Tag: moving tips

Your Office Moving Questions Answered

Posted on July 12, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

Your Office Moving Questions Answered, moving relocation company new orleans

Business Relocation Questions Answered

Moving is a taxing time that demands a lot of time and effort. You have many moving parts to coordinate and questions arise about how things should be handled for the relocation. Your moving company probably handles a lot of the process so we’ve compiled a list of questions about the moving process that a lot of business owners have for moving companies. Find out what you need to know so you can coordinate your moving relocation more effectively.

 

  1. How Do I Get a Price Estimate?Call your movers for a business relocation estimate, your moving questions answered, commercial moving new orleans

Receiving a price estimate from your local office movers should be a simple phone call away. Moving companies vary in how they give estimates but with The Quality Group, we come to your business to do a free move consultation. The consultation includes everything from how we pack up your computer equipment to how many elevator trips it will take to move you out of the building. No matter the method, a moving company will give you a fairly accurate estimate of your move, whether in person or over the phone.

 

  1. When Should I Call to Schedule my Move?

Generally, the earlier moving companies know about the move, the better options you have. Planning your move in advance allows you to pick your ideal moving date instead of having to work around a booked schedule. Moving companies try their hardest to accommodate clients and schedule something on short notice but it doesn’t always work out optimally. Get an easier experience by booking your move as soon as you know you’re relocating.

 

  1. What Services Can You Provide for the Move?Business relocation companies offer a wide array of services, commercial moving in new orleans

Different moving companies can provide a varying range of services. At The Quality Group, we are a comprehensive moving relocation company and provide all the services you need for a move, from the move planning to the furniture installation in the new office. Contact your moving company to understand what services they can provide for you and which ones you’ll have to take care of by yourself.

 

  1. How do You Protect My Items?

Professional moving companies take the safety of your items seriously. They pack your items in protective wrapping, place them in cardboard boxes, or put them in plastic tubs, and secure them safely on the truck. On top of handling your items with care, moving companies have the extra precaution of insurance just in case something breaks. At The Quality Group, we are bonded, licensed, and insured for both our protection and yours.

  1. Do You Specialize in Moving Relocation Businesses?

Moving companies can be flexible in the types of moves they conduct, however, every company is not created equal. A moving company that specializes in relocating businesses, like The Quality Group, knows how to handle business equipment. All your technical and specialty equipment can be managed with the resources commercial movers have that residential movers may not. Depending on your office, and how much equipment you have, hiring a dedicated commercial mover may be your safest option.

Having a basis on what your moving company can provide is the key to a successful relocation. At The Quality Group, we make every effort to accommodate our client’s needs so you can have a stress-free move. Contact your moving company today to find out whether they are a good fit for your business relocation.

 

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial moving relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

Documents During a Corporate Move

Posted on June 21, 2016 by - Moving Preparation

Businesses tend to collect a lot of paperwork over the years. Many businesses allow documents to stack up over time without realizing how much paperwork is actually collecting in their file cabinets. While it is important to keep many documents for your own records or to meet standards set forth by laws, it is a good idea to clean records out every once in a while to avoid a paper overload. Moving your company to a new location presents the perfect opportunity to do some paperwork “spring cleaning” for your business.

Find Out How and Why You Should Dispose of Documents During a Corporate Move

During a corporate move clean out your file cabinetsWhy Should I Dispose of Documents During a Corporate Move?

The most obvious reason to get rid of documents you no longer need during a corporate move is that it will save space in your already packed file cabinets. Disposing of unneeded documents will make room for new forms you’ll be collecting in the future.

Another reason to get rid of unnecessary documents is that they could lead to information liabilities. Old documents that no longer pertain to your company could still hold confidential information. If this information gets into the wrong hands it could lead to legal problems and damage your company’s reputation. Getting rid of old documents can help stave off future problems for you and the company.

How Should I Dispose of Documents Before a Corporate Move?

Sensitive documents should be disposed of properly to remove any risk of leaked information. While you may have a document shredder at your office, it might not be sufficient enough to get the job done correctly. Paper shredders that only shred documents into long strips still run the risk of leaking information. It is quite easy to piece the strips back together again. You’ll want to either invest in a crosscut shredder or hire a company to shred your documents for you.

