Smart Tips for a Business Move!

Moving is a Pain and We can Help

Let's face it, we are all trying to save money these days.  Whether you are reviewing your utility costs or taking your company virtual, the bottom-line is the reason.  Moving your business (or home) can be a very stressful event, but it doesn't have to be if you plan properly.  

Here are some tips to help for a smooth move to a virtual environment or new building that will help keep your business operating during the transition:

BEFORE YOU MOVE 

• Clean up and clear out! This is the perfect time to get rid of clutter and organize your new office space for a fresh start.
• Submit a change of address form with the post office.
• Change letterhead, envelopes, business cards, invoice templates and all other templates to reflect your new address. 
• Make the appropriate changes with your utility companies.

MOVING TECHNOLOGY AND LAYING OUT THE NEW SPACE

• Do a walk-through of your new space and make a list of items that need to be done before you move in. Consider whether you need to move phone and data jacks and where cable needs to be run.  Know where you plan to put things like your server, computers, desks and copier. Draw a detailed layout to follow during the move (use a copy of the floor plan as a template) so that everyone that will be working on the project knows what goes where.  This will cut down on confusion and wasted time.
•  Backup all your data the day before the move and put it in a safe place.  Moving electronics, even new ones, can be tricky.  So you need to make sure that you have all your data secured in case there is a disaster (i.e. the server is dropped during the move). 
• Upgrade now! This is the perfect time to look at updating your old equip­ment or other items in the office. 
• Make a master list of all software, user names and passwords in case of a problem with a piece of equipment during or after the move.
• Mark all equipment that goes together (by user name or other designation).
•  Mark all phones--with their extensions (and user name if necessary).
• Order, install and verify that your Internet connection, phone line(s) and fax line are operating at the new location before moving in.
• Create a timeline so that your vendors don't trip over each other. This also helps to ensure a logical progression for transferring equipment and files (i.e. phones first, then furniture, then data). 
• Make a checklist to test your equip­ment after the move is complete.  Ideally, before the next business day.