Office Moving Tips

• Ensure that the company is licensed and insured.
• Ask whether the movers are full-time employees or day laborers.
• Check with the Federal or State Department of Transportation to see whether the moving company you are considering has a license to operate. In California the Public Utilities Commission regulates the household goods moving industry. We have provided links to the various regulatory authorities.
• Does the moving company pay workers' compensation for their movers? Make sure that you are not liable if a mover gets injured on your premises.
• How do they charge hourly or by weight? Are there any additional fees? Do they charge extra for large items?
• What are the procedures if damage or loss occurs?

• Reduce clutter at your new office by eliminating unnecessary files or transferring hard copy files to a digital medium. Donate any unwanted office furniture to charity.
• Fill out a change of address form the post office to forward to your mail and notify your clients that your office is moving.
• Ask employees to remove all items from the refrigerator.
• Keep a folder for all moving documents for easy reference and payment records.
• Contact building management regarding freight elevator hours or special required documents for professional movers.

• For boxes with delicate contents, clearly mark "Fragile" or "This Side Up" to lessen the potential for damage.  Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and pack in Styrofoam peanuts.
• Set aside an essentials box with work supplies or materials that you’ll need to access on the first day.
• Used boxes are not always sturdy enough to hold heavy items.
• Use bubble wrap and packing paper to wrap items. Beware of black ink rubbing off from newspapers.
• Label boxes with the rooms or offices where the contents will be unpacked.
• Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
• Pack dishes or coffee mugs on the edge instead of packing flat to reduce the potential for breakage.
• Remind employees to prepare their desks and personal effects for transport.