Winter is usually a time for holiday parties, cold weather, and warm drinks. In the business world though, work carries on as usual and if a lease is up or expansion comes knocking you may have to relocate no matter the season. When moving during the winter you’ll need to consider a few more factors than if you were moving during a warmer month. For a seamless winter, move keep the following factors in mind.
When Moving Your Business During the Winter, Consider Safety and Comfort.
Office Building Temperatures
Both the office building you are leaving and the one you are relocating to will be prone to chilly temperatures during winter as movers come in and out of the buildings. While you may want to save on the electric bill, you should consider keeping the heat on in both places during moving day. Not only will the movers and your employees appreciate moving furniture, equipment, and personal desk items into a warm environment, but cold sensitive electronics will be better off as well. Turning the heat on even slightly will be beneficial to your office on moving day.
The Weather and Office Equipment
Winter brings unique challenges in the form of unpredictable weather. It could rain, snow, sleet, or hail at any time and unfortunately, your office equipment still needs to go from point A to point B. Plan to cover all walkways movers will need to use to prevent your items from getting damaged. Shovel and salt all pathways to prevent slipping, and ensure your movers wrap all furniture in plastic and utilize plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes. These precautions will protect your office equipment.
Employee Conditions
Employees will want to bring their own personal desk items to their new offices either on moving day or on the day following. It is important for your employees to know the hazards of moving during winter and what they can do to protect themselves. Advise them to layer up when bringing their items so they can move freely but also stay warm. Have warm drinks available for your employees during the move and have the office set up to provide extra comfort.
Office Supply Priorities
While your staff may want to organize the closet with the brochures and business cards you have saved up, you should make sure they prioritize supplies that are needed for everyday operations. Set up coffee machines, computers, and phone lines before organizing materials that employees use sparingly. This will ensure your business continues to run smoothly during the winter move and employees have everything they need to work.
Plans and their Execution
Moving during the winter can be problematic due to unforeseen complications. Talk to your landlord or new property owner ahead of time and ask for leeway on move-out and move-in days in case of severe weather. Be sure to listen to your moving company’s advice during travel as they have experience in moving large equipment, furniture, and electronics during the winter months. Also, create a plan B for the company and employees for unforeseen complications so your business is not taken off guard during the move.
Moving your business in the winter can have its own benefits such as choice moving day selections, but it brings complications as well. If you are moving your business to a new location during the winter season, have a plan in mind and entrust your relocation to your trained and experienced moving company. Your new office will be up and running in no time with a moving company dedicated to providing a speedy and safe relocation. Talk to the Quality Group today for a consultation on moving your business during the winter.
The Quality Group
We have specialists who know how to move any kind of business, any time of year, regardless of the details. Whether you’re a 10 person IT company or a 200 person law firm, we’ve got experience with your unique problems. Call us about moving your business, whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall.