Think About the Bigger Picture

Often offices spend time encouraging their staff to get rid of papers and little items before packing up. However, these are not the items that take up big space when it comes to an office move. Offices should be thinking about what furniture should they be getting rid of, what big bulky items do they not need, etc.

Decide why you are doing spring cleaning

Is it because of an upcoming move or just because your office effectiveness has been hindered by clutter? Are you getting ready for new team members to join and don’t currently have enough space for them? Regardless the reason, knowing your goal of spring cleaning in advance will make you more productive.

Don’t overdo it

Make sure you don’t get carried away on getting rid of items that you may end up needing. We’ve seen a lot of offices go through huge purges and once they get to their new location realize they could have used some of what they got rid of. While it is a waste to move items you don’t need, you don’t want to have to re-buy items you already have.

Understand your new space

There should be one person or a team dedicated to figuring out what you need in your new space and giving direction to everyone else on what to move and what to get rid of. This person or team should be very aware of the new space (measurements, furniture needs, etc.) to help the company move most effectively.

Create a guide for the rest of the office

Companies should make sure they are giving their teams direction on what to get rid of and what to keep. We have found creating a guide can be helpful to make sure there is no confusion.

Contact Us

For a quick and professional move that prioritizes your needs, contact Washington Express Movers. We’re Washington DC’s top choice when it comes to commercial moving. We’ll pack your items, move them and even unpack them to save you the hassle. After all, we want to make your move as easy as possible.

The post Time for Spring Cleaning first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Rules of Liquidation

A business can only liquidate items that the business owns outright. This could change based on specific written permission but typically you cannot liquidate items purchased on credit if there is an outstanding balance. Please be aware that if you do liquidate items purchased where there is an outstanding balance this could be considered an act of fraud. It’s important to also set fair prices when liquidating goods is part of an exit strategy. Even if you own the good outright, other creditors expect payment. It can be considered fraud if you are putting your personal interests ahead of business creditors.

Third-Party Liquidation Services

There are also third-party liquidators you can use as another way to liquidate goods and business assets. Third-party liquidators offer a variety of options, including store returns, bankruptcy liquidations and excess inventory. One thing to note is that third-party liquidators typically offer a significantly lower than wholesale or market value. There is still value in using them because they can make the process efficient while also creating room in your for the goods the business can sell.

Hold Liquidation Sale

When going out of business, holding a liquidation sale can be a good strategy. However, do not do this unless you are truly going out of business. It is unethical to hold a liquidation sale otherwise and in most states there that are strict liquidation sale regulations. Check with your state attorney general to understand what laws exist in your state.

Contact Us 

For a quick and professional move that prioritizes your needs, contact Washington Express Movers. We’re Washington DC’s top choice when it comes to commercial moving. We’ll pack your items, move them and even unpack them to save you the hassle. After all, we want to make your move as easy as possible.

The post How to Liquidate Your Office Items first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

If your corporation has an office move looming in its future, than Washington Express Movers is here to offer you a few tips to help make the moving process as seamless, stress-free, and budget-friendly as possible.

Move During Business Hours

It may seem counter-intuitive and disruptive, but moving during office hours, when permitted by your building’s manager, can actually be the most logical choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, employees will be on the premises to offer a helping hand where required. Secondly, a daytime move will help your business avoid extra expenses that you’ll inevitably rack-up when scheduling a move after business hours, as most moving companies include after-hours fees.

Choose Off-peak Season for Savings

Because the summer months are so busy for moving companies, you may be required to pay a premium if you’re looking to schedule your move during this time. For this reason, you can enjoy great savings by opting to relocate during your mover’s off-peak season. As an added benefit, your mover is also likely to be much more accommodating of your company’s scheduling considerations when their calendar is less full.

Move When Business is Slow

Consider moving your business when it is least hectic and there are less projects, reports and client meetings scheduled. If you move during your peak season, scheduling and efficiency of the move can become a hindrance.

Let Us Handle Your Corporate Move

Professional like the ones working at Washington Express Movers will use their years of experience to make the move of your business as painless as possible. Contact us today so that we can discuss how we’ll get your business swiftly moved to its new location while making every effort to minimize downtime.

The post 3 Considerations for Your Corporate Move first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Protect your belongings

The last thing that you want is damp, musty-smelling furniture or ruined files. Objects should be secured in durable and sealed containers. Ask your mover about renting plastic E-Crates instead of cardboard boxes to ensure your items are protected. Hiring a moving company to transport your belongings will save you a considerable amount of hassle in these conditions as they should have the necessary materials for this type of situation.

