Helpful Tips for a Business Relocation

There are several reasons for relocating a business. Perhaps your current lease is up and you want to move to a different part of the city, your company may be experiencing an expansion, or you might be moving a home office to a brick-and-mortar location. Regardless, the following tips will ensure a quicker and more efficient move.

• Create a Plan – Before anything else, create a plan that includes a timeline. This will keep you and others on track for packing, changing utilities, ordering furniture and supplies, and so on. Having an established plan about four to five months ahead of the move is essential.
• Designate Resources – Take advantage of workers by delegating specific tasks. Especially for a larger business relocation, having support and assistance is imperative to a successful move.
• Hire a Professional Moving Company – Approximately three months out, identify at least three potential movers. Then two months from the move, hire the company that you want to handle the move. This is also the time to hire cleaners to prepare the new office, if required, but also come in after the move to clean the old office building.
• Send Out Notifications – As part of your business relocation plan, notifications need to go out to vendors, suppliers, customers/clients, banks, and other establishments. Typically, this should be done about one month prior to the move.
• Update Internal Information – With about two weeks left before the business relocation, your website needs to be updated, along with business cards, letterhead, etc.

There are additional things to consider when organizing and planning a business relocation. For example, try to minimize travel time. In the last three months prior to moving, things will be more hectic than usual. Instead of doing a lot of traveling to meet with clients, vendors, and prospects, among others, take advantage of technology by conducting meetings online. This will free up a substantial amount of time, allowing you to focus more on things associated with the move.

In addition, it is important to keep your workers’ morale up. Not only is a business relocation challenging for you, it can have a negative impact on employees. By maintaining high morale, business operations will go on as usual. Ultimately, your employees will be happy and productivity will remain high during the moving process.

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Important Things to Know

• Items Being Shipped – Rather than tell the moving company that you have several boxes and two rooms of furniture, you need to be specific. In other words, let them know that you have 40 boxes, two bedroom sets, including bed, dresser, and nightstand, one sofa and a loveseat, dining room table and four chairs, and so on. This level of detail allows the movers to provide you with a more accurate moving quote.
• Weight and Dimension of Items – For furniture, appliances, and other larger items, provide the moving company with exact dimensions, as well as weight if you can. Knowing the height, width, and length is helpful for the moving company as far as loading but also getting the items through doorways at the new location.
• Boxes Being Shipped – Although you do not have to provide the moving company with a specific list of items in each box in order to get an accurate moving quote, you should have some idea as to the weight of each box and estimated value. Typically, home scales work just fine to determine weight.
• Value of Furniture and Appliances – Providing the estimated weight of your furniture and appliances is also beneficial. First, this helps the moving company determine the number of movers required. Second, it lets you know if the insurance provided by the moving company is sufficient or if you need to purchase a separate policy from your insurance provider.
• Shipping Zip Code – Especially when moving to a different city or state, the zip code at your current place along with the zip code for the new place is essential. Using this information, the moving company will determine the approximate number of miles, which are then used to calculate the cost of the move.

Although you may be asked for additional information, all of the above are beneficial for the movers and you in getting an accurate moving quote. To make comparisons, be sure to get quotes from three to four different movers. In addition, always read the contract details carefully before signing so that you are not charged hidden fees.

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Two Months Prior to Moving

• Go through things to see what can be tossed out and/or donated
• Start searching for the best moving company. In addition to asking friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors for referrals, check with a moving association and the Better Business Bureau. Regardless, make sure that companies of interest have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and always get estimates in writing.

Six Weeks Prior to Moving

• If you have children that will attend a different school, contact the school district so their records can be transferred to the new district
• Obtain moving boxes, bubble wrap, sealing tape, permanent markers, and any specialty items like wardrobe boxes
• Get the door dimensions for the new location and then measure larger pieces of furniture to make sure they will fit without any problems.

Four Weeks Prior to Moving

• Select the local moving company and finalize the contract, including the moving date, estimated cost, insurance information, and other relevant details
• Begin packing everything that you can, marking boxes to identify the new room and examples of contents
• For expensive items or those not covered by the moving company’s insurance, purchase a policy from your own agent
• Pack items like firearms, jewelry, family heirlooms, and expensive art separately, taking them to the new location in your own vehicle
• Provide the US Postal Service with a change of address form
• Cancel or transfer all special publications
• Notify important parties of the move, including your bank, employer, credit card companies, insurance company, brokerage firms, and so on
• Contact the local utility companies, i.e., gas, water, electric, sewer, cable, and phone, to schedule shut off and turn on services.

Two Weeks Prior to Moving

• Ask your employer for the necessary time off to move
• Contact the local moving company to confirm the schedule, including date and time.

One Week Prior to Moving

• Get your “survival” bag ready: include a few days of clothing, medication, toiletries, and other items needed just in case the local moving company is delayed for some reason. Do the same for any children as well as pets.

