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.