If your corporation has an office move looming in its future, than Washington Express Movers is here to offer you a few tips to help make the moving process as seamless, stress-free, and budget-friendly as possible.

Move During Business Hours

It may seem counter-intuitive and disruptive, but moving during office hours, when permitted by your building’s manager, can actually be the most logical choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, employees will be on the premises to offer a helping hand where required. Secondly, a daytime move will help your business avoid extra expenses that you’ll inevitably rack-up when scheduling a move after business hours, as most moving companies include after-hours fees.

Choose Off-peak Season for Savings

Because the summer months are so busy for moving companies, you may be required to pay a premium if you’re looking to schedule your move during this time. For this reason, you can enjoy great savings by opting to relocate during your mover’s off-peak season. As an added benefit, your mover is also likely to be much more accommodating of your company’s scheduling considerations when their calendar is less full.

Move When Business is Slow

Consider moving your business when it is least hectic and there are less projects, reports and client meetings scheduled. If you move during your peak season, scheduling and efficiency of the move can become a hindrance.

Let Us Handle Your Corporate Move

Professional like the ones working at Washington Express Movers will use their years of experience to make the move of your business as painless as possible. Contact us today so that we can discuss how we’ll get your business swiftly moved to its new location while making every effort to minimize downtime.

The post 3 Considerations for Your Corporate Move first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Furniture First

All of your supplies, papers and electronics need to have somewhere to go. It will be easiest to place your furniture where you think you want it before you begin unpacking on it. Make a room plan and draw it out if need be. If needed, inquire with your office movers about furniture rearranging assistance post move.

Account For Your Belongings

Before you start unpacking, make sure all your furniture and boxes arrived. Labeling your items/boxes properly should ensure they land in the correct office. Take inventory of your office materials and ensure no items are missing.

Essentials First

There are some things that just can’t wait. All of those things sound be taken care of first. Some suggestions for those items are as follows:

1. Computer
2. Phone
3. Notepad or paper
4. Pens/Pencils
5. Printers/Fax/Copiers
6. Files or packets for upcoming meetings

Make sure the computer and phone are working properly as soon as possible to avoid more complications down the line. There may be other supplies you have to have in your office in order to function, so be sure to add those to the list. Some items may sound important but aren’t vital to running your business for a day or two.

A Little at a Time

While you don’t want to be unpacking for months, you don’t have to do it all in a day. Setting a goal like that adds extra strain that will make the move more stressful. Instead, try to pace yourself. Get anything you need for the day done, and anything extra you feel you have the time for. Give yourself a week or at least a couple of days to get everything put away and organized how you want it.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Placements aren’t set in stone. You can move things around later if it isn’t working out where you originally put it. Getting flustered while unpacking about the final location of your belongings will end up causing the process to take longer. Get things approximately where you want them, and you can revisit later if anything isn’t quite where you want it.

Contact Us

Contact Washington Express Movers for a free estimate on your next office move! We aim to make your move as efficient and easy as possible and remain available to our customers for any post-move needs!

The post Tips For Unpacking Your Office first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Start out with an excited and positive introduction that explains why your company is moving and how it will benefit your team in the long run. Address all changes with optimism, but be honest about what is happening. If you are downsizing, it’s important to say so.

Next, lay out the plan! You should include:

• A general timeline with all milestone dates in bold or highlight,
• A targeted moving date,
• A list of responsibilities for your staff, and
• A meeting date to answer any and all questions your employees may have.

Your employees will appreciate having a letter that covers all the basic questions, as well as having a meeting scheduled for them to get answers on any other questions they have have.

Be sure to make this an official letter and make everything as specific as possible! It can be stressful to deal with gossip and employee fear, so be transparent during this time.

If you are looking for assistance during your office move, be sure to call the professionals at Washington Express Movers! We would be happy to do the heavy lifting for you and your team as you embark on this exciting new adventure.

