Whether you’re downsizing to a smaller space as the result of hybrid or remote-first work policies or need to expand because your team has outgrown its current footprint, you’re about to learn how moving a business from one location to another is wildly complex.
Anyone who has previously done this kind of move knows that working with professionals to handle the heavy lifting is an easy “yes!”
But for companies that have never hired corporate relocation services to handle a move, there’s a good chance you’ve never thought about the logistics of…those logistics. Let’s explore five critical benefits of hiring professionals to handle your move — and how to find those service providers in the first place.
1. Streamlined Business Moving Process
Hiring corporate moving services offers several benefits. The biggest one is that these services often reduce the mental load of managing a move. Professionals bring experienced coordination and planning. They can help decide critical details of the move, like timelines, deadlines, and logistics. They can even advise on best practices for inventorying company assets before the move.
Of course, there may be some things you want to pack yourself. Remember, however, experienced movers can provide efficient packing and transportation services to minimize downtime, allowing you and your team to focus on business continuity before, during, and after the move.
2. Cost-Effective Solutions
Another excellent reason for outsourcing your move to company relocation services is that staying within budget immensely benefits your business. Hiring several vendors at once can quickly add up. It also introduces the potential for confusion and last-minute issues. Not to mention there’s the potential for liability if something is damaged. In addition, business movers who handle comprehensive services can also coordinate with building management and obtain any required parking permits and permissions.
To put it plainly: Instead of spending on one-off services to transport and pack separately, you can (and should) work with service providers that do it all.
3. Employee Satisfaction and Productivity
Working with professional corporate moving services isn’t just a good way to stay on budget. It also helps keep your office on-task. Instead of asking your employees to do more than is likely in their job description, hire professionals to handle the move. This leaves your typical business operations unhindered and reduces stress among your team.
Productivity isn’t the only appeal, however. Ensuring your employees have support during the move — including packing their equipment or desk — reduces the number of things they need to worry about.
4. Reduced Downtime and Risk
While reducing downtime for your business is one primary reason not to have your employees handle your move, reducing risk is another. Your team probably doesn’t want to do their day job and help move simultaneously. There’s a good reason for that, too!
Relying on employees for your move instead of corporate relocation services introduces additional opportunities for problems. For example, consider what happens if your employees drop boxes containing expensive equipment. Additionally, some employees may not be fit enough to lift or move those boxes.
When it comes to moving, corporate relocation services mitigate the risk of harm to your employees and business assets.
5. Expert Knowledge and Resources
Working with expert corporate relocation movers gives you access to specialized relocation tools and practices. Professionals can advise on the best practices for your move, including timetables, packing, logistics, and more.
Remember: office relocations are very different from your typical residential move. From employees to furniture and equipment, there are many more moving parts. Using a moving services provider to facilitate your move is a proactive way to reduce mistakes and stay on budget.
Next Steps for Office Managers and Business Owners
Let’s assume you’re officially sold on why hiring professional movers for your office relocation. Now, let’s get to the big question: How do you do actually move?
Begin with planning. Create a rough timeline and company relocation checklist. The most important rule for moving — whether you’re hiring long-distance moving services or not — is to plan as far ahead as possible. That includes contacting providers to get quotes. It also means naming a committee to help facilitate decision-making and communication during your move. The last thing you want to do is wait too long and make rushed decisions as the end of your lease approaches.
Building a Timeline and Budget for Your Office Relocation
What does that budget and timeline look like? Typically, budgets range from $2,500 to $50,000, depending on the scale and complexity of your corporate move. Retailers and warehouse locations can cost even more, up to $100,000.
High-level timelines for your move can vary. Generally speaking, an office relocation might occur on the following timeline:
- Six months before your move: Budget and plan for your relocation.
- Four months before your move: Select a new space.
- Three months before your move: Finalize your designs.
- Two months before your move: Begin packing and sorting.
- One month before your move: Finalize the logistics.
- Moving day: Execute your relocation.
- One week after your move: Settle in and address any issues.
Scheduling Your Upcoming Corporate Move
If the time has come for your company to move into a different space, you have options to help make that transition easier. Hiring professional movers is one of the most impactful decisions, and the right corporate relocation services provider can simplify even the largest move.
One of the best ways to facilitate a complex corporate relocation? Hiring a moving broker. Moving brokers — such as Safe Ship Moving Services — are licensed, bonded interstate moving professionals who can help plan and execute your move by connecting you with trusted movers with the expertise and equipment to ensure your business and its assets reach their destination with few issues.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an office or company relocation work?
Office relocations typically involve planning, budgeting, and coordinating various tasks. Companies must assess their needs — including a new location — and create a timeline to move there. Most organizations hire outside moving services to facilitate the move and transport their assets to the new location.
How do I prepare for corporate movers?
Declutter and organize your office. Create a detailed inventory of items to be moved and label all boxes clearly. Communicate your moving plan to all employees, ensure all valuable or sensitive items are secured, and arrange parking and elevator access at both locations for your moving day.
What logistics do I need to consider when moving my business to a new office?
In addition to the actual move itself, consider updating your business address with clients, vendors, and government agencies. Plan for minimal disruptions by phasing various aspects of your move. Arrange for early IT setup and testing in the new location. You will also want to consider employee commutes, parking needs, and proper insurance coverage.
