Movin' on up! | Gwinnett Business Journal

Moving is never easy. It?s a process most people hope they only have to go through a few times in their lives. From packing boxes to loading furniture onto a truck moving anywhere can be a difficult chore depending on how much stuff you have. Which means if moving just a household can feel like a headache, then moving an entire business can feel like a migraine.

Bekins A-1 Movers in Norcross has been moving both small and large commercial businesses for over 20 years.? Here are five things Bekins A-1 believes should be on every company?s relocation checklist.

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1. Choose a Certified Relocation

Consultant

Finding a reliable and experienced moving company is top priority.? The International Office Moving Institute (IOMO), based in Atlanta, provides training programs and seminars for movers to gain skills in office moving and project management.

Bekins A-1 Movers owner, Bill Harrison, says moving companies who have completed training courses minimize the risk of damage to walls, floor, and office equipment. IOMI also stresses how important it is for movers to be on time for moving day.

?This business requires experience and you don?t want anyone who is green (inexperienced) to be handling your livelihood,? Harrison said.

2. Designate a department head

Moving companies want to operate like a well-oiled machine on moving day.? In order to do that, Harrison recommends designating an employee to be the ?go-to person? for both movers and other employees. Whether it?s a question about what employees are responsible for moving or who?s in charge of changing the mailing address, a department head who can answer all questions will minimize confusion.

Chuck Findley with Wilkes Finance knows first hand how much a hassle moving can be.? New construction on Highway 316 in Lawrenceville forced the company to relocate last spring.

?It took us six months to complete our move but because the moving company knew who to go to for questions the process ran very smoothly,? Findley said.? ?My people knew who was calling the shots and so did the movers.? Time is money.?

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3. Compile a master list of all things moving

Companies changing locations may also be getting a facelift in office d?cor.?? Movers need a detailed list of what furniture is coming and going.?? Berkins A-1 suggests businesses have a complete rundown of what movers are expected to load, what items employees will be moving themselves and what is being left behind.

?Sometimes companies will donate or leave furniture for the next tenant,? Harrison says. ?If we are constantly moving things that are meant to stay that takes up time and money for the client.?

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4. Confirm moving date with both
locations

An elevator saves time, money and a lot of back pain!? Giving property managers a heads up on your moving date can secure the use of elevators.

?The last thing you want is your movers standing around because they can?t use the elevators,? Berkins advised.? ?And since most moving companies work on an hourly rate, it?s costing you more money if they have to wait for elevators or use the stairs.?

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5. Certificate of insurance (COI)

Property managers require a certificate of insurance from the moving companies before anything can be moved out.? A COI shows the moving company has pulled a certain amount of property liability for your move.

?A COI just proves the moving companies are carry property insurance for any damage against walls, the lawn or any other part of the property that isn?t yours.?

Source: http://gbj.com/2011/07/15/movin-on-up/

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