Movers

Tips for planning a successful office relocation!

Most people do not like the hassle of relocating a business, even if it means the new location will provide better facilities. But with proper planning, moving offices can be done efficiently, on a budget, and with minimal disruptions to employees, clients, and everyday business operations. Take these steps to ensure your office relocation is successful.

Get Organized and Assess Your Needs

An organized office move will pay off in terms of cost and time savings and will minimize productivity losses. To help you stay organized, develop a checklist of everything you need for a smooth relocation. Consider some of the following questions you need to answer: Who do you need to communicate to and by when? What assets and infrastructure will you move to the new office? Who will be in charge of different phases of the moving process? Given that moving offices has a significant impact on your business, it is important to measure the success of your move. Establish criteria for measuring business performance, employee productivity and satisfaction, and costs during the move. A professional mover can work with your team to develop an office relocation strategy that can save your company money.

Develop an Office Relocation Timeline Early

Ideally, you should start planning your move 12 to 18 months before your lease expires, especially if you have a medium to large business. Once you start planning, set up an office moving timeline indicating key dates and milestones that will guide your move. Your timeline should plan for meetings with employees, communication with key stakeholders, packing content, disconnecting IT infrastructure, storage plans, and and moving dates. Such a timeline not only directs your office relocation, but it also makes it easier for the moving company to understand and meet your needs.

 

Involve employees in the process.

Involving your people in the process not only helps you assess needs, but gives them an outlet to express their concerns and desires for the new space. This kind of involvement is critical if employees will be undergoing comprehensive change during the move – for instance having to work in new ways. Training early and helping people understand the “why” of new modalities will help ease the transition. Here are a few ideas for including employees in the process;

• Share a floorplan and let people comment on the proposed designs
• Create a contest to choose a final color palette, limit it to three options
• Involve employees in surveys to asses needs on collaboration, privacy or mobility
• Conduct workshops that get people talking about their likes/dislikes in the office
• Invite participation in tours to the new space
• Create a booklet that explains the design intent and protocols behind each space

Communication is key.

Communicate regularly from the minute you know you are moving and don’t stop until you know that everyone is settled and all punch list items are dealt with. Early on, people want to understand the issues at stake and understand the rationale behind decisions. Throughout, a regular schedule of communication will help mitigate fears, give people time to process change and achieve buy-in from the majority. We highly recommend including pictures and videos of the new space as it develops to build excitement.

 

Conduct Regular Meetings

In your schedule, set regular meetings to discuss the move and its progress with all employees. It is important to keep everyone informed and to make time to address employee concerns and comments. Moving is stressful for everyone involved and can be more stressful if decisions are not adequately communicated.

Assign Tasks

Have your moving team create a list of tasks that need to be completed in the weeks before you move, and make sure critical tasks are added to the timeline/schedule. Ask each department manager or supervisor what is required from their area, which may include specialty service providers, such as telephone line installers or computer network specialists. Also make sure that common areas are covered, such as the reception area, lobby, and storage spaces.

 

Hire Security

Employ a security guard to monitor sensitive items, like classified documents or computers. A security guard also can be hired to watch for suspicious street-level activity as the relocation occurs. Doors will be propped open, and computers may be left unattended for brief spurts during the relocation event.

The security guard should be given a list of authorized personnel who are allowed into the new facility as well as into the existing one during the move.

 

Hire Professionals

You should find out the phone/power/internet capabilities of your new location and determine if they will meet your company’s needs. If not you will need to hire an IT consultant or talk with your current providers to find out what options you have. Moving into a new location may require a technician to set up new lines or hardware. Determine what will need to be done as soon as possible and give yourself enough time to have this done. When you are making arrangements look into other service options for your power and internet as this is a good chance to change plans to save money.

You should also start shopping for quotes from professional moving companies early on. There are many local and long distance moving companies that specialize in full-service moving for businesses. Gather price quotes from at least three different moving companies and review their online standings and Moving Authority ratings before coming to a decision. When asking for quotes moving companies should offer to have a relocation consultant come out to visit your office and offer their advise as well as a price quote. Ask plenty of questions and provide as many details as you can to determine if the company offers the right service for your move.

There comes a time when changes in your life will have to make you relocate to bigger and better things. Sometimes people get a promotion at their job or find a better job with better pay. The only bad part about that is that the job requires you to move to a newer location. But with the new move you may improve your personal financial status and in the long run it may provide you with a better future. Now, the tough part. Where are you going to find movers near me and can they help you real soon?

Don’t stress out too much on this part. The last thing you need to do is add more confusion to your already stressful time of your life. As long as you take the time to plan out your move you will be able to get this done in no time at all. First, you are going to have to see which residential moving company is going to serve you the best. Your move may be considered a long distance or short distance move. These moving companies will help you determine the cost for you move so you can plan it better. Since there are so many different moving companies out there, you may want to take a good amount of time determining which one will be the best suited for your moving needs.

