A few times in your life, you have to deal with one thing that’s generally the worse “to do” on your list. We all dread the day that we have to deal with this! Maybe when you have kids and have to teach them to drive? Not even. How about a bad injury like breaking or fracturing a bone? No, this might be worse than that. I’m talking about the M-word.
What I’m referring to is MOVING! Yes Moving! Just the thought of it coming into your mind brings stress or flashbacks I’m sure! This topic, no matter what the situation, is sure to bring stress, aches, and pains, and you may lose a friend or two in the process! I’m sure that 99.9% of you reading this are thinking and agreeing in disgust and harmony that moving just sucks! Well, I guess out of the 99.9%, I am that .001%.
My name is Clem Edwards! I am the owner of Kingside Moves and I absolutely love moving! I have been moving for 16 years. I love the science to it and destressing people in these times! As much as everyone hates moving, there is one thing that may be slightly worse and complicated. That is Commercial or office moves! Here are some tips that you can use that thought they may seem small and simple, they will help your move go extremely smooth and more efficient in the long run.
Tip 1: Designate one person in the office to be in charge of the entire move
This is something that you should implement for any move, but it is especially vital for a commercial move, no matter the size. Hold a meeting with your staff and let everyone know who will be the “go-to” person for on moving day. This person (usually a supervisor or head secretary) will be in charge for the day and should know the ins and outs of the move.
This includes what is being moved and what is not. The designated person should have a diagram of where each piece of furniture goes in each room. They should be the person to do a walkthrough at the beginning of the move and the end. If any challenges come up with the movers, or with your staff, the “go-to” person should manage it, or, delegate to the appropriate person.
Tip 2: Sometimes, we can keep items in furniture drawers and move them all at once, depending on the sturdiness of the furniture.
However, this is usually not the case for commercial moves. Most furniture like desks and shelves need to be emptied. Most desks with drawers have gaps in the back. Therefore, if you insist on leaving your belongings in your desk, then when that desk is moved, the mover may need to stand it up on one side to move or turn at an angle to get it out of a door. When this happens, your belongings may fall out and end up getting lost or on the floor. To be safe, take the time to empty your desk and shelves and properly box your belongings.
Tip 3: Boxes should have their lids
Some of us may put our belongings in a box without a lid. When you do this, you end up with an office full of open-top boxes. Open-top boxes cannot be stacked. Therefore, when you have a move full of open-top boxes, the movers cannot pack the truck properly, and a lot of space will be wasted. Now you will most likely have to take more than one trip. More than one trip takes more time. Most moving companies charge by the hour. So when packing your boxes, think open-top box = more time, higher bill.
Tip 4: Offices with warehouses
If you have an office with a warehouse and the warehouse is just as significant as or larger than your office, you may want to make your move two days instead of one. One day for moving your office and one day for moving your warehouse. Or two trucks in one day. One truck for the office and the other truck for the warehouse if it can all fit in one truck. Although you might be dealing with one more day of moving, your stress levels will be a lot less than trying to cram it all in one day. How will you know if it will all fit or not? That question brings me to tip 5!
Tip 5: Get a physical estimate
I understand you may be busy. But this is an essential step if you want your move to go smoothly. I know some companies will not physically go out to do an estimate. But ask and insist on a physical assessment, especially if you have a big office. If you have a large office and request a moving company for a physical estimate, and they refuse to visit your space, I would not do business with them. I guarantee that if you have a big move and are given an estimate over the phone, your move will cost more! I believe in this 150%! If you receive a physical estimate, your move will go a lot smoother because everyone will already be on the same page by the time moving day comes.
Tip 6: Do Not HELP
This point is another thing I believe in 150%! If you are paying for a service, you should not be helping in any way! Once your movers arrive, let them manage the moving and lifting. You should not be helping at all!
You requested a professional moving service for a reason, so let them do what they came to do? If you don’t trust your movers to do the job, why did you hire them? Either you hired the wrong company or need to sit and let someone else do the work. (I am speaking to the men on this one because we are usually the ones that can’t sit down because we are men and feel like we have to do something)
These are just a few tips that are uncomplicated but are usually forgotten or ignored. But if implemented, it will help your move go efficiently and close to stress-free! I hope this helps. Stay safe and take control of your next move
About the Author
Clemenceau Edwards II, Kingside Moves