We thought we’d share something funny today.  Check out this moving disaster video.

Enjoy.

And please let us know if we can help you avoid something like this!!

Commercial Moves – Taking Your Business on the Road

Moving your household is one thing, but what about moving your home away from home…your office, or worse, an entire business?   As with any move, planning a commercial or office move is the key to keeping the move on track and on budget.

Files

Now’s the time to review company policy regarding file retention.  If you own the business, then now’s the time to make the file policy.  Check with the IRS for guidelines regarding accounting and financial records before rendering them obsolete.

Client files and financial records should be destroyed rather than put in the trash.  There are businesses that operate commercial shredders that can be brought to your location to handle larger volumes of paper.

You may be tempted to deal with shredding in-house, but remember, most shredders can only handle a few sheets at a time, must be emptied often and can leave a mess behind.

Check with movers to determine if files can be left in cabinets during the move.  With smaller file cabinets, they often can, with the file drawers merely secured shut.

Employees

Appointing one person to handle the move is best for smaller companies, and they may delegate as necessary.  For larger commercial move preparation, it’s best to break down the areas to make them more manageable, such as:

• Logistics
• Office equipment
• Computers
• Employee communications
• Mover expeditor

Employees are normally responsible for packing their own personal belongings for the move, and it’s best for them to remove their belonging prior to moving day.

Space Planning

And speaking of space planning, one of the most time consuming tasks in relocating an office or business is preparing for the communication infrastructure.  This means the location of the electrical outlets, modem lines, cable connections and phone outlets.  It’s best to address these needs in the new office well before the move, when access and additions are easier. 

For smaller companies, allowing employees input on office locations, office equipment locations and more can make them feel more involved in the process, and get them on board with the move.

Details, Details, Details

Don’t forget the little things in moving your business, like telling customers where they can find you!  Other details to remember:

• Letterhead and business cards will need to be updated with a new address.
• Post a notice at the business location well in advance with the moving date.
• Websites will need the new location information.
• Vendors, customers and business associates should be informed well in advance.

Bottom Line

Planning a commercial move involves so many details above and beyond a residential move.  While it’s tempting to use your employees to move, it can make better business sense to use movers experienced in office or commercial moves, particularly if you consider the exposure to a worker’s compensation claim for an employee.  Proper planning is key, as any time spent moving is time away from making money.

Take or Toss – A Guide to Reducing Your Personal Inventory

Moving your home is not only the start of a new life, it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter and reduce your ‘stuff’ which has accumulated unchecked through the years.  While it can be a liberating experience, many agonize over the decision, so as you begin sorting through your worldly possession, we offer tips for decluttering and deciding what to take when you move.

The One Year Rule

If you’ve not used an item in over one year, or in the case of clothing, worn an item – chances are it’s not going to be used next year either.  This is also true of unwanted gifts.  If an item has little value or is in disrepair, throw it away.  Even donation centers have standards, and they simply can’t handle broken goods or stained clothing.

If the item has a value of more than $20 (or a threshold of your choosing), consider selling or consigning it.  If an item is a one-of-a-kind collectible, consider consignment to an auction house.  That old train set in the attic may look like junk but it’s worth a second look in this instance.

The Replacement Rule

For outdated electronics and household items, including appliances, is it worth the cost of moving only to replace it within the next few months?  Appliances in particular can be costly and heavy to move, now just might be the time to upgrade and have it delivered to the new home.  Improvements in energy efficiency may also make new appliances more cost-effective than moving them.

The Book Ban

Books are normally the heaviest boxed items, and dust-gatherers as well.  Old textbooks are the worst offenders.  Pare down the book collection, ask your local library if they accept donations, and if so, what type of books they prefer.  Normally paperbacks and outdated guides aren’t in demand anywhere, and they can be thrown away or recycled.  Old textbooks should be thrown away, the information can normally be found online should you ever need to reference the information.  Try selling books at a yard sale and thin the herd significantly.

Household Plants

If you are planning a long distance move, it’s best to give them to friends or family members.  For local moves, you can place them on the truck or transport them yourself. 

The One Touch Rule

As you’re packing for your move and deciding what to take on moving day, it’s tempting to put items aside for a later decision.  Institute the ‘one-touch rule’.  Either it must be packed, thrown away or put in a pile for donation or sale.  Do not skip over items or move them to another location, your first instinct on an item’s fate is usually correct.

Your household move is the perfect time to free yourself from clutter.  Not only will you reduce your personal inventory, but you can save on moving costs as well!