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Hidden Costs

While this new office space looks totally perfect except for that one little thing, be careful. Some people choose to purchase a building that isn’t in great condition for a low price with the intention of fixing the place up. This may make sense financially, as you can spread out the renovations as you need. However, it’s important to note that updates can get a little overwhelming and expensive. Any obvious repair work is going to be noticeable upon walking in: the roof, the paint, the floor quality, etc. However, beware of what you cannot see. How is the electrical system holding up? How old are the pipes? Is the place up to code? Pay close attention to building codes and zoning restrictions. You could end up paying quite a bit of money to fix up a place that, in the end, may not be worth it. If you really fall in love with a place, consider hiring an engineer or contractor to make sure everything you want to do with the place is possible.

The Butterfly Effect

This new building looks like a great option for your office, but it’s about 30 minutes from your current location. Yikes! If you need to move far away from where you are right now, it’s important to consider the repercussions. Can your key employees come with? If not, are you willing to take the time to find replacements? Can business take that much of a hit? If not, you should probably wait out the search just a bit longer. Consider rearranging your current office structure if need be. If you absolutely must move to this new place, that’s fine—just be ready to plan for employee relocation and recruitment costs. Also, your employees will likely have some fear and stress rise up during this process. Be ready to address this with them, as for some, it will likely mean that they will look for employment elsewhere.

Adjusting Business Plans

If you are still finalizing your business plan, then it may not be time to purchase a new office space. Making an office move is expensive, and it can eat up a lot of time. If you will need to sell your business or break your lease for whatever reason, the resulting fees could be detrimental. What are your plans for your business in the next few years? Do you want to help your employees with training, purchase better technology, or invest in a new marketing program? If you need your new office to meet your goals, then you should absolutely move. If not, it may be time to consider putting those funds elsewhere.

Timeline Goals

If you are for sure going to move, then make sure to give your employees as much of a head’s up as you can! Some might have increased commute times while others will have to consider moving altogether if they want to stay at your business. We highly recommend offering time-off allowances for employees to find housing and relocate, if that is part of their plan. Also, try your best to make any moves after your busy time of year. Otherwise, you will find it much harder to meet your deadlines. With that said, if you can sacrifice just a few hours of productivity, then you can hire office movers to handle the lifting for you. That means minimal downtime!

Contact Washington Express Movers

If you are looking for a team to handle your office moving project, it’s time to call Washington Express Movers. We proudly serve the Washington, D.C. metro area. Our project managers work closely with you to develop the best strategy for your move. That means that you can decide when you move with confidence—the date, the time, the place, you name it. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more! We look forward to helping your office pick up and set up a permanent residence someplace else. Encourage your company; feel stronger with Washington Express Movers.

The post Beware Before You Move! first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

You are in a Poor Location Right Now

Perhaps you opened your office in the most affordable spot as you were getting started—but now you’re having a hard time attracting the talent you need to thrive. Maybe your customer base is having a challenging time finding you. Whatever the reason may be, your location is not ideal. If you know that your business can do well somewhere else, then it’s time to consider a business move!

You are Losing Business

If your current location is losing clients and other business, it’s time to go! While your one-office rental room in a communal space may have worked well for the first three months, now you and your crew are running out of space to meet with clients. Just as a non-profit located in the ritziest location will probably receive some criticism, your company may receive similar eyebrow raises if you are not located somewhere that reflects your brand.

Your Facilities are Old

When your facilities are old, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t working properly, but pay attention. If your facilities are not reliable, then this can be annoying at best and dangerous at worst. Make sure your business’ building is up to code, and if there is any violation, fix the problem—or move someplace else that is safer to employees and visitors.

The Market has Changed

Nothing lasts forever! Perhaps you started your business in a new neighborhood, and now, time has made that investment worth much more than what you initially paid. Feel free to sell and turn a profit in order to expand your business even more! Other companies may have started their business in one place, yet increasing rent prices have made it financially irresponsible to renew the lease. Even if you want to stay, make sure to do what is best for your business, and consider moving somewhere the rent is more affordable.

Your Employees are Unhappy

It’s essential to keep your employees happy. You want to retain knowledgeable workers and encourage them to grow in their skills and their productivity. However, the bottom line is simple: If they are unhappy about their work environment, then something needs to change. Maybe it’s time for your employees to actually have some desk space instead of sharing all the desks. Perhaps they are tired of paying for parking. Whatever the reason, consider a move to improve your employees’ moods and attitudes.