Three Days Prior to Moving

• Review all the details to ensure nothing is overlooked
• Clean and defrost the freezer
• Make final payments for lawn care services, house cleaning services, etc.

The Big Day

• To avoid being scammed, verify that the DOT number on the moving truck matches the information that you obtained
• Prior to the movers leaving your new home or office, verify that everything is there
• Once satisfied with the inventory moved, sign the bill of lading. While the original stays with the local moving company, a copy should be provided to you.

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Pods are a type of flexible storage container delivered to a home or office. The container is then left, allowing people to pack up belongings in preparation for moving or as temporary storage during remodeling projects. SMARTBOX containers offer these same features plus more, making them the more advantageous option.

For one thing, SMARTBOX containers are more cost-efficient. Especially for big or long-distance moves or when needing long-term storage, money can become an issue. With SMARTBOX, consumers benefit from a high-quality storage container without spending a fortune. Even when money is not tight, there is no reason to overspend.

As a self-storage solution, the SMARTBOX portable storage container is the perfect size. Measuring 8 by 7 by 5 feet, the container easily holds 1 to 1½ rooms, with a maximum weight capacity of 3,000 pounds.

There are yet more advantages to consider of SMARTBOX portable storage containers over Pods. For example, while both SMARTBOX and Pods have ground-level loading, only SMARTBOX is designed with doors that swing wide open. For loading and unloading purposes, this reduces time and effort. In addition, SMARTBOX and its partner, Advantage, can deliver up to eight units in one trip, if required.

SMARTBOX containers are also designed for breathability. With SMARTBOX, containers are constructed from a non-steel material, whereas Pods are made from aluminum steel. Even better, containers from SMARTBOX have rust-free, waterproof, and weatherproof exterior protection. Because of the material used for SMARTBOX portable storage containers, the interior breathes.

Unless air reaches the inside of these containers, it becomes incredibly hot. Another issue is that during periods of rain or high humidity, the interior can become affected by mold and mildew. When those scenarios occur, items inside are at risk of being damaged.

There is also an availability factor to consider. Due to high demand, many companies that offer portable storage containers are flooded with customer requests. For scheduling purposes, this makes it difficult to meet customers’ needs. At SMARTBOX, everyone goes out of his or her way to ensure customers get exactly what they need and according to their schedule. Overall, SMARTBOX portable storage is a better choice for residential and business customers alike.

For more information or to request a free moving quote contact one of our specialist at Advantage Moving and Storage today!

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The first and most important decision involves hiring the right Chicago moving and storage company. Because companies can claim almost anything they want, it is your responsibility to research several companies before deciding on one.

Refer to sites like the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List. In addition, look at customer feedback online and check out the company’s own website. In particular, find out how long the Chicago moving and storage company has been in existence, what type of services it provides, and whether it is licensed and insured.

You want to schedule your move at least four weeks in advance. However, if moving during the busy summer months, most companies recommend even more notice. Roughly two weeks out, contact the company to confirm that your move is on schedule.

Chicago Moving and Storage Considerations

Beyond hiring the best Chicago moving and storage company, consider the following tips and tricks:

• Planning and Organization – Rather than wait until the last week before moving, give yourself as much time as possible to plan and get things organized. For instance, you need to submit a change of address form and cancel any magazine subscriptions, newspapers, lawn services, residential cleaning services, pest control, and so on. Also, schedule shut-off and possibly reconnection of utilities, cable, and phone for the day after the move. This is also the time to gather owner’s manuals, furniture hardware, electronic cords, and other items that you may prefer to move on your own.

• Packing – If money is tight, pack your own goods. Be sure not to overpack, carefully wrap breakables with bubble wrap, use heavy-duty packing tape, and label each box according to the new room for convenience when unpacking.
• Survival Bag – Place a packed overnight bag in your vehicle. Although your goods are scheduled for delivery at a specific day and time, sometimes delays happen. Include in your bag items for one or two days, such as a few outfits, important documents, medication, pet supplies, phone charger, toiletries, and so on. In addition, be sure you have the contact name and phone number of the moving company with you at all times.
• Valuables – Although the Chicago moving and storage company that you hire has insurance coverage, if you are concerned about certain valuables, like jewelry, glass sculptures, and family heirlooms, transport those items in your vehicle.

For more information about moving and storage, questions or to receive a free moving quote speak with one of our Advantage moving specialist today.

