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.

Homeowners and corporations pay property taxes each year. In some locales, those who own personal property, like boats or cars, also are taxed. While property tax is unavoidable with home or business ownership, those in the American South pay some of the lowest property taxes.

What’s Behind Property Taxes?

Local governments that govern over an area where the property is located are responsible for calculating property taxes. These taxes are based on the value of the property, which may include land. The owners of the property are subject to paying property taxes, which may be deemed a regressive tax.

Property tax is used to improve the local community. Local governments use collected property taxes to pay for enhancements to the water and sewer systems. Police and fire departments, highway and road constructions, educational institutions and libraries are funded by property taxes.

Property taxes vary annually. The current market value of a property is one factor that determines the amount of property tax an owner must pay for a given year. Tax rates are normally recalculated each year by tax officials in municipal governments. A hired tax assessor assesses area properties.

Property owners have the option to either formally contest tax rates or discuss them with the assessor. Unpaid property taxes have financial consequences. Taxing authorities impose a lien against a property when the owners fail to pay their property taxes.

What’s the Average Property Tax?

In the United States, the average amount of property tax American homeowners pay every year for their homes is $2375, according to the US Census Bureau. Twenty-seven states impose vehicle property taxes, and owners are taxed an additional $441 each year.

Depending on the area of residence, drastic variances in property taxes exist. In Arkansas, for instance, property taxes can be as low as $743 per year. On the opposite end of the tax spectrum, property taxes can balloon to $7800 per year for homeowners in New Jersey.

States with a lower property tax make living in a large house with ample amounts of land financially feasible. Many southern states are known to have the lowest property tax rates in the union. The property tax rates in the American South are typically under one percent.

Which States Have the Lowest Property Taxes?

While some states may have a low property tax rate, these regions may also have a high median home value. Homeowners who live in homes worth over half a million dollars unavoidably remain stuck with a heavy property tax bill each year.

1. Hawaii

Hawaii, for instance, has an effective property tax rate of 0.29 percent. The property tax rate in The Aloha State is the lowest in the country. However, the median home value on the island is $620,400. These homeowners remain on the hook for paying $1799 in property taxes each year.

2. Alabama

Competing for the lowest tax rate is Alabama, which has a 0.40 percent property tax rate. In contrast to home prices in Hawaii, the median price of homes in Alabama is $130,500. Homeowners pay a $522 property tax bill, making this state the most affordable to own a home.

3. Louisiana

Louisiana comes a close third in property tax rates with 0.51 percent. Median home prices are among the lowest in the nation. Given the state’s combination of low property tax rates and median home values, Pelican State homeowners pay a modest $751 in property taxes annually.

4. Lowest Business Property Taxes: New Mexico, Indiana, Utah

Business properties differ when it comes to the lowest states for property taxes. The Tax Foundation’s research concludes that New Mexico, Indiana and Utah are among the states that have the lowest tax rates for business properties. New Jersey has the highest property taxes for businesses.

What are Possible Exemptions?

Some states, counties or local jurisdictions offer property tax exemptions to people who qualify. Homestead exemptions (where owners do not pay taxes on a portion of the home’s value) reduce the cost of property taxes for those who meet age or income requirements.

Exemptions may be offered to eligible homeowners, such as older people, military veterans and those with disabilities. Homeowners who invest in certain renovations, like solar panels, are eligible for discounts and should ask their taxing authority for a reduction of their tax bill.

Some business properties may be eligible for a property tax exemption, as well. Such businesses may include nonprofits, those situated on historical land and agricultural properties. In New York, for example, businesses may also receive exemptions for temporary greenhouses and forest land.

Depending on where a property is located, a property tax bill can almost equal a mortgage. When either your property tax or business property tax bill is overburdensome, you may want to consider moving to a state with low property tax rates.

Work with a Trusted Commercial Mover

Chicago Office Movers will get you to a more affordable destination fast. As one of the Windy City’s most reputable commercial movers, we are positioned to offer a range of comprehensive services that make relocating a business affordable and reliable.

Moving services provided by Chicago Office Movers include corporate relocation, machinery moving, lab and equipment moving, library moving and long-distance moving. Our experienced crews are also available to shift heavy office goods when you are in the midst of renovating or remodeling.

As a part of our professional moving services, Chicago Office Movers helps companies pack and unpack. Once we arrive at your new destination, our crews set up the desks, computers and machinery. Our reliable storage solutions are ideal when your new location is not yet ready.

Reputable Union Movers

Chicago Office Movers has earned a reputation for excellence in Chicagoland. We’ve moved prestigious institutions, like the University of Chicago, and major companies, like Alcatel Lucent. As a plus, we are committed to employing green practices to help preserve the environment.

When it is advantageous to relocate your business to benefit from lower property tax rates, choose Chicago Office Movers. Our dedicated team of professional office movers will ensure that the transition to your new space is done seamlessly.

Free Estimate

For a free estimate on your next commercial move, contact Chicago Office Movers at (312) 244-2246.

The blistering summer days and crisp autumn months in the Windy City are filled with excitement that ripples from various unique festivals. Each of the top ten Chicago festivals is never short of bustling crowds. Chicagoans from all parts of the city, both near and far, make their way to the many local festivals to participate in the colorful presentations of food, fun and activity. They also make great corporate events for team-building and socializing!

