Are you moving your business? Depending on the scale of your business, moving will demand a certain level of preparation. However, from finding reliable commercial movers in NJ to packing and planning properly, relocations are often quite stressful. But, it’s also vital to do and reduce the impact on your business productivity. Good organization is the key to securing that everything on your list is complete. Follow this quick step-by-step commercial relocation checklist so that you can enjoy a stress-free move.
The first thing to do on your commercial relocation checklist – Create a plan
As soon as you decide to move your business to a new address, start writing a commercial relocation checklist. Outline a plan for making minimal disruptions to your company’s operations on a moving day. It’s a good idea to consult your team members, and involve them in the process. Moreover, ask them to help you create a to-do list. Describe the key points that need to be organized, prepared, and relocated. Create a committee and ask them to evaluate all the tasks on the list, and have them assign roles when required.
Manage your budget
Every successful commercial relocation starts with careful budget study and planning. Set your budget for moving services, and decide if you will get supplies yourself or from a moving company. Ensure that you have some money aside to deal with unexpected moving costs. Always focus on completing your move within one working day to avoid or reduce downtime expenses.
Take inventory
Begin your planning process by taking and writing down a visual inventory. Check the large office furniture, and decide which items need to be moved first. Think strategically about what to do with electronic equipment such as computers, telephone equipment, wall monitors, projectors, etc.
You could use spreadsheets to track the inventory. Keeping an accurate list is vital. As a result, you will be able to choose what kind of packing materials you will need, and the amount as well. Finally, you’ll know how many vans, and how much time your NJ movers will need to complete the move.
Decluttering before packing should be on your commercial relocation checklist
Downsizing before you move could affect your budget in a good way. Mainly because moving companies charge for their services based on the weight of your items. Sometimes it is better to donate or sell some things than to bring them to a new place. Also, buying new furniture and moving older pieces could cost almost the same. Old office things may need some repair work or extra maintenance.
Determine a time frame and schedule
Setting your time frame should be one of the first things on your commercial moving to-do list. Set the date when all things have to be out of the office area. You’ll probably need a couple of days to move out. Furthermore, make a list of all the tasks you need to do before the vans arrive. Always set a realistic timeline to arrange your move without any trouble. Create a definite timeline for your move and avoid moving if it is your busiest sales time.
Pack carefully
Getting high-quality packing supplies is essential. Otherwise, you’ll risk your items breaking and boxes tearing apart during the move. The packing process should include special supplies that let you get the job done well. Some important packing supplies are:
- Cardboard boxes of different sizes
- Heavy-duty boxes to carry heavy items
- Packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts
- Packing tape
- Sharpie pens
- Custom color-coded labels
- Wrapping papers and moving blankets to avoid dust
If your moving budget allows you to hire professional packers, it is always best to do so. That way, you will save you and your employees a lot of time. Also, you will be able to focus on other essential aspects of your move.
Hire reliable movers
Finding licensed movers is one of the first aspects of a successful move. Accordingly, have a staff member create a list of at least four moving companies. Then, ensure you check them thoroughly before you hire them. Plan the budget, get free estimates, and compare services across moving companies. By hiring reputable Madison movers, you will make sure that your belongings get safely to your new office.
Notify the public, customers, and suppliers about the move
Contact your service providers for the corporate network, Internet/Intranet connectivity, installing CCTV, and also the intercom system. Get the time clocks, security systems, and card entry systems installed before you move to your new office. Let your customers and clients understand how to search out and what to expect from you after the business move. Remember to get professional banners and signboards printed quickly and cost-effectively. You can also design new business cards. Furthermore, add all new information on your company’s website.
Consider changing your business name
If your company name includes a place name (like “New Jersey Shipping and Supply”), you will need to change your business name. Firstly, when changing your business name, you may need to re-register your business name in your state or the new state. Secondly, you will need to notify the IRS of the name change. In other words, you must change all your documents to avoid problems and mistakes.
Put talking to your vendors on your commercial relocation checklist
Moving a business may require changing service providers. For instance, check your contracts to decide if you’ll stay with your current vendors or not. Talk to your new landlord and vendors to secure that you know what the new space needs. That way, there will be no gaps in service. For any things that you’re leasing, contact the dealer to inform them about the move. In short, ask them how to get their equipment to the new location.
As you can see, proper planning and communication are the key factors to ensure your move goes smoothly. Again, the most important part is to reduce the impact on your business productivity. We hope you found this step-by-step commercial relocation checklist helpful! Good luck!