During a corporate move shred your documentsWhat Documents Should I Shred During a Corporate Move?

Keeping essential documents is extremely important for a company. Keeping records of items you haven’t had anything to do with in five years however, may not be the best use of your cabinet space. If you are still worried about shredding the older documents, you can hire a company to help you with record organization and retention.

Moving old, non-essential documents to your new location will just make it cluttered. Removing those documents before your relocation will help you be better organized from the start. Take the time to sort your documents and dispose of any you no longer need and enjoy a smoother relocation process.

 

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

4 Organizing Tips to Easy Office Relocation

Posted on June 14, 2016 by - Moving Preparation

Preparing for an office move can be stressful for the whole office. It is disruptive of the work flow and nerve-racking to all employees involved. Successful organization before your move however, can lead to a seamless and easy office relocation and as well as stress-free unpacking.

Have an Easy Office Relocation with these 4 Organizing Tips

1. Label EverythingLabel personal items for an easy office relocation.

While your moving company will move all of the big equipment and furniture, ensuring correct installation and relocation of these items, you and your employees will need to take care of the small and personal items. Labeling your small and personal items will ensure your equipment is relocated correctly and lead to a smoother move as well as an effortless unpacking process. Labeled files will end up in the correct filing cabinet while kitchen supplies will make it into the kitchen area instead of the lobby.

Use color coded labels for even more organization.

 

2. Use ChecklistsChecklists help you ensure all aspects of moving are covered.

When getting ready for the move, use checklists to ensure that every aspect of packing is covered and all items are organized before the movers arrive. Your list might include checking in with every employee and confirming they are prepared for the move or completing a walk through of the communal areas to verify that all is packed. You could also have a general inventory list to confirm that everything is accounted for in each area of the office.

 

3. Delegate TasksPut one person in charge of a specific task to ensure things get done.

Who packed the kitchen supplies? Where are the communal office supplies? To avoid these questions, delegate communal space packing to certain employees to guarantee all communal packing is complete before the big move. Delegating tasks will also ensure that nothing is left behind. Putting one person in charge of a specific area will provide your employees with a sense of responsibility and give you a point person to talk to if an area is left unpacked.

 

4. Assign New OfficesFor an easy office relocation, assign new offices before you get there.

Before the move, give your employees their new office numbers or cubical locations. Provide them with a layout of the new office space so they can familiarize themselves with the arrangement. Have them label their personal office boxes with their new office numbers or names. This can help prevent an office scramble after the move.

At Quality Group, we can help you plan your layout and optimize it for workflow efficiency and assist you in office assignments. Having a third party assign offices can lead to fewer arguments between employees fighting for the “best” office space.

Moving an office is stressful enough, but taking a little time before the relocation to organize yourself and your employees can lead to a harmonious and easy office relocation. Use these tips to ensure that packing and unpacking your office goes smoothly.

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

Writing Your Business Relocation Letter

Posted on May 24, 2016 by - Moving Preparation

Informing those who interact with you on a daily basis about an upcoming move is an essential part of keeping your business running normally. Your clients, vendors, partners, and mail deliverers need to know your new location if they are going to continue to interact with the business in an efficient manner. A well-written and timely business relocation letter will help everyone associated with your company accept your transition to a new location.

Business Relocation Letters Notify Your Associates of Your Move in a Timely Manner

Start preparing your business relocation letter two months outPrepare

Giving enough time for everyone to get used to your move is an important part of moving. You’ll want to start preparing to send out the letter two months prior to your move date in order to get everything assembled. Start preparing the letter as soon as you know the move date.

Construct the Mailing List

Chances are your list of contacts is extensive. The first step in sending out your business relocation letter is sifting through all your contacts to determine who needs a notification of your move and who does not. For example, a client you haven’t interacted with in five years may not be your first recipient, however, this does create an opportunity to reach out to that client and update them on your services or how your business has changed. The client who you see every quarter however, should be made aware of your business relocation as soon as you’re ready to send them out.

