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Mary Sit

Guide to Moving a Business

Streamline costs and stay organized with careful planning

By Mary Sit, corporate writing/articles/Web content/scripts, Mary Sit Communications

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.

The official source of Moving a Business is the Moving Companies page at Business.com

Moving to Melbourne
International specialists. Accompanied or virtual assistance to corporates and individuals. Information on cost of living, housing, schools, and more.
www.personnelrelocations.com.au

Recommended Solution Providers

Mayflower: Corporate Relocation
This site wants to make strengthen business by providing customized corporate relocation services for your small business.

Allied: Corporate Relocation
Delivering individualized relocation solutions that meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of a small business. Keep you and your employees productive before, during and after a move.

Suddath: Plan, Pack, Store, Move
With this service your small company can move around the corner or across the country. This service knows that a business relocation must run like clockwork. Strategic planning and project management are the keys to a successful relocation. From color-coded move plans and professionally managed IT and network transition to employee pre-move orientation and acclimation, you'll have the tools you need to get your employees back on the job and your business up and running right on time.

Precision Relocation: Commercial Moving Experts
This site provides your small business with a commercial moving service that has served companies such as Northrop Grumman, Wells Fargo, and Panasonic.

VanLines: The Leading Relocation Network
VanLines.com is a gateway side which provides local and interstate moving services and resources.

The Move Management Center: Corporate Relocation
This site provides services needed to help your small business and its employees relocate.

New Planet Moving: Easy Office Relocation
This company is available to move your offices 24 hours a day, seven days a week to suit your business' needs. The goal of the moving service is to effectuate your small business move in the least time and the most cost efficient manner practicable.

Best Sites to Learn More

Inc.com: Relocation
This site provides many resources about the logistics involved in relocating a business.

IOfficeMove: Changing the Way Business Moves
This website has a business moving planning tool that will help your small business save time and money during relocation.

Moving Scam: Don't Be Fooled
This site wants to make sure you choose the right moving company and that the company you choose can be trusted.

ORCA: Relocation Help
Get resources and services aimed at easing the burdens of moving your small business.

Best Blogs and Forums

Moving Scam: Forum
People discuss different moving companies and moving strategies to help your small business choose the best way to relocate.



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