Centennial Wheel gives visitors a breathtaking view of the city skyline, especially as the sun dips behind Lake Michigan at sunset. Visitors capture the spectacular sights even in winter as they sit inside its climate-controlled, heated gondolas.

Residents and tourists go sightseeing on Navy Pier’s many cruises. Architecture cruises give sightseers panoramic city views. Speed boat rides on Lake Michigan are available for thrill seekers. Fireworks light up the city’s night sky in summer, and guests can see them on Navy Pier’s firework cruises.

2. Museums

Chicago’s numerous museums are a testament to the city’s rich cultural scene. Star gazers will find plenty to see at the Adler Planetarium. History buffs can view dinosaur bones at the Field Museum. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is ideal for those who appreciate the sciences.

Art museums are abundant in the city. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest in the world. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Smart Museum of Art showcase diverse artwork. A Chicago Children’s Museum is dedicated to enthralling the youngest of museum-goers

3. Skyscrapers

Along with fascinating architecture are majestic skyscrapers that point toward the sky. The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) was once the tallest building in the world. Visitors can head to the Skydeck and look down from the glass balcony on The Ledge on the 103^rd floor.

The 360 Chicago Observation Deck (formerly the John Hancock Observatory) is another popular destination within the city. Standing at 100 stories and 1,128 feet high, guests have a unique vantage point of the seemingly endless skyline. Its moving platform, TILT, also offers downward views.

4. Food

Deep dish pizza is a Chicago favorite and has earned its place as one of the city’s most iconic foods. The famous pizza pies are served in numerous venues around the city, including popular restaurants, like Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s.

Chicago-style hotdogs are all the rave in the Windy City. Served without ketchup, the Chicago-style hot dog is topped with mustard, pickles, relish, tomato, onions, peppers and a dash of salt. Several well-known restaurant chains serve this flavorful hotdog on a poppy-seed bun.

5. Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago River is a treasured natural feature within the city, and the Chicago Riverwalk allows visitors the chance to enjoy the waterway from close up. The Riverwalk is 1.25 miles long and is dotted with restaurants, bars, and plenty of places to people watch on a summer day.

6. Cloud Gate

The official title for one of Chicago’s most popular sculptures is the Cloud Gate. The massive public sculpture reflects the city skyline as well as the green space around Millennial Park—the free public park in which it is famously located.

The Cloud Gate consists entirely of welded stainless steel. The sculpture stands 33 feet high, 42 feet wide and 66 feet long. The work of art weighs approximately 110 tons. Locals nicknamed the sculpture “The Bean”, due to its curved, oblong shape.

7. Lake Michigan

Chicago residents and tourists head to Lake Michigan all year, but crowds especially gather when the weather is inviting. Beaches, like North Avenue and Oak Street, attract sunbathers, while the 18-mile-long Lakefront Trail brings countless bicyclists, walkers and joggers to its paved paths.

Boats may be rented for rides on the lake. Groups may rent a 40-foot boat and cruise along Lake Michigan and then head toward the Chicago River to view the city’s riverfront architecture. A day on the waters of Lake Michigan promises ample relaxation and enjoyment.

Moving to Chicago?

Chicago is a popular destination for leisure seekers and talented job seekers. When the workday is done, the city has plenty to offer. This is one of many reasons why Chicago draws growing corporations. When you aim to relocate your business to the Windy City, choose Chicago Office Movers.

Chicago Office Movers is an experienced moving company with numerous satisfied customers. We have successfully relocated major universities, like Lake Forest College, and well-known companies, like Alcatel Lucent. Our skilled moving crews will relocate your company to greener pastures, too.

Our movers are licensed, background checked, and trained to carefully handle large and fragile office equipment. We ensure your goods remain protected and secure throughout the move. Customers also receive tracking information so they can monitor the progress of their belongings during the move.

Contact Us

Whether your company requires short- or long-term storage options, help with packing and unpacking or add-on services, Chicago Office Movers offers comprehensive moving services to meet all needs. As a Chicago-based office mover, we relocate companies locally, long-distance, or internationally.

Call us at 312-244-2246 for a budget-friendly relocation.