When it comes to relocating your business, commercial moving requires meticulous planning and execution. Whether you’re moving across the street or to a different province, being organized can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate commercial moving in Canada.
Planning Ahead
Start planning your move at least three to six months in advance. This will give you enough time to handle all the logistics without feeling rushed.
Inventory
Create a detailed inventory of all the items you plan to move. This includes office furniture, equipment, and supplies.
Budgeting
Establish a budget that covers moving costs and packing materials, new furniture (if needed), and potential downtime for your business.
Hiring Professional Movers
Look for moving companies that specialize in commercial relocations. Read reviews, check references, and ensure they are licensed and insured. A professional office mover will assign a project manager who will work with you to coordinate all moving services.
Quotes
Obtain multiple quotes to compare prices and services. Ensure that each quote is detailed and provides a breakdown of costs. Once you have chosen a commercial mover, confirm the moving date, delivery schedules, and liability coverage.
Packing and Logistics
The commercial mover can drop off packing bins and materials ahead of time. Have each employee pack their desk area and label their bins and boxes clearly. For common areas, assign a team of employees to pack these areas or have the commercial moving company pack them.
IT Equipment
For tech-heavy businesses, ensure that all IT equipment is handled with care. Consider hiring IT professionals for disassembly and setup.
Communication and Coordination
Communicate the move details to your staff. Hold a meeting to outline the timeline and expectations and have the Project Manager from the commercial mover at the meeting. Update your clients and vendors about the office relocation and let them how to reach your staff during the move. Send out a change of address.
Coordinate Utilities and Loading Dock
Make arrangements for utility disconnections at the old location and connections at the new site. If you have a loading dock and elevator, book these ahead of time to ensure availability for your office move.
Moving Day
Delegate tasks to your team to help the move run smoothly. Have a representative from your company be the main point of contact for the movers to oversee the move out and move in. Use a checklist to ensure all items are loaded. Verify that nothing is left behind before leaving the old location.
Communication
Keep lines of communication open between your team and the moving company. Address any issues that arise immediately.
Settling In
Once at the new location, have a plan in place for unpacking and setting up. Consider organizing areas by function for efficiency. Get feedback from your employees on the new layout and setup, as they can provide valuable insights on improving workflow.
Testing
Test all IT and equipment to ensure they function properly before fully opening for business.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, the key to a successful move lies in preparation and teamwork. For more information on commercial office moving in Canada and for a commercial move quote, contact Premiere Van Lines toll-free at 1-877-671-6683.