Moving your entire business’s office is an incredible undertaking. Between the equipment, vital documents, and maintaining your staff’s productivity level, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed during the relocation process. The key to ensuring your move doesn’t become one chaotic headache is planning and preparation.

When you proactively invest time in organizing your move, you’ll have safety protocols established and maximize the efficiency of your move. So how do you set yourself up for success? 

Here are essential tips and tricks to pull off a seamless relocation.

 

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Packing Your Office Yourself vs. Hiring Professionals

There are several factors, such as the size of your office or the amount of furniture that needs to be disassembled, which will ultimately influence the cost of hiring a professional moving company for your packing needs. On average, you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 an hour per mover.

Professional packers can be a lifesaver if you’re working within a limited timeframe or you’re worried about damaging furniture and equipment. On the other hand, it’ll wind up being more costly in the long run and you’ll have less control over the packing process. 

Electing to pack up your business on your own is certainly a cost-effective choice, but keep in mind it’s more time-consuming and requires you to take responsibility for disassembling all your equipment and furniture.

If you decide to take the packing process into your own hands, here are some tips to help optimize the process.

 

How to Pack up Your Office on Your Own

 

#1. Get a Head Start

Even if you’re relocating a boutique shop or smaller-sized business, the sooner you begin the packing process, the better. Business owners often underestimate the amount of time required to pack up their business. Avoid falling into the procrastination trap; it’ll only lead to unwanted stress. The best way to optimize the packing process is to start as early as possible.

#2. If Possible, Donate

Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or just transitioning to a new location, moving provides a great opportunity to declutter and get rid of items that no longer serve a purpose. By donating old furniture, office phones, printers, or computers, you’ll not only save time packing and unpacking your belongings, but you can write-off your donations during tax season and earn some extra cash.

#3. Get Reliable Packing Supplies

Transporting your commercial possessions to your new office requires special care and attention. After all, the bulk of your equipment is probably costly and valuable – something you can’t afford to lose.

By investing in reliable packing supplies, like bubble wrap, zip-lock bags, cardboard boxes, durable tape, and markers for labeling, you’ll ensure your belongings are both protected and organized.

When you label each box, include a brief, but concise description of what’s inside for quick unloading at your new location.

A good rule of thumb is to start small. Pack up the items you won’t be using until after the move. Whether that be office decor, old files, or equipment, it’s important to get the non-essentials packed first.

#4. Pay Careful Attention When Packing Computers & Cables

I think it’s safe to say that your business’s computers are essential to daily operations and come with a hefty price tag. That being said, take careful consideration when packing up your computers. 

For maximum protection, you’ll want to wrap heavy, padded blankets around each computer and seal tightly with packing tape. Avoid stacking computers on top or underneath other items, as this could result in unwanted damages.

On a similar note, never just place your monitors in cardboard boxes; they can easily shift around during the transportation process and break.

Don’t forget to safeguard your data. The most effective way of securing your data before relocating is to either store it on a removable hard drive or enlist the help of a cloud-based service to provide data back-up.

One item that often gets ignored in the process is your cables. There’s nothing more aggravating than wasting time unraveling disorganized cables and embarking on a hunt to match each cable to its corresponding computer. When packing, remove cables from the computer, place them into large zip-lock bags, and label each of them by specifying where they belong.

 

tricks for relocating business

How to Properly Move Larger Items

Bulky items, such as desks, filing cabinets, furniture, and bookcases, are among the harder items to transition out of your office. To make the process easier, start by removing all parts and attachments. 

For example:

You don’t want to transfer desks to their new location with all the contents still inside. Instead, empty drawers, bookshelves, and filing cabinets and carefully label all items so they can be put back in the proper place when reassembling. If you are unable to remove drawers, be sure to tape them tightly shut to safeguard them from opening and contents falling out during the move. 

For furniture, remove handles, legs, knobs, and other protruding items to avoid damage and make them lighter to carry. Desk chairs and office seating are also bulky, oddly-shaped items.

To prevent breakage and save space, you should disassemble these items when possible, taking care to pack fragile items in bubble wrap or padded blankets.

Invest in Insurance

Accidents happen. The last thing you want is to encounter a complication and not be protected. When moving your business, always invest in insurance to ensure your office items are protected from unforeseen harm. 

When you partner with a reputable professional moving company, they will provide the accompanying insurance to protect all your possessions. You’ll also want to look into warranty information on your equipment, technology, and larger items to safeguard your investments if an accident does occur.

Whether you decide to hire office movers to cover all your business’s moving needs, try to do it yourself, or combine the best of both worlds, knowing how to pack your items properly will ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible!

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