PLANNING
SMOOTH
MOVE
 |
| Will you
be relocating to a new office or home soon? Some time ago,
I read that moving is one of the most traumatic
and stressful life-changing experiences
we'll ever endure. (Boy, you can say THAT again!)
Having experienced major moves for myself,
personal friends, and then in recent years with
clients, I completely understand the obstacles.
The day you make the decision to move is when you
should begin to prepare for this project. |
 |
BEFORE THE MOVE ...
Why are moves so stressful? Lack of a good PLAN is the
first cause of anxiety. Whether you are preparing to move
your office or your home, sit down with your staff or
family members to discuss the situation and targeted
moving date. Communicate ... everyone needs to understand
that working as a "team" is vital to the
success of the move.
Where are you moving to? Do your homework and find a
neighborhood and type of building which will serve your
needs - enough space, storage and parking for example.
Negotiate rent or purchase price with a reputable,
trustworthy agent. Be sure to check references before
spending too much time with the wrong parties.
When can you move in? Once the paperwork is properly
completed, agreed upon and signed, a definite date can be
set. Don't forget to communicate with all those close to
you who will be helping in this process.
How, you ask, will everything be achieved? At this point,
you may be feeling rather troubled and overwhelmed.
"Where do we start?" you wonder. Now, bring out
your clipboard and develop a plan, listing details that
need attention and due dates for each.
PRE-PACK ...
Certain valuables and breakables should not be packed by
movers. We recommend cardboard boxes with lids and
handles for easy management. List the contents of boxes
on one side of each box for easier retrieval.
Color-coded labels or adhesive dots are helpful. Place
them on each box to indicate which room or area box will
be placed. This helps movers when they arrive at
destination. For wrapping, use blank news- print and
don't overload boxes.
Artwork and storable items can be packed beforehand.
Essentials (vacuum, coffee maker, cleaning supplies,
bedding, towels, shower curtain, rug and personal
articles) should move in your car or be loaded last on
the truck.
While you are packing is the perfect time to record an
inventory of your possessions in your computer or a
Personal Assets Inventory Workbook©. A workbook is
available by mail order from McMillan & Company
Professional Organizing.
PREPARE ...
Hiring the "right" mover is paramount. Obtain
three or more quotes. Call two or more of the prospective
movers' references. Read the small print in their
contracts. Ask if the mover will do the packing or if you
need to hire someone else.
When scheduling installation of new phone, fax and modem
lines, be sure old numbers are turned off AFTER your
moving day. New numbers can be turned on the day of your
move or before.
Also arrange for activation of other services (utilities,
cable, handyman, etc.) for the same day if possible. Plan
to unpack at your new location on that day.
Your professional printer can produce change-of-address
notices, new business cards and stationery in advance.
EQUIPMENT CARE ...
Your computer is a valuable item! To avoid any disasters,
be sure to backup ALL data on disks, tapes or zip drive.
Also, gather all current program disks into one place,
i.e. strong storage boxes, before your relocation.
If you don't know how to backup or need appropriate
programs or equipment, DO NOT delay ... call a qualified
computer consultant for professional assistance. This is
not an area to overlook!
RELOCATION RELIEF ...
Some Professional Organizers across the country are
experienced with relocations. When the time to move is
approaching, call an expert for assistance. You don't
have to do it alone!
McMillan & Company Professional Organizing provides
relocation coordination and hands-on assistance before,
during and after a move. We've helped businesses and
residential clients "divide and conquer" all
the paperwork and possessions, sorting, donating,
categorizing everything, and then gave much-needed
"permission" to toss or archive less-active
items.
~~~ For more details, see
Services
and Relocation Relief ~~~
Whether
you're moving to another neighborhood, another
state or across the country,
we'd
be happy to discuss your needs today ...
email or call 310-391-7392 |
| |
Copyright
© Donna D. McMillan. All rights reserved.
No part of these articles may be reproduced in
any way without written permission by author. |
|