Watch out for the hazardous environment

Keep in mind that the sidewalks, roads, stairs and ramps can cause potential accidents and injuries. Prep your environment by shoveling snow from the surrounding area and use plenty of salt to melt ice. After all, you don’t want someone slipping and falling down the stairs while transporting a heavy box.

Don’t cut it too close to your move-out date

You want to start planning your move with a safe amount of time before the expected move-out date. This allows you to be prepared as possible going into the move. If you know inclement weather is coming, speak with your moving company about an alternate moving date should you need to move it.

Refrain from moving during rush hour

If you can, schedule your move around rush hour and times where traffic should be expected. This can cause additional hassle, especially when piled onto the hazards of moving in inclement weather.

Hire the Professionals

As you can see, there are copious things can go wrong during an office move but there are also precautions that can be taken. However, if you hire a moving company, you can prevent these accidents and breathe a deep sigh of relief. Moving companies can provide a time-efficient, safe and customer-friendly experience for both you and your belongings.

For a quick and professional move that prioritizes your needs, contact Washington Express Movers. We’re Washington DC’s top choice when it comes to commercial moving. We’ll pack your items, move them and even unpack them to save you the hassle. After all, we want to make your move as easy as possible.

The post Tips for Office Moving in Inclement Weather first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

To take the stress out of moving day, consider the following steps to a color-coded move:

• Prepare a floor plan
• Assign categories
• Draw up a key
• Delegate responsibility
• Create a master content list

Prepare a floor plan of your new space

This allows you and your movers to have an accurate representation of where you expect to find each group of items. Place these floor plans in each office for reference on moving day.

Assign categories

For small offices or offices with only a few departments, a basic color-coding system is perfect. Start with primary colors such as black, red, yellow, green, and blue that don’t have any risk of being confused with one another. If your move includes multiple floors, consider adding letters as well. At Washington Express Movers, we provide all our customers with custom color coded labels and labeling fields to keep you organized.

Draw up a key

Once you have assigned color codes, fill in the floor plan with the corresponding colors, and if appropriate, letters.  Once the task is complete, prepare a copy for yourself, one for each department head, one to hang at each entrance to your new space, and one for your moving company.

Delegate responsibility

Instead of trying to oversee the entire move yourself, assign each department head the responsibility for supervising their own group. Provide them with a copy of the moving day schedule and charge them with preparing an inventory list and ensuring their department is ready to go.

Create a contents master list

Have each department representative number their boxes in the appropriate color beginning at one and provide you with the total number of boxes, desks, chairs, and so on that should be delivered to their space. This allows you to quickly ensure that all of your contents are accounted for after delivery.

Contact Us

Contact Washington Express Movers today for all your moving needs. A project manager with be with you every step of the way to ensure your prepped and ready for your move. We’ll even hold a packing seminar for your employees upon request!

The post How To Color Code Your Office Move first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Update Directories

Make sure you don’t forget to update any online or offline directories and listings. You don’t want to leave your customers confused. This could include your Google listing, Yelp and other online profiles, social media channels, industry-specific directories, and of course your website.

Reprint Marketing Materials

Be sure to update any flyers, business cards and newsletters. We recommend printing all of your most important material ahead of time so you have updated marketing materials as soon as you get into your new space.

Be Utility Ready

Make sure you schedule a time to shut down your current utilities and begin your new utilities in the new office. Give your utility company and internet provider at least 1-2 weeks’ notice to ensure that your office is up and running in the event of a storm or malfunction.

Make Your Floorplan

Design your floorplan and assign offices prior to moving in. This will cause significantly less stress than making those decisions on move day. Hold a meeting with management to agree upon the best layout for each department.

Order Any Essentials Ahead of Time

Make sure keys, parking passes, appliances and new furniture are ordered and scheduled to be delivered ahead of time. If furniture needs to be rearranged, speak with your moving company about any post-move services. At Washington Express Movers we’re happy to assist you from start to finish, and even after!

Contact us

Contact us today to receive a free estimate for your commercial move. We make sure to provide a comprehensive plan that makes sense for your specific company’s needs, and aim to make your move as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

The post The Most Forgotten Office Moving Tasks first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

DONATE TO CHARITY

Find a non-profit near you that accepts office furniture. Numerous organizations will take office equipment, furniture and office supplies off your hands and may even offer free pick-up. If not, inquire with your moving company about the pick-up and delivery of your items.

SELL TO AN OFFICE LIQUIDATOR

Looking to sell your office assets? Contact a liquidation company to evaluate, decommission and purchase your used furniture and office equipment.

REUSE/REPURPOSE YOUR FURNITURE

Get creative with your old furniture and refinish or repurpose it. With this method you can cut costs on new furniture or create new items for less money and resources.

