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Guide to Moving a Business

Streamline costs and stay organized with careful planning
By Mary Sit

Moving a business is stressful and potentially a logistical minefield. Expect for it to take longer and cost more than what you had budgeted. And always have back-up plans for various contingencies.

Here are three important things to know:

1. Before you move a home-based business to an office address, consider the options of hiring a professional organizer to de-clutter your office; move to a bigger room in your house; outsource some projects.
2. Do the math and compute the overhead expenses, knowing that basic, monthly costs will probably increase with your move.
3. Location, location, location is still the mantra for real estate, but businesses must also consider parking, visibility and the location of clients and vendors.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

If you can afford it, hire a full-service business mover These moving companies have experience moving office equipment, furniture, storing assets and managing records.

I recommend:  Guardian Relocation does what it takes to ensure business clients maintain normal business hours and activities. Its services include asset management, individual office moves within same the location or to a new location, distribution, records management, and trade show exhibits. Suddath, in business 80 years, manages all aspects of business moves.

Get free moving quotes online Go online to get free quotes from licensed movers in your area who meet insurance requirements and are able to serve your moving route.

I recommend:  Moving.com lets you compare up to six quotes from movers who specialize in office moving. Selected moving companies will get back to you within two business days. Also check out Moving Explorer and Penske Truck Rentals with 1,500 locations nationwide.

Set your moving time line Discover what you should be doing, three months, two months and one month ahead.

I recommend:  Small Company Moving Guide, a helpful book on moving, also offers free timeline information online. Or check out OfficeSpace.com's Move Guide.

Save money by doing your own packing If you're on a tight budget, consider packing the office yourself and loading the moving van. A van usually stays at your location five days on either end.

I recommend:  Door to Door allows you to lock office supplies and equipment inside the truck in small, easily trackable containers.

Use the Web to help you track logistics of your move A move has hundreds of details to consider. Ensure that your move is completed on time and on budget with these online tools.

I recommend:  Move Planner is an online reminder that sends emails to keep you organized and alert you of tasks you need to do. iOfficeMove is a Web-based real estate and move planning tool for up to six authorized users.

Going overseas? Be prepared by reading targeted country guides for businesses

I recommend:  Go to International Relocation Center, an online relocation tool that contains information on 120 countries with Web links and in-country resources, including airports, mobile phones, security alerts, banking, finding a home, business style, eating out and local school systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Ask moving company references the right questions, including: Did they show up on time, meet deadlines, give on-site support, meet expectations and would you use them again?
• Form a team to help with the move, assigning employees with specialized knowledge specific tasks with firm deadlines.
• Back time your move. Many events depends on others (the furniture can't be moved until the new carpet is installed). Select vendors for phone and computers, for example, then choose space and sign a lease. Once you have a firm move-indate, it's a narrow window of time for vendors to do their work.