To make your move easy, remember to:

· Keep the Bill of lading that is given to you by the moving company as it is a legally binding note of contract between you and them.

· Read the quote which is on your contract as well as the agreed upon rates. Also be sure to read the moving company’s liability of your goods, delivery date and insurance claim clauses.

· If you are packing your goods, pack them properly to eliminate damage and breakages. With better moving boxes and wooden crates easily available, it is best to pack delicate glassware and other items in Styrofoam.

There are full services moving companies that offer wide range of moving plans and related moving services like packing and unpacking the some particular things, piano packing and reassembling and pet moving etc. They handle all relocation services from reserving the moving vehicles to packing your property to helping you with real estate related services in the city or the state people are moving to.

Most of reputed moving companies are the members of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and kind of local moves are supervised by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT). For these reason moving companies are provoked to be accountable for the damages and liabilities. The moving companies are attentive of the laws which they have to comply with.

Through the way of proper planning and the research moving can ease away the moving hazards, as the moving is made to a new destination based on some specific dreams.

Helpful Tips That Can Help You Plan Your Next Long Distance Move

Many moving companies suggest that you plan ahead before you make a long distance move to a new home. This is good advice to follow because if can help you avoid many of the hassles and nightmares that may accompany a cross-country move.

Here are some moving tips that can help you plan your long distance move.

1) Be sure to make a list of your belongings before you hire a moving company.

It’s important to make an accurate list of your belongings in advance because it can help you resolve logistics problems that might occur during a long distance move. This is the case because moving companies use these lists to help them determine the number of movers and vehicles needed to complete your project.

2) Be sure to locate specially designed containers for your breakable items.

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding your prized china in thousands of pieces after you’ve moved to a new home. An easy way to solve this problem is to use specially designed containers that can protect your breakable items. Most local moving companies sell these containers at an affordable price. As a result, be sure to ask your local moving company for more information about these containers if you’re planning on transporting breakable items.

3) Be sure to make a plan for your automobile for its long distance move.

Many long distance moving companies report that some people forget to prepare their vehicles for a long distance move. This lack of preparation can be disastrous because you could seriously damage your vehicle during the moving process without some sort of preparation.

 

How to Plan a Long-distance Move

Planning a Long Distance Move

If you haven’t cleaned your closets in a decade, don’t panic. Perspective is everything. Think of those stacked and crammed artifacts as archaeological finds that will help reveal, and sometimes exorcise, your past. It probably isn’t the labor that’s making you apprehensive anyway, it’s the time crunch. Start laying the groundwork today to make the actual moving part of your relocation go smoothly. These tips will help:

• Know where you’re going – If you’re moving to a loft in the city, that extra bedroom set will just get in your way, and you can probably lose the cross-country skis, too. Taking your new digs into account will give you important information about what’s sensible to take with you and what isn’t. The available space, your new lifestyle and the weather will give you clues, too. If you have pets, you’ll want to find out about state and city ordinances regarding inoculations, leash laws, and limits on the number or types of pets you can keep. Start gathering important details about schools, vehicle laws, the vagaries of insurance and even the bylaws for your housing complex.
• Develop a system – You’ll likely have items you want to keep, items you want to sell, stuff you want to give away and junk you want to trash. As you go through your belongings, organize them into these four categories. If you’re packing your belongings yourself, you should also consider taking a hint from the professionals who pack for a living. They pack items a room at a time. That way, the unpacking will go easier on the other end. If you’re looking for a frying pan when you get to your destination, at least you’ll know it’s in one of the kitchen boxes.
• Apply the one-year rule – If you haven’t used an item in a year, consider donating it to someone who will use it. Carting around those skinny jeans and the apple corer your aunt gave you last Christmas might seem like a good idea, but the truth is that you may never revisit either of those items, and paying to transport and store them is just wasteful.
• Get help – You might have to mount a big move on your own, but getting professional help is the best way to go by far. Professional movers know how to pack and transport a houseful of belongings with a minimum of breakage and fuss. Make sure you understand the details, though. Knowing when your new residence will be available and getting your belongings there at the right time is important. Misjudging the delivery date could be an expensive mistake if you have to ask a mover to hold your items for a few days. Insist on written agreements with your new landlord and your mover; ask lots of questions, and read the fine print. Moving is full of small details, and getting them right will make your life easier.
• Have a schedule – Time can get away from you when you’re in the middle of a move, so put together a moving calendar or organizer to make sure you stay on target. Where moving is concerned, some chores are time sensitive and others, like packing the Christmas ornaments, can be done well in advance. Decide which is which, and make yourself a handy cheat sheet.

