Moving your business assets effectively, up to and including your fleet vehicles, will take planning and care. If at all possible, create an “all hands on deck” mindset to avoid having to move the supplies and tools of any employees without their input. If someone does have to be out of the office during their workspace move, give them a day to prepare and a day to clean up.
Take Photos
If part of your move includes moving a specific computer set up, such as the computer for your inspection or inventory department, make sure they take photos of the plug-in and all the connections. This can often be the simplest way to quickly hook everything back up so you can get back to work.
Photos and labels can also be helpful if you’re moving products and tools in drawers. You may not be able to load an entire filing cabinet of tools, paints, or raw products, but transporting them one drawer at a time can make the move quite easy and efficient. Add sticky labels and take a photo so you can remember what goes where when you get the drawers to the new location.
Hire Professional Movers
If you can wrap an entire filing cabinet, hiring professional movers to manage the weight can be quite effective. Do invest in a roll of plastic wrap you can use to completely seal the cabinet. Lock it if at all possible. If you live in a humid area, consider also adding desiccant products to each individual drawer before you close them up entirely.
Do make sure you also use professional movers if you need to transport your fleet vehicles. Of course, if you’re moving across town you will probably want to use your fleet of vehicles to transport as much as you can with your current employees. However, if you need a car shipping service to Hawaii or other distant locations, you will need the help of a professional transport company.
Get Tools Upgraded and Tested
If you do any manufacturing there are likely items in your tool collection that need to be
- tested
- serviced
- calibrated
- generally cleaned up
Go ahead and let your subcontractors deliver and set up your freshly cleaned-up tools to your new facility. Wall outwork can also use a quick upgrade and a good scrub; if you love the artwork, get the frames and the mats changed out.
You can also use this time to upgrade some of your lobby assets. If your lobby chairs and table could use a bit of cleanup or reupholstery, go ahead and send them out for a good scrub. You can also take this time to upgrade your logo, signage, and brand colors. Treat yourself to some fresh fabric on your furniture.
Re-Route Your Deliveries
Make sure that your suppliers know where your new facility will be. As soon as you have the security in place, start getting your inventory, from raw goods to retail items, delivered to your new facility. Set up some quality trash and recycling bins in the new space so you can start breaking down delivery boxes and stage things for quick display as soon as your grand opening date is scheduled.
Once the product is going to your new facility, it’s time to schedule a moving sale. Do reach out to your local charities. If you have decided to downsize your office and digitize all your records, you may have a cluster of file cabinets that you will never use again. Other organizations can put these to good use.
Create a Timeline
Your timeline will need to include the day you have access to your new building, the day your security system and support are to be in place, and the date of your grand opening.
Loop in your social media manager to share this critical item. Allow some flexibility, but do your best to hold fast to that grand opening date to keep your employees and movers on task.
Moving your home or your business can be a wonderful way to pare down your possessions and supplies. Planning ahead is critical to an effective move. If you plan a change in your logo, website, or social media presence, try to get that rolling before you announce your new location.