Top 10 Chicago Festivals

1. Taste of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago festival is a smorgasbord of local flavors. Entry is free, but to sample various cuisines, participants pay with purchased tickets. Chicago is best known for its deep-dish pizza, and Taste of Chicago attendees get to dive deep into this authentic fare plus much more.

Taste of Chicago has ballooned from a small, one-day festival back in 1980 to the present-day fun-filled event. Aside from food, the festival holds cooking demonstrations for those interested in what goes into Chicago’s various ethnic cuisines. Music concerts round out the day at this spectacular event.

2. Lollapalooza

Chicagoland’s music festival Lollapalooza attracts a worldwide audience. Taking place in Chicago’s Grant Park, Lollapalooza is a mecca for music lovers. Over 170 bands play at the festival. Headliners, like Lady Gaga, Death Cab for Cutie, and Ariana Grande, show off their talents on any one of the eight stages.

Tickets, from one-day to four-day, give attendees access to the enlivening experience. While music takes center stage, Lollapalooza guests are entitled to relish the city’s favorite restaurant foods. VIP passes offer breathtaking views of the skyline and a prime space away from the boisterous crowds.

3. Chicago Gourmet

Bon Appetit presents the grand food festival known to Chicagoans as Chicago Gourmet. Millennium Park gets to host this classy event. Celebrity chefs whip up fine cuisines, while answering audience questions and even taking selfies. Sommeliers and mixologists reveal their secrets about wines and cocktails.

Get full access to renowned chefs, like Rick Bayless and Jose Garces. Main stage cooking demos from chefs include Eat, Plate, Love and Pulp Fiction: Citrus & Ceviches. The culinary stage showcases cooking demos from audience favorites, like Laura Cheng and Johnny Andres.

4. Chicago Ginza Holiday Festival

Although smaller, the Japanese cultural event Chicago Ginza Holiday Festival is able to draw crowds. Wide-ranging entertainment keeps audiences at the edge of their seats. Minyo Japanese Folk Dance, Taiko Drumming and Judo demonstrations are just a sample of events that took place in 2019.

5. Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

Held on the grasses of Lincoln Park, the Chicago Kids and Kites Festival is a free family friendly event. Kites featuring brilliant colors soar in the city’s afternoon skies. Children have the opportunity to build their own kites or purchase and fly magnificent kites at the event itself.

The Windjammers Professional Kite Team demonstrates how kite flying is done. Included in their skills are synchronized flying techniques using uniquely shaped, oversized kites. As the sky is covered with stunning kites, the ground-level buzzes with balloon artists and circus arts.

6. Chicago World Music Festival

The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for this gem: the Chicago World Music Festival. Showcasing the world’s diverse musical cultures, music performances are scattered around Chicago. Events may be held in museums, parks, and cultural clubs with either free or low-cost admission.

7. Chicago Pride Fest

The LGBTQ community gets a festive weekend in the city with the Chicago Pride Fest. The two-day festival attracts up to 100,000 attendees. Diversity and equality are celebrated through art and song from popular artists, arts and crafts vendors, drag shows and the famous Chicago Pride Parade.

8. Chicago’s Oktoberfest

Three spectacular autumn days are set aside to celebrate the colorful sides of Bavarian food and drink. Attendees dig into hot brats and imbibe craft beers over the course of one weekend. Chicago’s Oktoberfest is one of the city’s most popular festivals come fall.

Also in Chicago is Revolution Oktoberfest, held in the city’s Logan Square neighborhood. Revolution Oktoberfest delivers the finest in craft beers. The festival has a philanthropic bent, with proceeds going to Friends of Goethe School. Eat, drink and be merry at multiple Oktoberfest events around Chicago.

9. Edgewater Arts Festival

Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood is one of the city’s most artistic. New and experienced artists showcase their latest artwork under crimson autumn leaves. The Edgewater Arts Festival offers residents and visitors much to talk about with its displays of bold art as well as theater and music.

10. BeerHoptacular

Held in a helicopter hanger, the Beer Hoptacular festival is one to write home about. In one afternoon, attendees are surrounded by the most expansive selections of craft beers. Over 150 brews are available to sample. Homebrew competitions are held to liven up the already energized festival.

Chicagoans are out and about come summer and autumn. With an array of festivals to keep them entertained, residents in the Windy City keep their schedules full. Celebrations come and go, but one event that remains especially significant to area businesses is an upcoming business relocation.

Chicago Corporate Relocation

Sure to be celebrated once complete, a corporate relocation can be stressful to start. Chicago Office Movers takes the hassle out of moving day. With a dedicated crew of licensed and background-checked movers, our moving company is positioned to shift your office property quickly and affordably.

Chicago Office Movers is equipped with the moving gear to safely move your business long distance, locally, or internationally. Our moving trucks are also climate-controlled to safeguard sensitive equipment. With tracking available, customers have the ability to track the movement of their office possessions.

Business owners with an upcoming office relocation have immediate support from Chicago Office Movers’ specialists, who are ready to assist with planning. With a free estimate, ample support and reasonable prices, business managers have every reason to turn to Chicagoland’s most reputable and reliable commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers.

Contact Us

Looking for a quote on your next commercial move? Give us a call at (312) 244-2246 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you shortly. We look forward to working with you!