 

Label all your moving boxes

Some tips for planning a long distance move may not seem that important to you, but trust us – they are. A classic example is the act of labeling your moving boxes after you’ve filled them up.

• DO NOT underestimate the importance of labeling your boxes. If you do, you will lose precious time locating and identifying all unmarked boxes after the move.
• LABEL each box on at least two of its sides as soon as you’re done packing it. Write down its contents, destination room, and special handling instructions, if any.
• DESIGNATE a different color for each destination room, either through the use of color markers or multicolor labels

 

MOVING DAY

Have Water Bottles On-Hand

Moving is a strenuous and exhausting process. The last thing you want is for anyone to become dehydrated on moving day. To prevent this from happening, be sure to have plenty of water bottles on-hand for your friends and movers.

Take Inventory

Take inventory of all belongings. This way you can keep track of what you have and what the movers are transporting. Check your driver’s inventory sheet as well. If anything is missing or damaged make a note of this beforehand. It may also be a good idea to take photos of fragile items such as appliances or lamps for liability coverage and insurance purposes.

Do a Final Sweep of the House

To avoid leaving anything behind, be sure to do one final sweep of your home before you move out. Don’t forget to look in your bathtubs, washers, dryers, kitchen cabinets and any other easy-to-miss spots.

Hand Over the Keys

Unless you’re planning to come back after the move to tie up loose ends, go ahead and hand over the keys to your landlord or new owners.

 

Save money where you can 

If you’re in between jobs, you might be trying to save as much money as possible during your long-distance move. If that’s the case, the best long distance moving tip for you is to try to do-it-yourself as much as you can. Whether it’s packing, cleaning, and organizing with only the help of your friends, or getting rid of as much as possible in order to save money on your moving company, you can get creative in this process. The downside is that this method takes more time. However, if you ask your friends for help, you might actually enjoy DIY-ing parts of your move.

Tips to Help You Find the Best Movers Every Time

Don’t Look for the Best Movers; Look for the Best Movers for You

It is complicated to pin down what you should be looking for in your move because, depending on your needs, the answer for the best mover changes. Choosing the best movers starts with one thing: you. You should feel comfortable with your moving company choice. Getting moving quotes and listening to what equipment and services the moving company can provide is the right start. But choosing affordable professionals to get your belongings from point A to point B is the ultimate goal.

Agent of a National Moving Network

All good movers need the right equipment and resources to pull off a job. If a moving company is part of a larger franchise or a moving network, then there is a great chance have the right equipment no matter the moving job. If you are moving locally, this might matter less since the moving company should have all the tools they need at their location.

Ask About Their Moving Equipment

There can be a huge variety in the services offered by different moving companies. There are national franchises that can pool heavy equipment and resources from other franchisees or their franchisor, as well as independent owners that might rent out a truck for a single job. To get an idea of what company you are inquiring about, ask about their equipment.

Find the Company’s Service Area

Checking whether the moving company services your area is important. To verify this, moving companies will have a map of areas served or a list of areas they serve. If a moving company is well-reviewed but is unwilling to travel the distance to perform your move, then they won’t be the right moving company for you.

Check Their Reviews Online

Reading reviews from former customers of a moving company is a great way to research your options. Depending on the company, you can usually go to the BBB.org, Google, Facebook or Yelp to find reviews from customers. The star rating is normally out of 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Companies with 4 stars and above are usually great to work with. You also can check to see if they’re a certified professional mover by the American Moving & Storage Association.

 

Choosing the Best Long Distance Moving Company

Look for any other red flags!

Planning a long distance move doesn’t seem like it should be so complicated, but unfortunately, there are those who would take advantage of your logistical needs to scam you. Be wary of any company that requires a cash or an unusually large deposit prior to the move, particularly if they ask it to be wired online. Steer clear of companies that don’t have an accessible record of business, show up in a rental truck or unmarked vehicle, or who insist on doing all planning and business over the phone. Make sure all communications, commitments, and payments can be easily tracked!

Is your mover well-reviewed?

Good service inspires good reviews, so look for an interstate moving company that has a good track record according to their customers. The FMCSA website will offer safety reviews, and the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and these days even Google will provide customer experience information. Keep in mind that no company can escape a bad review or two, but they shouldn’t be the majority!

Does your mover offer a detailed quote, estimate, or guaranteed price?

A verbal estimate holds no weight in the world of moving services, so when comparing the costs associated with each long distance moving company, make sure you know that you’re comparing apples to apples. The best-rated cross country moving companies are clear and transparent about the cost of moving long distance and provide a line by line breakdown of what they are quoting. Movers want to just give you a number without telling you what it includes? Time to look elsewhere.

