Posted by Your office space is packed with heavy furniture, countless boxes, and equipment of all shapes and sizes. Moving such items can be quite the challenge, especially when it comes to bulky or irregularly shaped objects. Relocating an office can feel like an overwhelming task, and without proper preparation, it can quickly become chaotic.
Rather than taking on the stress and potential risks yourself, consider enlisting professional commercial movers to handle your office move in Cleveland.
Office relocations are inherently risky, but experienced office movers in Cleveland know how to manage these risks effectively. They offer several recommendations to ensure a seamless move to your new location while keeping productivity intact.
Start Your Planning Early The key to a successful office relocation is early preparation. For larger moves, this could mean starting months, if not years, in advance. Keep your team informed from the outset, maintaining clear communication throughout the process. If you’re doing some of the packing yourself, begin well ahead of time, particularly for a large office. Start with items that are used infrequently, packing them up several weeks before the move.
Purge Unnecessary Items Moving is an excellent opportunity to clear out outdated or unused items. Disposing of old electronics, furniture, and supplies not only reduces moving costs but can also result in tax deductions if donated.
Involve Your Team If you’re not hiring a full-service moving company, you’ll need the help of your employees for specific tasks. Designate a moving coordinator to act as the point person between movers, property managers, and your IT team. On moving day, ensure managers are stationed at both the old and new locations, and that department heads keep track of all items being moved.
Hire Professional Movers Contact professional office movers in Cleveland to get estimates, ideally at least two months in advance. Verify that the company has proper insurance and choose a mover with the experience and capacity to handle your specific needs.
Prepare Key Items in Advance Ensure that specific items like the refrigerator in the break room are ready by emptying, defrosting, and draining them before the movers arrive. If you require help with packing, arrange it ahead of time with your moving company.
Coordinate with Building Management Schedule your move with the management of both your current and new buildings, preferably outside regular business hours. Confirm any specific requirements, such as loading dock access, floor protection, and elevator reservations. Check whether the HVAC system can be turned on during the move.
Label and Organize Your Boxes Clearly label each box on the top and sides to make them easy to identify. If you have a large number of boxes, consider using a numbering system for better organization.
Secure Your Electronics Unplug and individually bag all cables, labeling them according to their respective devices. Wrap monitors in protective materials, and avoid stacking or boxing them. Most modern hard drives have automatic parking, so pack them similarly to monitors. For printers and other equipment, remove cartridges, secure any moving parts, and review the manual to ensure you’re following warranty guidelines.
Prioritize Setting Up the Network Make sure that IT equipment is unloaded first so that your network can be set up immediately. Ideally, have computers and cables connected and tested before your IT team arrives.
Handle Administrative Updates Update all printed and digital materials with your new address, including letterheads, business cards, and online listings. Inform clients and contacts about your move, and use the USPS online service to update your address.
Settle Into Your New Office Consider hiring a professional decorator to help arrange furniture and artwork in your new office. This will reduce the management burden and ensure your new space looks polished and professional.
If you’re planning an office move in Cleveland, Ohio, and need expert assistance, contact TODA Moving & Storage at +1 216-795-5188 or visit our website at TODA Moving and Storage for more information.