Your Contract Means You Can’t Remodel

While a bunch of changes can usually improve a space and make it work better for your needs, some contracts don’t allow this. If your business really demands a larger kitchen, or perhaps an additional office space for a new employee, yet your landlord will not allow a remodel, it is time to take a look at new business locations.

You Don’t Fit

When we say you don’t fit, that doesn’t mean that there are too many of you—it could be that there are too few of you. If your office space doesn’t work, it’s time to move on. Overcrowded offices can hurt productivity levels, and too much empty space can cause just as many issues. This is especially the case if you have had to downsize and lower your number of employees. The empty space can damage morale. Consider moving somewhere you will have just enough room for growth, but not so much room that the place feels empty.

Your Infrastructure is Changing

If you are adding a new department to your company, that is going to demand a little more than just basic shuffling. Depending on the new team, you may need new equipment, a new floor plan, or even a whole new building. Opening a new location might mean moving staff, furniture, or equipment across the city.

Office Movers You Can Trust!

At Washington Express Movers, we want you to know that your move is going to be fully taken care of. We look forward to working with you and your team to set you up for success. Whether you are moving just down the block or to the other side of D.C., we have you covered. Reach out to us today to get started!

The post Top Reasons for an Office Move first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Disclose the New Location

Telling your employees about the new office as soon as you can is important. They will need to plan on any potential changes to their daily commute. If your office is located in Washington D.C., we recommend taking a look at public transit and seeing if your new office is accessible. If not, you may have a difficult time with employees who need to make the switch to the new office. Keep this in mind, and be ready to offer suggestions to those who may have a harder time getting into work.

Help Where You Can

If there are issues with the new location, make sure to address these problems as soon as you can. Also, do as much as possible to assist! For example, if they will need to pay for parking, you may need to offer to reimburse them for this cost. Even those of you who cannot offer incentives or other assistance should inform your employees as early as possible before the move. Some workers may need to find different employment options to meet their transportation needs and find a smaller commute.

Offer Flexibility

If your business is moving into the heart of Washington D.C., then your employees may be feeling stressed about parking, the commute, and traffic. If at all possible, offer some flexibility. Let your employees work from home, allow them to come in later or earlier—whatever it takes to make them feel more at ease with the new situation.

Keep Communication Open

By regularly updating your staff on the progress of the move, you can address any questions and concerns as they arise. Keep everyone in the loop to avoid any gossip or hearsay from getting out of hand. Also, open up a forum for employees! They will likely have questions about the change, and encouraging them to ask you these questions can prevent drama later on.

We also recommend sharing a timeline with your employees so that they know when it’s time to pack, when the office move takes place, and what day the new office is up and open for business.

Ask for Opinions

While everyone has different thoughts on what should and should not be done in an office, it never hurts to ask. Ask your staff what would make their jobs easier in the new space. Maybe adding more space inside the photocopier room or adding another chair to the breakroom is exactly what they need. Perhaps bigger desks would help them do their jobs more efficiently. Simply ask what would be the best option for them, and they will feel included and listened to—especially if you can incorporate their requests.

Inform Staff of the New Neighborhood

Is there an amazing deli just around the corner from your new office? How about a coffee shop that has rave reviews? Let your staff know about these little amenities and watch them get more and more excited about the move. Create a list of the nearby restaurants, shops, gyms, daycare centers, grocery stores, parks, and anything else that your employees may want to know.

Washington Express Movers

When you are ready to make the move from one office to the next, it’s time to call the professionals. Our office movers want to take as much of the stress and pressure of a cross-city move off of your shoulders as possible. There is no need to worry about the logistics—we can handle those. That way, you can focus on keeping business running smoothly, as usual. Reach out to us today and let us know when you need our services!

The post Moving Employees with Your Office Move first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Pack in Advance

Pack your items well in advance. Many electronics may become fragile in cold weather. Ensure they are packed properly and if need be, make accommodations for them to travel in a heated space.

Clear Entrances of Snow

Make sure entrances are clear of snow at your current and upcoming space. Even if you are not certain there will be snow, have a back-up plan coordinated with a team ready to tackle this task if need be. Also ensure there will be space available for the moving truck to park and gain access to the building. Streets can become hectic during inclement weather.