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Moving Quotes: Helpful Tips

For both residential and commercial moves, consider the following:

• Company Reputation – Before obtaining quotes, conduct research for companies with solid reputations. Most of the information is available through an online search, but you can also contact companies and ask questions. Make sure you get quotes from companies that have all required accreditations and permits, as well as a positive Better Business Bureau and/or Angie’s List rating. While you can research companies on your own, never hesitate to ask family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors for recommendations based on their personal experiences.
• Package Deals – As part of receiving free moving quotes from at least four companies, you need to ask about package deals. For example, some companies offer free boxes, dollies, pads, and other moving items while others charge a fee. You need specific information about what each package deal includes and any associated fees
• Add-On Fees – Unfortunately, many moving companies do not reveal every fee charged. Some companies have add-on fees for going up more than one flight of stairs or transporting expensive furniture or fragile items. By asking about hidden fees, you can make a well-informed decision
• Insurance and Liability – When getting free moving quotes, determine who is liable in the event something is damaged. For instance, if transporting expensive furniture or fragile items, you need to know how much insurance coverage the moving company provides, if any. If inadequate, you can purchase coverage on your own.
• Refund Policy – Be sure you understand each company’s refund policy in the event that you need to cancel. Sometimes, cancellation is required due to injury, sickness, death, and other factors out of your control. Therefore, find out how much lead-time is required for cancellation and if your money will be fully or partially refunded if you adhere to the rules.
• Estimated Quotes – When asking for free moving quotes, be careful with estimates. Usually, moving companies offer estimates without seeing the items being moved. Instead, they provide quotes based on the size of the home or business. To ensure an estimated quote is close to what it will actually cost, it is always best to request an on-site visit.

To receive a free moving quote today or to speak with one of our moving specialists at Advantage moving and Storage contact us today.

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Tips from Our Movers

The less you bring to your new place, the better you will feel about sprucing it up with new stuff, new furniture and even new holiday decorations. So weed out the things you can donate, sell or simply give away to your neighbors. There will always be things in your closet that will be better off with new owners. After purging your home, you can save time packing less items and save money.

We all have holiday traditions that we can’t do without but if they interfere with your move, you need to make a few modifications. Keep some and forego with others. Skip the annual recital but not the company’s yearly holiday party. Tone down the house decors enough to still have a significant reminder of the season. Give your winding lights to your neighbor and settle for a front door wreath. If you hold an annual family party, it’s time to have at Uncle Bob’s home this year.

Research well and select your movers early so that when the holiday season starts, you will already have someone who will do the job for you. Compare various service provider’s prices and don’t be dazzled by their lofty promises which sound too good to be true. Choose one that will stick to your moving plans but listen to their advice on more effective and economical methods. Read reviews of these companies to get customers’ experiences. Also remember to check their licenses, credentials and certification.

With these two tips, you’re all set! All you need to do now is call Advantage Moving and Storage and let their movers make your move less of an arduous task and more of a balanced holiday. Allowing you more time for relaxation, cheerful spirits, festive merriment and a little bit of unpacking.

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When searching for a company that specializes in corporate moves, you should make it a priority to find one that offers installation services. Once your company is at its new location, it will not be able to function properly without proper furniture and equipment installation.

Timely Installation Without Workflow Disruption

While you can opt to install your furniture and equipment as well as reconfigure your office space on your own, leaving it to the professionals will allow you and your employees to focus on company operations and productivity rather than difficult moving tasks. After all, you don’t want Monica in accounting to be spending her precious work hours putting together her desk. Our experienced installers pride themselves on reconfiguring small and large offices in a timely fashion without disrupting workflow.

Advantage Moving & Storage Offers Efficient Installation Services

At Advantage Moving & Storage, we are pleased to offer installation services to all of our corporate clients. Our technicians have years of experience as well as the right tools and equipment to install workstations, cubicles, desks, filing systems, shelves, and so much more.

In addition, our technicians can install furniture pieces from just about any manufacturer. They can also help you with wall mounting, the reconfiguration of existing space layouts and the disassembly and disposal of existing or new spaces. By opting for our installation services, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that our experienced installers will work quickly and efficiently to guarantee the configuration of your new space is accurate.

If you’re searching for support with the installation aspect of your commercial moving project, contact Advantage Moving & Storage today. We look forward to discussing how we can best serve your office relocation needs!

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Why Utilize Residential Moving? 

Prior to the day of the move, you will work with the residential moving company to determine a time for the movers to arrive on moving day. In most cases, they will come to your home in the early morning to ensure that there is enough time to get all of your belongings loaded onto the moving truck and out of your home.

Once the movers arrive, they will introduce themselves and go over some paperwork with you. During this time, any questions or concerns will be addressed. The paperwork will need to be signed before the actual loading process can begin.

Following introductions and paperwork, residential moving professionals will conduct a thorough walk-through. A walk-through involves inspecting every room of your home so that they can determine the best way to transport your possessions onto the moving truck.

After the walk-through, movers will begin to load your heaviest items onto the moving truck. All furniture and valuable items will be padded and wrapped with special moving blankets to ensure safe relocation and a reduced risk of scratches or dents. Medium sized and lighter items will be loaded last.

A second walk-through will be performed to make sure that your home is clear of possessions and everything has been loaded. Once the delivery address has been confirmed, the residential moving professionals will meet you at your new home to transport items out of the truck and into your new space. Before the movers leave, final costs will be reviewed and final paperwork will need to be signed.

For more information on what you can expect on the day of the move, contact Advantage today. We’d be happy to provide you with further details on residential moving.

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