BEST TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS RELOCATION
MOVING YOUR BUSINESS TO A NEW LOCATION? FIRST, CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMMERCIAL MOVER— then… Moving a business location is a big challenge for any size company. Think about 3 main actions to ensure a successful move: 1-Choose the right commercial moving company. 2-Develop a thorough plan for every step of the move. 3—Communicate! Base your plan on communication with the mover and with employees.
• Evaluate commercial movers to match their capabilities with your specific needs.
• Don’t go it alone—get employee input when developing your plan.
TIP #1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT OFFICE MOVING SERVICE Questions to ask a mover--do they: •
Have all needed licenses for the type of move and locations (at both ends)?
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Carry adequate insurance?
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Offer careful packing and labeling services? Include packing materials?
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Handle technical aspects of computer and electronic systems move and set-up?
A lot is at stake when moving a business. Your choice of moving service determines a successful, smooth relocation, with minimal risk and disruption.
WILL YOU NEED SPECIALIZED SERVICES? Be sure to review with your mover any specialized needs such as: •
complete project management;
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packing and handling for medical equipment, artwork, glass desks , marble pieces;
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worldwide relocations;
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asset disposition and liquidation;
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furniture refurbishing;.
Consider having employees pack their own personal items. Liability issues could arise if things are damaged or missing at the other end.
On the day of your move, do a walkthrough with your mover’s foreman. Check in with the mover for regular progress reports.
TIP #2: CREATE AN OVERALL PLAN AT LEAST 2 TO 3 MONTHS IN ADVANCE— Good Preparation Means Fewer Problems On Moving Day •
Secure a moving date with your choice of a professional commercial relocation firm.
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Determine a timeline—working backwards from your moving date.
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Inventory office furniture and equipment. Decide what to move and what to leave behind or dispose of responsibly.
• Develop a floor plan for new location • Create a power plan for electronics and all wiring/electrical needs, including lighting. • Can you move it all in one day? Or will you need multiple days with possible downtime?
WORK YOUR PLAN AND SET GOALS •
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Create a timeline with deadline dates for stages of moving, like: -move date for equipment and furniture; date personnel report to new location. Can everything be moved in one day? Which units should go first? Identify staff to maintain customer contact or other functions during transition. Distribute plan to each department and individual employee.
• You can’t have too many LABELS--distribute them among staff for categories like: “fragile,” “move first,” “urgent,” “files.” • Include COLOR-CODED and blank labels to identify different locations.
TIP #3: EMPLOYEES ARE YOUR GREATEST ASSET Communicate with them Before, During and After the Move Communicate in stages: •
Pre-announce, then announce actual move date and new location. Schedule periodic reminders and updates.
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Appoint a lead within the organization to manage the total operation and timeline.
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Appoint a lead within each department or area to have primary responsibility.
TIP #4: SPREAD THE WORD
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Use every available “touch point” both online and in your business neighborhood.
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If you are a retail business, be sure to post professionally made signage announcing your move.
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Promote your new location through media contacts, online blogging and listings, and remember to update your web site.
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Notify vendors and change utilities.
Announce the Move to Customers, Partners and All Connected Communities
• Identify VIP accounts or customers, and reach out with special contact. • Host a special event at your new location, offer incentives like discounts, gift card redemptions or other appropriate offers.
TIP #5: MAKE YOURS A GREEN BUSINESS MOVE Don’t forget your green values in planning an office move. Choose a mover that respects natural resources and adheres to principles of sustainability. How to judge? Ask if your commercial mover: •
uses recycled paper products;
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uses industrial strength rubber bands instead of non-biodegradable tape to wrap furniture;
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shows a level of commitment to the environment by using fuel efficient vehicles.
MAKE A MOVE—CONTACT SHLEPPERS FOR A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS RELOCATION • Shleppers Moving & Storage is a leading moving company in New York, serving the most prestigious businesses and organizations, as well as many celebrities. • We now handle moves all along the Eastern seaboard, with offices in New York City, New Jersey, Westchester and Florida. • For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact us at: Toll-Free: (800) 84 SHLEP NYC: (212) 223-4004 Westchester: (914) 684-0606 New Jersey: (201) 227-2001 Florida: (561) 886-0868 For more information about our new Florida services click here