Moving Your Business with as little downtime as possible
We are experts at planning and executing business relocations for any size organization. Let our experience with thousands of business moves be your guide to a stress-free experience.
With 1st Class you’ll have a dedicated planning professional to work with you every step of the way. Utilize this checklist to ensure that you have considered all these key factors. It is typical for an office or a commercial move to start planning as far as six months prior.
5-6 months before moving
- Establish a “move committee” of key staff members
- Meet with space planners and interior designers
- Meet with vendors, such as telecommunication and IT companies, and discuss design of wiring and telecommunication systems and budgetary figures
- Identify initial layout of computer facilities
- Find out of there are any restrictions on moving days or times at the current and new locations
- Request preliminary moving estimates
3-4 months before moving
- Meet with “move committee” to follow up on the progress of the moving plan
- Select the telephone system and other telecommunication equipment
- Reconcile office design changes
- Develop computer plan and layout at the new location
2 months before moving
- Verify telephone system order and installation details
- Complete administrative changes such as:
- Address change procedures
- Stationary changes
- copier service
- vending machines
- new purchases
- Finalize floor plans and telephone changes
- Finalize your choice of a moving company
1 month before moving
- Purchase boxes and other packing supplies, bubble wrap, tape, etc…
- Notify customers of new address
- Notify vendors and suppliers of new address
- Reserve elevators and loading docks, if required and if possible
- Schedule equipment removal and re-installation for the day prior to your move date
- Verify computer system progress
- Conduct employee orientation meeting
- security systems
- new procedures and changes
2-3 weeks before moving
- Order building and office keys, or hire a rekeying service
- Confirm details of the move with building manager
- Request Certificate of Insurance and other documents needed from your mover to provide to the building management, if requested
- Meet with your moving consultant to confirm floor plans and furniture placement
- Finalize phone and computer re-installation
1 week before moving
- Have an employees’ meeting to explain moving and packing procedures. Have your moving consultant present if he/she is available
- Label all furniture according to plan. Your mover should supply these labels
- Tour new space and double-check furniture and floor plans
1 day before moving
- All packing and labeling must be completed today, except for items that the mover has agreed to pack
- Disassemble and re-assemble all phone equipment
- Walk your staff through the new space to identify workstations, offices and other work areas
- Post floor plans and label all areas according to the moving plan
- Make sure internet service is working and Wi-Fi if present.
Moving day
- Only moving company employees and “move committee” members should be on-site. Other people might get in the way
- Install computer systems and other equipment such as printers, copiers, fax machines, servers, etc…
- Unpack and start working
- Make adjustment to furniture and equipment as needed