Write Your Letter

There are several aspects you’ll need to include when writing your relocation letter. All of your contact information including mailing addresses, phone numbers, email, and social media profiles needs to be included on your letter so recipients can contact you with any questions or concerns. If your contact information is changing, put both forms in your letter and the dates when that contact information will be valid.

Follow this format for your letter:

All contact information

Greeting

Introduction paragraph

o   The announcement of the move and the date when the new office will be open.

Secondary paragraph

o   Explanation of the move. This can include why you are moving, any service changes that will be a result of the move, and what they can expect for the future.

Current and future contact information with effective dates

Closing paragraph

o   This is a positive message about the move and a thank you to the recipients for their understanding and support. It also includes directions for contacting you with concerns.

Closing and signature

Send your business relocation letter through the mail, email, and post it social mediaSend the Letter

Printing and sending the letter to your recipients is the last step in completing your business relocation letter. You’ll need to print out the copies either in-house or get a print shop to print them for you, along with the envelopes. Once mailed, follow through by sending the letter in email form as well as posting it to your social media pages to ensure everyone sees the update. Getting the letter to clients through multiple channels will ensure your message is received. Send out your notification of the move through mail, email, and social media posts at least one month before the move date. You can also send out reminders or countdown letters and emails reminding everyone of the move as it draws closer. Giving a month’s time will allow people to make necessary adjustments or ask questions about the move.

An organized business relocation letter can do wonders for your clients, vendors, and associates when you are moving to a new location. Simply giving them formal notification can prevent confusion and awkward phone calls about your location. A business relocation letter and proper follow through plan will help everyone take your company’s move in stride.

 

Work with The Quality Group

At The Quality Group, we’re your commercial relocation specialists. Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, LA, The Quality Group serves the Gulf States with comprehensive commercial moving services from move planning to furniture installation. No other company puts in the time or preparation that we do to make your move stress and hassle-free.

Updating Your Address Business Moving Checklist

Posted on May 17, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

Updating your address during a business move can be a bit of a hassle. It used to be an easy update informing the post office and your clients of the move. Today however, there is a lot more to worry about. With the multiple channels you utilize to stay current in the market, you also need to be concerned about keeping those channels updated to ensure current and future clients can find you. Make sure to update your address during a business move on everything in this checklist to keep your clients informed.

Update Your Address During a Business Move to Avoid Client Confusion

 

  • Website

Your website is where most people are going to look in order to find where you are located. Informing your web company of the move and requesting them to change your address is a top priority.

 

  • Business Card

You give business cards to every potential client and acquaintance you meet. If you set up a meeting with someone and they are basing your location off of the information you personally handed to them, it better be correct or the relationship will be strained before it even begins.

 

  • Marketing Materials

Many businesses utilize some type of marketing material whether it is flyers, brochures, billboards, newspaper ads, or magazine ads. Update your address on these materials to avoid confusion with your clients.

 

  • Social Media

This one is easy to forget about but extremely important to remember. With more and more people spending increasing amounts of time on social media, having updated information on these platforms is crucial for your business. Correct information on social media will keep you current on the online sphere and ensure your followers you are active as a company.

 

  • Google

This encompasses updating your business’ location on Google Maps and on your paid search campaigns. Many people search for your business on Google Maps because it is easy and accurate. It is crucial to ensure the listing stays accurate so people end up at your new location. Also, updating your paid search campaigns to the new address will prevent your clients from being

 

  • Online Directories

If you’re listed as a location in any online directories such as, Yelp, Angie’s List, Yellow Pages, Foursquare, etc., make sure to have your information updated across these channels. As different viewers will find you in different ways online, its important that these show the most current information.

 

  • Billing Address

Many bills are paid electronically now, but it is still important to update your address to the new location with the billing companies. In the event that a bill is sent via mail or you need to request an invoice for your books, making sure they have the current address will prevent future headaches.

 

  • Return Labels/StampsUpdate your address on your stamps during a business move

This is a minor detail that is often overlooked. Acquiring updated return labels or stamps, however, will prevent someone in your office from having to hand write hundreds of return addresses on letters that need to be sent out quickly.

