When it is time to move your business, it is important to plan and prepare ahead in order to ensure least disruption to business operations. In this post, the below commercial mover tips will help your moving experience be smooth and stress-free.
- Choose a moving company
- Ensure that you are dealing with a commercial mover and not a broker
- Obtain a quote from the moving company
- Get moving insurance
- Plan for the moving day
- Take inventory of items being moved
- Get employees involved
- Prepare a moving checklist
Choosing the best moving company comes first, and probably the most important step in the moving process.
INFORM YOUR EMPLOYEES & CLIENTS
- As soon as you know when and where you are moving to, inform your employees.
- Get packing and preparation started as soon as possible.
- If your clients visit you at your business location, inform them about your change of address at least a month before your move.
- Update your suppliers with the new address.
- Change your mailing address.
- Get packing supplies in advance so employees can pack their personal belongings.
- Provide labels or markers to label the boxes. This helps the movers put the boxes in appropriate areas.
- Provide the moving company with a map of the new building and share details about where items need to go.
- Assign one person as a point of contact for the moving day in order for clear and effective communication.
WHEN LOOKING FOR A COMMERCIAL MOVER – TIPS:
- Get quotes from at least three reputable movers.
- Find out how the company will handle the move and protect the shipment during transit.
- Check for reviews online.
- Check company’s licensing and insurance coverage.
Find out if the company has a local office.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE HIRING MOVERS & PACKERS:
- Company has a local office location with verifiable address.
- They are licensed and insured.
- They have Workers Compensation.
- They are experienced.
- They are listed with Better Business Bureau.
FIND OUT IF YOU ARE DEALING WITH A MOVER OR A BROKER
A moving broker is a company that organizes the transport of your cargo by using subcontractors to provide the service. If you work with a broker, make sure you have information about their certification and background. Establish whether the moving broker is responsible for all end-to-end services, including those provided by subcontractors. Many brokers do not take responsibility for lost or broken items. Reliable, Professional, communicative, and friendly
Outsourcing is a major source of consumer complaints. It complicates the tracking of responsibility in the event of a dispute.
OBTAIN A QUOTE FROM THE MOVER
Get the costs, terms, and conditions of your move in writing before you commit.
YOU SHOULD ALSO:
- Make sure the movers & packers see all the items that need to be moved when preparing the estimate.
- Create an inventory list of items that need to be moved before the movers do an in-person or a virtual walkthrough to provide a quote. This will allow movers to have more information about everything they will be moving and to see items that require special handling.
- Make sure to provide the mover with all the information he needs to prepare your quote.
- Find out about additional costs if you need to add items on moving day.
- Ensure that commitments relating to the delivery date and items requiring special attention are included.
- Ask if a deposit is required and if it is refundable or retained as a penalty to cover the costs of cancellation.
- Find out what forms of payment your mover will accept.
- Review the quote carefully and make sure you understand all the details, including the final cost as well as the terms.
GET MOVING INSURANCE
Your company’s insurance policy, combined with the insurance of the mover, could cover you if your goods are damaged or lost during the move. Be sure to check any insurance requirements the building management might have for the moving company to be allowed work in their premises.