Moving checklist and stick to it for the most seamless transition

Gotta move your entire office? Whether across town or across the country, moving your office may seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation you can handle it! Just like a residential move, it’s key to make a moving checklist and stick to it for the most seamless transition possible.

Six Months Ahead of Time

If possible, start planning your move up to six months in advance to ensure you’ve covered all your bases. In those six months, you can plan out the following:

  • Gather a “move committee” of employees who will be in charge of the move
  • Hold a meeting with the space planner and interior designer of the new office to discuss layout and design of various areas, such as computer facilities, break rooms, and conference rooms.
  • Get quotes on office move expenses

Two to Three Months

At this time, you should have all the basics in place, along with the initial design plan. The next step is to follow up with your moving committee and order new company stationery/letterhead. You’ll also want to confirm address changes, then check with vendors so they know to have your copiers and vending machines moved on the specified day. In addition, tackle the following:

  • Secure your telephone, computer and security systems
  • Make any design changes in the new place as needed
  • Confirm appointment for the phone and computer system hook-up
  • Finalize floor layout
  • Book a moving date with the moving company of your choice

One Month

Be sure to tell all your clients, customers and suppliers that you’ll be moving. Send out emails with the new address and moving date. Hold orientation meetings with your employees to go over the details of moving day. You should also:

  • Have keys made to the new building
  • Make sure the building manager knows the date for your move
  • Complete any phone and computer installation appointments
  • Meet with movers at the new place so they can get an idea of where everything goes, as well as take measurements

One Day

If you’ve been on top of things, you’ve been boxing up stuff and labeling them as you’ve gone along. Finish up the packing, have your old phone equipment taken out, walk through the area making last minute decisions, and make sure all employees are packed and ready to go. Clean all furniture and electronic equipment, and take an inventory of all equipment on hand. Make sure your employees have updated all their files before the move.

Moving Day

Give all non-essential employees the day off and request the presence only of the movers and your designated moving committee. At the new place, oversee:

  • Computer and phone installation, as well as the security system
  • Unpack and organize
  • Place furniture exactly where you want it while you have the movers there

If you follow this moving checklist, adding customized features where needed specific to your business, your next office move should go seamlessly!