Nobody likes moving, nobody. So is it any wonder that people often become overwhelmed or agitated when moving from one home or building to another? This is compounded when you have to move your computer and networking equipment (i.e. printers, computers, and servers).
Well, moving offices is not as bad as you may think.
7 Tips to Make Moving Your Office Equipment an Easy Transition
1) Map it out. The first thing to remember when moving to a new location is to map out the floor plan of your new place and determine where everything will go. This includes desks, furniture, and the location of your data hub for phones and the Internet. You want to keep in mind the location of power outlets and internet/phone jacks to ensure your equipment has the required electrical needs and connection points.
2) Inform your clients. This is an important step. If your clients are expecting you to provide a service and you are unavailable or are not quick to return communication, this can cause problems. Letting them know ahead of time that your phone and computer networks will be down for a certain amount of time while you are moving to a new location will alleviate any frustration. Also telling them that you will try your best to get back to them in a timely manner doesn’t hurt either.
3) Set a timeframe. Will you be moving stuff slowly over a lengthy amount of time or will it be a quick one-day move? Sometimes quick moves are the best, but it all depends on what you are most comfortable with. When it comes to moving computers and network devices, it is often best to move as many as possible in one quick move to reduce downtime. The less your network is down, the more money you save.
4) Gather the valuables and necessities. When it comes to moving and setting up computers and networks at a new office, it is important, nay critical that you have the required documentation, software, and backup in place before doing anything. Find your login information and data keys together, the CDs, USBs, and software product license keys in case you need to install programs again, and have your data backed up in a certain place in the event of a problem where you lose valuable data on a computer.
5) Make the move. This is a crucial time when moving your equipment. Proper packing and transportation can save you money and protect your valuable office equipment. Oftentimes, if you are using professional movers, they will help you with this process. As I said in the previous step, moving your equipment in one swift move will save you time and hassle. Just remember to properly label all wires and computers to ensure they are properly attached when you set up the new office.
6) Unpack the stack. It’s not literally a stack, but sometimes moving can overwhelm and make the pile feel like a huge stack. One way to quickly cut down on the time it takes to locate and unpack everything is to label everything thoroughly.
7) Step back and admire your work. When everything is finished and unpacked, pat yourself on the back and buy yourself a cold one. You have just accomplished something amazing!
Moving should not be a difficult task, as long as you take the necessary precautions. The most important part of moving offices with your computers and network equipment is to ensure you are prepared in case something does go wrong, and trust us, there always seems to be something that goes wrong.