Relocating your office is a bigger undertaking than most businesses expect. Between coordinating movers, managing your team, and keeping operations running, it’s easy to overlook steps that end up costing time and money. Here’s what Tacoma businesses most commonly miss.
Start Planning Earlier Than You Think
Most office moves take three to nine months from start to finish, depending on size and complexity, according to CoworkingCafe. The biggest mistake Tacoma businesses make is assuming they have more runway than they do. Assign an internal move coordinator early, set a realistic budget, and book your moving company well before the move date to avoid scrambling.
Back Up All Data Before Anything Gets Unplugged
IT is one of the most overlooked aspects of any office relocation, according to the website Tekorder. Your business data is one of your most valuable assets. Best practices call for multiple redundant backup systems before, during, and after the move. Back everything up to the cloud and an external drive, then test a restore before moving day to confirm nothing is missing.
Confirm Internet and Phone Service at the New Location
Many businesses assume connectivity at the new office will be ready to go. Unfortunately, this usually isn’t the case. Internet and phone setup often takes longer than expected. Make sure to order services early and keep both old and new connections active during the transition to avoid gaps.
Notify Vendors and Update Your Digital Presence
Address change notifications are easy to put off and costly to forget. Many vendors need at least three weeks to process a business relocation notice. Hourly.io suggests building a complete notification list early. Reach out to your suppliers, bank, insurance carrier, and the IRS. Once you get to moving day, make sure your website, email signatures, and Google Business Profile all reflect the new address.
Declutter Before You Pack
An office move is the best opportunity to audit what your business actually needs in the new space. Pairing your move with junk removal or commercial decommissioning services means you’re starting fresh rather than recreating the same cluttered environment in a new location.
Do a Walkthrough Before Employees Arrive
The period right after the move is when small problems are easiest to catch and fix. Verify that all furniture and equipment were placed according to the floor plan. Make sure to test all technology systems, such as the internet, phones, printers, and security access, before your team shows up. Filing any damage claims immediately is far easier than sorting out issues days or weeks later.
Lincoln Moving & Storage: Tacoma’s Office Moving Experts Since 1914
Lincoln Moving & Storage has been helping Tacoma businesses relocate for over a century. From furniture disassembly and IT equipment handling to after-hours moving and warehouse storage, our team manages every detail so your business loses as little time as possible. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.