Planning, disconnecting, packing, mobilizing, organizing, unpacking, installing, reconnecting…the logistics of it all…moving your office can be a painful experience, especially if you aren’t properly prepared. Well, there are some tricks to the trade that we’ve learned along the way, and we’d like to share a few. You can help deter office moving headaches by following these tips.

Make a checklist

This might sound obvious, but you would not believe how many people in charge of moving an office fail to take this step. Making a highly detailed checklist can help you have a successful move. To ensure everything goes smoothly, plan out each phase of the move by writing very clear, specific instructions so that everyone is on the same page. Then be sure to share the list with key staff.

Don’t try to move your own computer network

While it might cost you a few extra dollars to pay professionals to disconnect and reconnect computers, phones and other devices, it’s well worth the investment. Having employees disconnect and reconnect their own computers and phones can result in missing cords or cables, incorrectly connected hardware, frustrated staff and lost work hours. You should also avoid tasking movers with disassembling workstations. An IT professional can help you relocate your network smoothly so that your employees can get back to work as soon as possible.

Hire the right IT firm to move your network

Know what you’re looking for when you hire a company to move your network. You want a professional who will visit your current location and do a detailed site survey before giving you a quote. You will want the company to apply the cost of the survey against your move cost if you choose them. Check for references from clients, a down-time estimate and guarantee, proof of insurance and an organized approach to moving your network.

Give your phone, cable and Internet vendors ample notice

Make sure you have scheduled service to be connected on or before your move-in date so that the IT firm relocating your network will be able to get you up and running once your move is complete. To be safe, give your vendors at least 6 weeks advance notice. That way, your connections can be installed, tested and ready for your move-in date. If you are building a new office, decide during the planning phase how many outlets and network and phone connections you need. If you make changes post-construction, they may cost you additional money.

We’d like to offer you even more information on office moving. Contact Matrix Computer Consulting today at 703-368-2553 or email us at info@matrixcc.net.