E-RECYLING

Have old electronics you need to throw out? There are organizations all over who will recycle and recover old computers, monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment. If you’re not sure who to contact, inquire with your moving team about how to safely and securely get those items off your hands.

DISPOSAL

As a last resort, arrange a time with your moving team to pick-up and dispose of your unwanted inventory.  Allow them to coordinate the logistics of hauling away those large items and delivering them to the local dump.

CONTACT US

Figuring out what to do with unwanted items can be tough. Allow Washington Express Movers to walk you through your different options and choose the best option for your company needs. Speak with one of our expert move coordinators today to get started.

The post Getting Rid of Unwanted Office Furniture first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

HIDDEN CHARGES

A common complaint from consumers are hidden charges that are tacked on after the move is completed based on “change orders”. While the final cost may vary slightly from the original estimate due to additional items or special circumstances that make the move challenging, your final bill should not break your budget. To help avoid this, make sure the mover is perfectly aware of everything that has to be moved and allocate some cushion within your budget for any surprises. The final cost should stay within 10% of the bid unless there are significant change to the scope of work. Changes that you have agreed to during the move.

LABOR & HOURLY SURCHARGES

Most moving companies like to charge additional fees for moves that are completed outside normal business hours. This can cause concern for some as most building owners limit access during the work day. At Washington Express Movers we understand these concerns and do not charge over time for moves that take place after hours. Compared to the standard 4-6 hour minimum, we offer a 2-hour minimum so you only pay for what you need.

INEXPERIENCED MOVERS

An often-unknown fact to consumers is that many moving companies use outsourced, temporary laborers to keep up with high demand. While these companies may provide a large team of movers, it’s likely that they have been temporarily contracted and can be inexperienced to handle corporate moves. Our Washington Express moving team specializes in office relocation so we can ensure all our clients standards are maintained throughout the process and know exactly how to handle office moves.

NON-WORKING SUPERVISORS

Another common practice by commercial movers is to add non-working supervisors to your move. You will often find you are paying higher hourly rates for supervisors who do not assist in any of the actual moving. All managers or supervisors from the moving company should be hands on during your move.

CONTACT US

Experience the difference with Washington Express Movers. If you’re ready for a dedicated team of experts to handle your corporate moving needs, then contact us today.

The post Common Pitfalls when choosing an Office Mover first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

Once you know it’s time to move from one location to another, how do you get started? How can you be sure that you are making the change that is best for your business? If you take the time to thoroughly consider your plan of action, we think you’ll find that moving is easier than you believe. There are four main steps you can take to ensure that your move goes smoothly.

1. Take time to research your options and choose the best one for your business needs.
2. Make a thorough list of needs that must be met.
3. Set your budget.
4. Study all of your options.

Take Time to Research

If you try to make a decision last minute on where to move, you’ll put your whole business under a lot of unnecessary pressure. Do all that you can to avoid this, as this could disrupt your daily workflow. Instead, decide ahead of time when you will need to move. As soon as you know that change is on the horizon, start looking around. Take a close look at all potential options, and make sure to carefully consider the pros and cons of all choices. Research has shown us that we are more likely to regret a decision that was made hastily over one that was made with only a few options. Take your time, do your research, and make an informed decision.

Decide What Needs Should Be Met

Make a list of things your new location needs to have. If you aren’t sure what to put on this list, there are a few ways to get ideas.

Interview your employees

Meet with your team in small groups or even one-on-one to get their feedback. Ask about the current work conditions to find out what they like and what they would change. How would a new office space meet these issues? While your employees will have some great ideas for the new location, don’t forget to take note of what they love about the current office. You don’t want to accidentally take that away from them! These interviews can also tell you what current commute times look like, how they feel about building security and additional access, proximity to public transit, parking, and other amenities. However, keep in mind that there will likely be some losses, too. It’s common to lose employees when making a big location change.

Check your observations

Your employees have habits that they may not be aware of, but you can make a note of them if you pay attention. For example, how do they use the common areas? Do those with offices leave the doors open, or do they close them? Do people leave the office for snacks and coffee? Where do they eat? The point of this exercise is to find space for improvement. Do not judge your employees; simply make notes for your future office space.

Determine your objectives

What’s the goal in this move? How will moving help your business? For those of you with commercial businesses that are about to grow, a new location might be just what you need. For those who are looking to improve communication within, you may need to focus more on the office layout than the overall size. Feel free to have brainstorming sessions with your employees and get their input. Write down what really matters!

