Moving? Checklist for Small Businesses

Moving? Checklist for Small Businesses

• 1.
  Robert S. "Bob"Lowery- Business Moving Checklist Tenant Representation Date Req'd Responsibility Status Date Done Select new office location Four Months Before Set a budget for the move Decide what improvements you may need Choose a move coordinator if applicable Order new fax and phone numbers Order new address labels Order new furniture if required Two Months Before Schedule the date of move Get price quotes from several moving companies Make an inventory checklist Declare existing damages of your inventory Create a floor plan of new office Decide what rooms are more convenient for each department, how to place the furniture and appliance, etc. Assign each employee their office or cube space Plan moving schedule Prepare the move schedules and instructions for your staff Discuss the insurance during the move with your agent Order Internet access for a new office Begin creating a list of mail you currently receive to change the addresses soon Begin creating a list of vendors / clients that would need to know that you've moved
• 2.
  Date Req'd Responsibility Status Date Done One Month Before Inform any vendors and clients about the change of address Change the address on your web site Order New checks with address Order keys and access cards for new office Prepare cartons, moving crates and other packing materials Schedule Locksmith for close of business date Order new stationery, business cards, etc. Pack up some of things that are not currently in use Tag packed things and send them to a new location Check the requirements of any move permits Arrange disconnection of all utilities in old office Arrange connection of all utilities in new office Two Weeks Before Arrange cleaning and carpeting if required in old or new office Distribute the move plan to all employees Arrange the elevator and loading dock on the day of the move Cancel papers delivery Send change of address information to any you haven't sent to Assign the person to be on-site while moving Make a list of employees who will be and not be present during the move Assign somebody to pack things of absent people Distribute new keys and cards Distribute directions to the new place for employees Avoid important meetings on the date of the move Last Week Before Moving Day Keep things as simple as possible this week. Avoid scheduling important client meetings; have salespeople or account managers contact their biggest clients and warn them that they may be unavailable at times. Most of this week will be focused on preparing to move: packing, labeling, and finishing last-minute tasks.  This is also a great time to 'perge' your files. There is no need to move out-dated files. Go through them and throw out any unessary information. Also, take this time to clean your computer: files, emails, etc.
• 3.
  Date Req'd Responsibility Status Date Done Getting ready to leave the old office Arrange for boxes for employees Have plenty of boxing tape & Packing materials Arrange for excess garbage pick-up Pack up desks, personal spaces Ensure all items are “tagged” Pack up computers Take down systems furniture or know what should be taken down Remove all art, wall hangings and attached book shelves Map out the floor plan new location and label everything appropriately Inspect the new building Confirm all reservations and schedule Moving Day Moving day belongs to the movers and the move managers: keep most employees out of both offices. Only those specifically selected to provide guidance should be on location.   Clean out old office Supervise loading and then unloading Arrange food for everybody helping to move Check unpacked things with your inventory list Move plants Celebrate this event with a welcome breakfast Check if all equipment is working Moving Day Essentials Post color coded signs in new offices for movers Have several copies of the Floor Plan available Protect main moving paths Post Moving Tasks Collect old keys, cards Periodically visit old office to pick up mail Hold an Open House/Grand Opening!