Are your movers licensed and insured?

This should be a no-brainer, but the best national moving companies should be able to quickly and easily provide proof of their licensure and insurance with zero runarounds. You can check a mover’s license on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website, but you shouldn’t need to do that research yourself. Ideally, the company has its FMCSA license number displayed in plain sight and offers you a full explanation of their insurance and options for additional insurance when you request your quote.

Are your movers an established, experienced company?

The best long distance movers didn’t get that way overnight – they have spent years fine-tuning their process, training their staff, and getting those early “learning mistakes” out of the way. When it comes to interstate moves, there are quite a few more details that a company needs to consider that aren’t involved in a local move. Crossing state borders, for one, requires additional licenses and paperwork. Your belongings also have further to travel, so the company must be certain that everything is well secured and stable for the haul. Don’t leave your move up to newbies!

 

Tips to Find Long Distance Moving Companies You Can Trust

Make sure you’ll have a dedicated move coordinator

What’s the secret to a successful long distance move? Big, burly men in overalls? We kid, but the truth is that long distance moves require far more coordination than the initial loading and final drop-off.

Add a few relocation services to help make your move smooth

It’s common knowledge that you hire movers to get things from point A to point B safely and quickly. While your move begins and ends with a moving truck, many long distance moving companies also offer an array of relocation services to those in need of them. Movers then charge you for the services provided after they complete your move.

Get an in-person cost estimate

How long distance moving companies calculate their costs and how much they charge their customers varies, but most major operations will send a relocation specialist or moving coordinator to your home for an estimate.

Collect more than one estimate at no cost to you

Long distance moving companies should offer free estimates, so take advantage of the chance to shop around and collect more than one quote for comparison. The quotes should include estimates for both general moving costs, included services, and extras that you plan to tack on.

Check or negotiate for the ‘guarantee-not-to-exceed’ estimate

There are three types of estimates you can get from a long distance moving company.

 

Tips for a Successful Long Distance Move

Plan Ahead

Long distance moves are a major life event, and the best way to make sure yours goes smoothly is to make sure you plan ahead. Reach out to moving companies in your area about 3 months before you are planning on moving. Especially in the summertime movers reach capacity, and by planning ahead you won’t have to worry about finding a mover at the last minute.  Plan ahead to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything important before your move

Get In-Home Moving Estimates

With an in-home moving estimate, a move representative from the local moving company will come to your home to do a visual survey of all the items you are moving. This allows them to give you an accurate price for your move. It also helps you get a feel for the moving company you are considering selecting.

Research Moving Companies

Not all moving companies are created equal. It is a good idea to do some research about your mover to make sure they are a high quality company. Good places to check include the BBB, Yelp, Angie’s List, and movingscam.com. For long distance moves it is also usually a good idea to move with a large established van line, like United Van Lines or Mayflower Transit. These van lines have significantly higher hauling capacities than a mom-and-pop mover would, and so they are much more likely to be able to get a well-trained moving crew to your house on move day.

Downsize

With a long distance move, the cost of your move is going to be based on the weight of the items you ship. The more you ship, the more you will end up paying. It is usually a good idea to take the time to go through your belongings and decide what you still use and what you can get rid of. Consider holding a garage sale before your move or donating unneeded items to the Salvation Army. Also take a moment to consider if you will no longer need certain items at your new home. If you are moving from Michigan to Florida, you most likely don’t need to move your snow blower, and you can probably donate that box of old sweaters as well.

Consider Furniture Placement Locations

Plan where you want all of your furniture will go once it gets to your new home, and make sure everything will fit. If your new home is smaller than your current home, there is a good chance everything will feel crowded if you bring all your furniture. Plan what items will go into each room. If you don’t have a place for an item get rid of it before you move it. If you have large or oversized furniture make sure it can fit through the stairwells and around tight corners. Older homes often have tight stairwells that cannot accommodate all types of furniture. King size beds for example often will not fit upstairs in older homes.

 

How to choose long distance movers

The reputation check

The best long distance moving companies will have an excellent reputation both in the moving and storage industry and among former and current users of relocation services (customers). One good way to check just how reputable cross country movers are is to read reviews about their services on specialized moving company reviews websites.

The reliability check

All long distance moving companies – that is, interstate moving companies – must be licensed by the U.S. Government, and more specifically – by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). A quick check at the USDOT website will give you access to the electronic record of each licensed long distance mover, along with the USDOT number they have been awarded.

The affordability check

Most of the times, your initial instinct will be to choose a long distance mover based on the price they have offered on the moving quote. That’s understandable – after all, money doesn’t grow on trees so you’ll definitely want to spend as little as possible on your long distance move.