Moving office spaces and businesses can be highly stressful and costly. When not handled by experienced movers, it can lead to disruptions in normal business functions. This blog will cover common mistakes businesses experience during an office move and how experienced office and commercial moving companies can help in the moving process.
1. Lack of Planning
A lack of planning can hinder any project, especially an office move. When it comes to moving into a new location or office space, it’s important to start a detailed plan a few months prior to the move. Simply instructing people to put things in boxes and into the truck will leave you scrambling on moving day.
Recommendation:
It is recommended to communicate a clear and detailed move plan to your staff weeks prior to the move date. Try assigning roles to employees in each department so everyone is responsible for a part of the move. It’s common for each department to be responsible for inventorying and packing their department. This will reduce the moving cost and get employees involved in the moving process.
2. Leaving IT & Service Providers Out Of The Loop
One of the most overlooked parts of an office move is the disconnecting and reconnecting of IT equipment. This includes data servers, computers, printers, phones, the internet, security cameras and more.
Recommendation:
Include your IT department early in the planning process. Make a list of all of the IT items in your current office. What needs to be disconnected, packed/wrapped and reconnected. Office and commercial moving companies don’t typically disconnect and reconnect IT equipment but they partner with electricians and IT companies that can provide this service.
3. Hiring Poor Quality Movers
Contrary to popular belief, not all moving companies are the same. There are hundreds of movers out there and it’s oftentimes hard to differentiate a professional mover from a rogue mover. Take the time to do your research on office and commercial moving companies because the movers you hire will be handling and transporting valuable and fragile equipment and furniture important to your business.
Recommendation:
Look up authentic google reviews and testimonials of each office mover and check out the Better Business Bureau for any filed complaints. You can also check out the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) for a list of professional office movers near you.
4. Setting An Unrealistic Budget
Before you start planning your upcoming office move, don’t forget to make a financial plan for the known and unknown expenses that will arise.
Recommendation:
Talk to as many service providers and office and commercial moving companies as possible. This may feel time-consuming, but it will give you a good idea of the overall cost and allow you to find a service provider and office mover that aligns with your needs.
5. Failing To Notify All Relevant Parties
Oftentimes, when a business or office relocates, the whole organization gets busy and consumed with the move and forgets to notify suppliers and customers. This can include updating your Google listing, the address on your website and member profiles. If not updated at the right time, this can leave people stranded and frustrated with your business.
Recommendation:
Keep your customers, suppliers and followers updated before the move and a reminder after the move. This can be an email, letter or post on your website and social media.
6. Only Purchasing One Box Size
It may be appealing to buy one size of box in bulk, but this is often inefficient and can lead to potential packing problems.
Recommendation:
Professional office movers carry a variety of moving boxes that are specific to certain items. Office movers can also provide specialized moving bins that are ideal for files, office contents and are a sustainable option. They are easy to label and save time when packing and unpacking.
Matco Moving Solutions Can Help
Matco’s Moving Solutions office movers can help you with your upcoming office move. We are a full service moving company that is dedicated to delivering a stress-free and positive moving experience. We have locations in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Inuvik and over 55 years of moving experience and expertise.
Contact us today for a free moving quote and to learn how Matco can be of value to you.