BEST TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

RELOCATION

MOVING YOUR BUSINESS TO A NEW LOCATION? FIRST, CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMMERCIAL MOVER—then…

Moving a business location is a big challenge for any size company. Think about 3 main actions to ensure a successful move:

1-Choose the right commercial moving company.

2-Develop a thorough plan for every step of the move.

3—Communicate! Base your plan on communication with the mover and with employees.

• Evaluate commercial movers to match their capabilities with your specific needs.

• Don’t go it alone—get employee input when developing your plan.

TIP #1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT OFFICE MOVING SERVICEQuestions to ask a mover--do they:• Have all needed licenses for the

type of move and locations (at both ends)?

• Carry adequate insurance?

• Offer careful packing and labeling services? Include packing materials?

• Handle technical aspects of computer and electronic systems move and set-up?

A lot is at stake when moving a business. Your choice of moving service determines a successful, smooth relocation, with minimal risk and disruption.

WILL YOU NEED SPECIALIZED SERVICES?Be sure to review with your mover any

specialized needs such as:• complete project management;• packing and handling for medical

equipment, artwork, glass desks , marble pieces;

• worldwide relocations; • asset disposition and liquidation; • furniture refurbishing;.Consider having employees pack their own personal items. Liability issues could arise if things are damaged or missing at the other end.

On the day of your move, do a walkthrough with your mover’s foreman.Check in with the mover for regular progress reports.

TIP #2: CREATE AN OVERALL PLAN AT LEAST 2 TO 3 MONTHS IN ADVANCE—Good Preparation Means Fewer Problems On Moving Day

• Secure a moving date with your choice of a professional commercial relocation firm.

• Determine a timeline—working backwards from your moving date.

• Inventory office furniture and equipment. Decide what to move and what to leave behind or dispose of responsibly.

• Develop a floor plan for new location• Create a power plan for electronics and all

wiring/electrical needs, including lighting.• Can you move it all in one day? Or will you need

multiple days with possible downtime?

WORK YOUR PLAN AND SET GOALS

• Create a timeline with deadline dates for stages of moving, like: -move date for equipment and furniture; -date personnel report to new location.

• Can everything be moved in one day? Which units should go first?

• Identify staff to maintain customer contact or other functions during transition.

• Distribute plan to each department and individual employee.

• You can’t have too many LABELS--distribute them among staff for categories like: “fragile,” “move first,” “urgent,” “files.”

• Include COLOR-CODED and blank labels to identify different locations.

TIP #3: EMPLOYEES ARE YOUR GREATEST ASSETCommunicate with them Before, During and After the Move

Communicate in stages:• Pre-announce, then announce

actual move date and new location. Schedule periodic reminders and updates.

• Appoint a lead within the organization to manage the total operation and timeline.

• Appoint a lead within each department or area to have primary responsibility.

TIP #4: SPREAD THE WORDAnnounce the Move to Customers, Partnersand All Connected Communities

• Use every available “touch point” both online and in your business neighborhood.

• If you are a retail business, be sure to post professionally made signage announcing your move.

• Promote your new location through media contacts, online blogging and listings, and remember to update your web site.

• Notify vendors and change utilities.

• Identify VIP accounts or customers, and reach out with special contact.

• Host a special event at your new location, offer incentives like discounts, gift card redemptions or other appropriate offers.

Don’t forget your green values in planning an office move. Choose a mover that respects natural resources and adheres to principles of sustainability.

How to judge? Ask if your commercial mover:

• uses recycled paper products;

• uses industrial strength rubber bands instead of non-biodegradable tape to wrap furniture;

• shows a level of commitment to the environment by using fuel efficient vehicles.

TIP #5: MAKE YOURS A GREEN BUSINESS MOVE

• Shleppers Moving & Storage is a leading moving company in New York, serving the most prestigious businesses and organizations, as well as many celebrities.

• We now handle moves all along the Eastern seaboard, with offices in New York City, New Jersey, Westchester and Florida.

• For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact us at:

MAKE A MOVE—CONTACT SHLEPPERSFOR A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS

RELOCATION

Toll-Free: (800) 84 SHLEPNYC: (212) 223-4004Westchester: (914) 684-0606New Jersey: (201) 227-2001Florida: (561) 886-0868 For more information about our new Florida services click here