Protect your Floors

Protect your floors and entryways. Make sure cardboard or plastic is put down on your flooring to protect them from the salt, dirt, and water that gets tracked in with snow. This will also prevent unwanted slips and injuries!

Check the Utilities

Turn your utilities on! Check in with the property manager to ensure the heat and water will be running. You don’t want you or your team to be miserable while trying to unpack.

Plan with Caution

Plan your route carefully and gather an emergency contact list. This will help you stay updated with the traffic and weather of the route you’ve chosen. Make sure you have a list of necessary phone numbers with you such as roadside assistance and phone numbers of your moving team. It’s possible you’ll run into unforeseen circumstances so allow yourself some extra travel time.

Contact Us

Moving in the winter isn’t easy, but with proper planning and precautions, it will be much less stressful. You can count on Washington Express Movers to relocate your business at any time of the year and feel confident our team is taking the utmost care and caution with your move. Call us today to receive your free quote and complimentary walkthrough.

The post 5 Tips for Moving Offices in the Winter first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

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If you are ready to learn more about office relocation and why it’s an awesome idea, we are here to help. Contact Washington Express Movers today when you are ready to see how we can assist you and your employees!

Planning the Move

Office moves don’t have to be a massive pain, assuming that you take the necessary steps ahead of time to feel prepared and ready to go. If you give yourself plenty of time to plan the move or contact a moving company to assist, then moving day won’t be much of a hassle at all. Ahead of time, we recommend mapping out a budget and adhering to this budget for the entire process. We also believe you should keep a timeframe in mind. If you can only be shut down for a few hours, communicate that with your moving company! You may be able to move after business hours if this is the case.

When choosing your moving specialists, be sure to do your research. What companies can handle everything you need to be done? Call and ask around, but don’t forget to give Washington Express Movers a call, too! Many business owners like yourself will tell you to hire an external company, as these crews ensure that all the big decisions are up to you, but the heavy lifting is up to them.

Brand Enhancement

While you might see your move as just picking up items from point A and moving them to point B, we see it as an opportunity to enhance or adjust your brand. Believe it or not, your office space will reveal quite a bit about the overall attitude and values of the company. With a move, you have the option to update the aesthetics and keep them in line with what you want both your employees and customers to see when they look at your business. Don’t be afraid to hire an office design company to give you some guidance in the new space.

Innovative Working Adjustments

If there are any new work day procedures or tactics you want to try, a move might be the perfect chance to implement these changes. Get creative: tell your office interior designers that you want open working spaces, small acoustic rooms, and employee lunch areas! The employees will be interested in what changes you have made in the new building, as well as figuring out what their new work environment will be like.

Company Growth

Once you have more space, a nicer office, a better location, or all the above, it will be much easier to begin expanding your team. You might be closer to new talent at your new location, or maybe you just have more space to give everyone the desk they need! Keep in mind that companies that have moved to a new space that is seen as “better” will absolutely look more impressive to both clients and potential employees. It signals that your business is successful, growing, changing, and improving each and every day.

How to Handle the Transition

If you are ready to make the change to a new office space, you might be concerned about what your staff will think. This is especially true if you will be moving to a new city where others may have to commute further than they previously did. The best way to ensure that everything goes smoothly is to make sure your employees get plenty of notice ahead of time. You can even give them a say in what happens next. Ask for suggestions as far as layout and design—even location if you haven’t chosen a spot just yet. When you open up these channels of communication, you might find that your employees are responsive and excited about this transition.

Keep Budget in Mind

Building a new office, particularly a large one, can absolutely take its toll on your company financially. Take a look at your financial state, and do some math about your ROI when you move. Don’t be shy about contacting different contractors and asking how much it will be to build the features you feel your business needs. Likewise, consider your current technology. An office move is a great reason to upgrade your technology. Making these transitions during a move is much easier than moving over the old items, buying new, and getting rid of the old as time goes on.

Contact Us

Once your new office is chosen, it’s time to contact the office movers from Washington Express Movers! We can move everything you need for you, as well as help you set it up when we arrive at your new office destination. Even if you need commercial storage space for a little while, we can help with that too. Choose your one-stop-shop for all things moving, and reach out to our team today! We look forward to working with you.

The post The Benefits of Office Relocation first appeared on Washington Express Movers.