Top Relocation Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

People relocate for different reasons: work, relationships or matters related to family. Doing so requires time, effort, money, and, especially where company moves are concerned, a whole of lot of preparation.

With so many logistical details to consider, it’s less about putting things into boxes and more about having a solid plan in place that takes into account everything from accessibility to security.

To help you relocate properly, consider these ten relocation pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Moving Home

1. Hoarding

Holding on to unnecessary items will only mean you have more things to pack. And, by having less stuff to begin with, you’ll speed up your move considerably. So, cut back.

Solution

Before packing, spend a couple of days going through your possessions and picking out things you haven’t used in the last year or two. If necessary, take photos of sentimental items to keep a memory of them.

2. Procrastinating

Relocation requires lots of planning and doesn’t just happen overnight. As tempting as it might be to leave certain bits to the last minute, the trick is to start early.

Solution

Keep a checklist that maps out everything involved. Certain times of year are busier than others when it comes to relocating, and, depending on when you’re going, you may need to book a moving company months in advance.

3. Skimping on bubble wrap

In most cases you’ll probably have loads of fragile items to pack like plates and glasses. That’s where bubble wrap comes in.

Solution

To be on the safe side, buy more bubble wrap than you need, along with cushion rolls and tape to adequately cover everything.

4. Not keeping an inventory

Picture the scene: you’ve packed all your stuff into boxes, sellotaped them up and then realised that you haven’t labelled anything.

Solution

Avoid this problem by keeping a tab of what you’re packing into each box. Number the boxes and label them, so you know where they’re going and what’s inside them. Creating such an inventory will save you a lot of time when unpacking.

5. Not re-directing your mail

So, you’ve briefed your neighbours and utility companies about your move, but, what about the mail? The last thing you want is for your bills and statements to end up in the wrong hands.

Solution

To re-direct your mail, head to your local post office and fill out a change of address form. Alternatively, you can do so online. It really is as simple as that.

Moving offices

6. Underestimating what’s involved

However small your business might be, the process for moving premises is still the same. Much like a house move, there are lots of different things to factor in, from recruiting staff to making sure your new space is properly installed and functioning.

Solution

The best approach is to make a comprehensive moving plan that breaks down all the various steps involved. Put that plan into action by hiring an appropriate team to execute it. To keep the disruptions to a minimum, avoid relocating when you have any big projects on that are coming to a close.

7. Not costing everything up properly

In business, it’s important to monitor the bottom line. Lose track of the expenses involved in your company move and you may end up with a larger bill than you first expected.

Solution

Request a booking quote from your relocation company, if possible, and, if you’re renting a new space, make sure you’re up to speed with any fees or deposits associated with moving in. If you’re planning any equipment upgrades, then you’ll need to speak to your internet or phone providers to find out how much they cost. Above all, have a budget in place, along with a buffer for any unforeseen expenses that crop up.

8. Choosing the wrong moving company

Given the number of moving companies out there, how are you to know which one to go with? All of them profess to be best, but, unless you do research beforehand, you might end up paying over the odds.

Solution

Don’t just settle for the first company you come across. Read reviews, compare quotes and create a shortlist of possible firms to use. Any reputable moving company experienced in commercial relocations will be able to provide references on request along with a certificate of insurance that protects you against any damage done. Along the way, you may consider temporarily storing some of your stuff off-site in a storage facility. whatstorage.co.uk have storage facilities all over the country, and provide a full service move at competitive rates.

9. Not notifying your clients of the move

An obvious one, but, how are your customers and suppliers to know that you’ve moved unless you tell them? If you’re the type of company that regularly receives client visits, then it’s vital that you keep people in the loop about your whereabouts.

Solution

There are various ways to achieve this, from putting a relocation sign on the door, to sending out a press release. Some companies set up email notifications to inform customers and suppliers of a move, others add a banner to their website homepage announcing it.

10. Forgetting to insure your valuables

There’s always the possibility that objects might get broken in transit, and, the last thing you want to do is have to fork out on a load of new computers and chairs.

Solution

By insuring your office supplies, you’ll protect them against any accidental damages, mid-move. Most moving companies offer insurance, so, enquire beforehand. Pay careful attention to the sort of insurance you’re getting, be it a full service, providing total protection, or truck rental insurance, which only covers you for the duration of the journey to your new location.

So, there you have it – our top 10 tips for relocation. Have we missed any out? Leave us a message below. For further advice our corporate relocation guide contains all the information you need to help plan a smooth relocation move.