Once you have all of these written down, narrow down the factors that really matter to you and your company. While it’s unlikely to get everything you’re setting out to find, having this rough guideline will help you choose the best fit for your business.

Choose a Budget

Now that you know what you want in your new office, it’s time to pick a budget. However, make sure it’s reasonable. Your budget needs to cover size, location, utilities, and whatever else your business needs to handle. With that in mind, take a closer look at your resources. Will you be able to afford new furnishings? What about a remodel? Does artwork matter to you and your business? Whatever it is that you need to succeed, a budget is number one. Make sure to set some money aside for unexpected repair work.

Check Your Options

Once you have chosen your criteria and your budget, you can start defining more exact requests. Consider the following:

• Overall size requirements to fit employees
• Desired layout for optimum productivity
• Workstations for all employees
• Potential for renovations if needed
• Locations within budget
• Fitting with the brand
• Available meeting space, including floors and meeting rooms
• Private office availability
• Location and parking capabilities

This checklist should tell you what matters most when moving to a new commercial property and be your guide on your way to success.

While hunting for a new commercial property can be exciting, it’s important not to get tied up in the bells and whistles of a new space. Set the criteria, make sure this space meets your requirements, and only consider it if it makes sense.

Washington Express Movers

Once you have the perfect spot and have signed the paperwork, give our team a call! We know exactly how to care for your office moving needs, including furniture and artwork transportation. We would be happy to assign a project manager to your move to make sure all your needs are met. Proudly serving the Washington, D.C. metro area, our crew is ready to help your commercial move go as smoothly as possible! Reach out to our team today to get started.

The post Get Your Office Move Right with These Steps first appeared on Washington Express Movers.

You are in a Poor Location Right Now

Perhaps you opened your office in the most affordable spot as you were getting started—but now you’re having a hard time attracting the talent you need to thrive. Maybe your customer base is having a challenging time finding you. Whatever the reason may be, your location is not ideal. If you know that your business can do well somewhere else, then it’s time to consider a business move!

You are Losing Business

If your current location is losing clients and other business, it’s time to go! While your one-office rental room in a communal space may have worked well for the first three months, now you and your crew are running out of space to meet with clients. Just as a non-profit located in the ritziest location will probably receive some criticism, your company may receive similar eyebrow raises if you are not located somewhere that reflects your brand.

Your Facilities are Old

When your facilities are old, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t working properly, but pay attention. If your facilities are not reliable, then this can be annoying at best and dangerous at worst. Make sure your business’ building is up to code, and if there is any violation, fix the problem—or move someplace else that is safer to employees and visitors.

The Market has Changed

Nothing lasts forever! Perhaps you started your business in a new neighborhood, and now, time has made that investment worth much more than what you initially paid. Feel free to sell and turn a profit in order to expand your business even more! Other companies may have started their business in one place, yet increasing rent prices have made it financially irresponsible to renew the lease. Even if you want to stay, make sure to do what is best for your business, and consider moving somewhere the rent is more affordable.

Your Employees are Unhappy

It’s essential to keep your employees happy. You want to retain knowledgeable workers and encourage them to grow in their skills and their productivity. However, the bottom line is simple: If they are unhappy about their work environment, then something needs to change. Maybe it’s time for your employees to actually have some desk space instead of sharing all the desks. Perhaps they are tired of paying for parking. Whatever the reason, consider a move to improve your employees’ moods and attitudes.

Your Contract Means You Can’t Remodel

While a bunch of changes can usually improve a space and make it work better for your needs, some contracts don’t allow this. If your business really demands a larger kitchen, or perhaps an additional office space for a new employee, yet your landlord will not allow a remodel, it is time to take a look at new business locations.

You Don’t Fit

When we say you don’t fit, that doesn’t mean that there are too many of you—it could be that there are too few of you. If your office space doesn’t work, it’s time to move on. Overcrowded offices can hurt productivity levels, and too much empty space can cause just as many issues. This is especially the case if you have had to downsize and lower your number of employees. The empty space can damage morale. Consider moving somewhere you will have just enough room for growth, but not so much room that the place feels empty.

Your Infrastructure is Changing

If you are adding a new department to your company, that is going to demand a little more than just basic shuffling. Depending on the new team, you may need new equipment, a new floor plan, or even a whole new building. Opening a new location might mean moving staff, furniture, or equipment across the city.

Office Movers You Can Trust!

At Washington Express Movers, we want you to know that your move is going to be fully taken care of. We look forward to working with you and your team to set you up for success. Whether you are moving just down the block or to the other side of D.C., we have you covered. Reach out to us today to get started!

The post Top Reasons for an Office Move first appeared on Washington Express Movers.