 

We’ll try to keep the move as stress free as possible, but we know there are plenty of other items to take care of during relocation. While updating your address can get pushed down on the To Do list (or even seem a little daunting), it’s extremely important to your company and your clients. The last thing you want after a successful move is to get multiple calls from clients asking where you are right before your meeting time. To avoid problems and unnecessary headaches, be sure to follow this list and update your address on all channels.

HR Communication During a Company Move

Posted on April 19, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

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HR Can Help You Through a Company Move.

As the HR manager, during a move, your focus is on the staff. Your efforts will go toward giving the staff the right information for the move and making sure they maintain a positive mindset. Check out these tips to be an effective HR manager during your company’s move and ease the staff’s minds into the new office.

Know Why You are Moving

The initial news of the move will be shocking to your staff. Some of the employees may be anxious and some will be excited. Knowing why you are you moving and being able to illustrate this when people come to ask will be key. Conveying the vision behind the move will help ease minds.

Offer Support Channels

Be a part of the planning and communication from the start so you know what is going on and when it will be happening. Knowing each step of the plan will allow you to answer any questions that come your way from confused staff. Be sure to give staff multiple channels to voice their concerns and questions, whether it’s through social media, email, an online forum, or in person.

Map out the new office as part of your HR tasks. Map it Out

Providing maps to staff and clients will be essential to avoiding frustration after the move. Let them know visually and directionally where the new office is and how they can get there. Providing a map of the new office’s layout will also be helpful for staff.

Train Staff

New equipment may come with the new office and may require training to ensure proper use. Schedule out some training time for the new equipment.

Stay Positive

Rumors and bitter feelings may be swirling around the office due to the upcoming change. Staying positive with the vision of the new location and what it means will help dispel negativity. Keep staff updated on news so misinformation is not spread and the move is successful.

As the HR manager, you should plan a celebration after the move. Celebrate

Moving your office to a new location can be stressful so remember to celebrate after the successful move. Celebrating will get your office started with a positive attitude and help people get used to the new place.

Ask for Feedback

Including staff in the move so they know their opinion matters to the company is important. Get feedback from them after the move on what can make the new office more comfortable. In a new place, feeling comfortable can go a long way.

Communicating the right information during the move will benefit everyone and relieve loads of stress. As the HR manager, you can help be a positive influence during your company’s move into a new office.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a New Office

Posted on March 22, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

Anyone who has ever moved knows and understands that a lot goes into choosing a new office. There are a lot of factors to consider in a certain time limit and because there is so much to do it’s easy to make mistakes. Below is a list of the most common ones that people make when choosing a new office and tips on how to avoid making them.

Underestimating Time

If your business doesn’t account for enough time when choosing an office space, you will be forced into choosing something that may not be best for you. Looking for a space and negotiating an office lease time can take a while. If you know you want to move to a new office you should begin the search 6-12 months in advance of your current lease’s expiration date, and maybe even more if your office is larger than 2500 sq. ft. as your space requirements are more likely harder to meet.

Not Considering Future Growth

Failing to factor in future growth of your company may result in your business outgrowing the office before the lease’s due expiration date. This results in staff feeling cramped and unmotivated, and not being able to get any work done. Future growth should be taken into consideration when choosing a new office. It never hurts to have a little extra space or a couple of extra rooms in your office because that space may come handy later on.

Paying the Stated Price and Not Negotiating

All lease terms are negotiable. Settling for the landlord’s initial negotiations will only ensure that they are getting the most bang for their buck, and it will prevent you from looking after your own needs and interests. Be sure to negotiate the terms that your landlord proposes to ensure you are getting what you need in the new office.

Not Having Legal Representation

A real estate lawyer reviews office spaces for their career. When reviewing the terms of your lease it’s beneficial to have a real estate lawyer on your side to review the lease with you. If you were to review the lease and make a mistake the consequences could come back and hurt you down the line. Make sure you have a real estate lawyer that is looking out for you and who will help prevent this from happening.

Choosing the right office space is imperative to ensuring your business is successful. Follow our tips above in order to avoid the most common mistakes made when choosing a new office space. Doing so will benefit you and your business.

The Last Day in Your Old Office After Moving

Posted on February 16, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

The movers have come and packed all the office equipment up, moved it to the new location and arranged it all in the new building. All your employees are hard at work in the new place and you are eager to be in the new building hard at work as well. The problem is you still need to finish up a few more things at the old place before you can be officially moved into your new office.

To cut ties with your old office building forever, there are a few requirements you’ll need to complete.

Clean

Clean your office when moving will prevent extra chargesWhether you are renting or selling your old office building, cleaning after you move is a must. This means, vacuuming, wiping down the walls, cleaning the restrooms and fixing any damage. Cleaning up will prevent the landlord from having to charge you to purchase the services after you leave. Or if you own the building, it will prevent the new owners from reducing the buying price due to the condition of the office. You can opt to clean the office yourself or hire a professional cleaning service that will clean for you. With proper planning, The Quality Group can offer this service to you as part of their moving services.

Stop Utilities

Another step to complete before you are officially done with the old office is to stop all utilities flowing to that building. Sometimes this will mean talking to your landlord to make sure you are no longer being billed for the utilities, and other times it means contacting your utility provider and switching it to the new location. In either case, you need to make sure you won’t be paying for utilities you aren’t using.

Turn in Your Key

Turn your key in after you move everything out of your officeAfter you clean everything and make sure you aren’t paying for utilities for the old office, you’ll need to turn in your key. Holding on to the old office key after you move will benefit no one, so when all tasks are complete, turn it over to the landlord or new owners. This will help you avoid further rent charges or allow the new owners to start moving into their new office.

Moving is a big process, but you need to make sure everything is taken care of, and that includes your old office building. Making sure it is ready for the next tenants is important in avoiding further complications. After everything is complete however, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new office worry free.

Keeping Your Business Going During a Move

Posted on February 2, 2016 by - Commercial Relocation, Moving Preparation

Moving is a hectic and stressful time for your business. On top of everything being shifted, packed and moved, you have to keep your clients happy and operations running. It can be hard to keep everything going normally when such a big disrupter is in your midst. It is possible however, to keep your business functioning during a move with some due diligence and some helpful tips.

Plan

Planning is the most important thing for your move. Research on what you’ll need to do leading up to the move, during the move, and right after the move to get settled is a must. While planning won’t cover everything, it will help things run a lot smoother. Start planning as early as possible so you and your employees can organize the work that needs doing with the move in mind. Stay on track and try to get as much work done as you can before the move so you have less to worry about.

Assign Responsibilities and Communicate

Moving is a hectic time so it’s a good idea to assign defined responsibilities to each employee so everything is covered. Assigning who does what will ensure the tasks that aren’t a part of the everyday schedule get done. With the chaos of a move, it’s also important to keep in touch and communicate more frequently. Moving is a stressful situation so having regular meetings will help ease concerns and keep everyone in the know so they can make informed decisions.

Schedule for the Weekend or Slow Days

There is no avoiding a little bit of disruption in the workflow during a move, but you can minimize it by moving in your off season. Also, try to move either on the weekend or on a typically slow day. Moving during a time when you’re not busy will prevent your employees from having to disrupt a big project. It will also keep their stress level down and lessen the impact for clients.

Hire Professional Movers

Professional movers will reduce your stress by making sure everything is moved correctlyThe best thing to keep your business moving as it should during relocation, is to hire a professional moving company. Hiring a moving company will allow your employees to focus on what is most important: their work. Professional movers will take the stress of moving off of you and your employees and move everything for you. If you hire a moving company like The Quality Group, then they’ll set up everything in your new office as well, so you can jump right back into work. Professional movers will take the stress of moving off of your business so you can focus on just your business.

Maintaining your workflow during a move can be a challenge but it’s definitely not impossible. Remember to plan, communicate and schedule for slow times when moving and to make it a seamless transition, call The Quality Group. We’d love to help you move with no noticeable down time.