Office relocations can be complex. Alaska’s challenging weather conditions and rugged landscape can layer on extra complexity, giving you even more reasons to trust your office move to experienced professionals.
In this guide, we’ll offer the insights you need for a simple and seamless Alaska office relocation. We’ll show you what to look for when choosing an Alaska office relocation provider, as well as expert tips to pave the way for a smooth move.
Alaska Office Relocation Challenges
Office moves aren’t as simple as packing a few boxes, strapping them to a dolly, and securing them in a truck. Managing an office relocation requires you to consider things like:
- What kind of specialized and/or sensitive equipment needs to be transported?
- What furniture and furnishings need to be disassembled and reassembled?
- Does your office contain sensitive and/or confidential documents and records?
- How will you deal with debris and office furniture you intend to discard?
5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alaska Office Relocation Provider
Experience in Office Moves
A moving company that has already handled numerous Alaska office relocations will understand all the intricate planning—and special handling—involved with an office move. Additionally, they’ll show up with the right equipment and seasoned crew necessary for a safe, efficient move.
A Range of Services to Handle All Your Needs
While a strong, dedicated crew that’s ready to lift and carry goes a long way, make sure to look for an Alaska office moving provider who can offer a broad range of services.
- Furniture Installation: Professional disassembly and reassembly of cubicles, desks, and office furniture from major brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase.
- Specialty Equipment: Safe transport of sensitive and heavy equipment with experienced handling.
- Debris Removal: Complete cleanup of packing materials and disposal of unwanted furniture.
- Storage Solutions: Secure warehouse facilities for temporary storage needs and unexpected timeline changes.
A Certificate of Insurance
Insurance is a must to protect your assets during your office relocation. You’ll also want to inquire whether your provider is willing to provide a certificate of insurance prior to the relocation. A COI confirms the insurance coverage in place and facilitate the claims process, should any damage occur during the move. Insist on working with a provider who’s properly insured—with the paperwork to prove it.
Off-Hours Moves to Minimize Downtime
Downtime is a challenge for every business. That’s why it’s important to find an office relocation provider willing to work off-hours. As you interview office moving companies, ask about their availability to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
Uniformed Staff
If clients regularly visit your location, you may want uniformed staff to execute your move. A polished, professional moving team will, in turn, keep your business looking polished and professional to clients and any other businesses around you.
5 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Office Relocation
Finally, we’ve got five tips from the pros to help make sure your office move is as simple and efficient as possible.
Get Buy-In from Your Team
Office moves are a team sport. Bring all of your office staff together at the very start of the project to let them know what’s happening—and get their buy-in. Explain why you’re moving, what benefits the new location will offer, and outline your expectations for how they’ll assist. For example, will they be expected to pack their own workstations? Will they need to pitch in on common spaces?
Don’t forget to lay out the timeline and keep your team updated throughout the project. With everyone working together, you’ll enjoy a much smoother move.
Choose the Right Time to Move & Schedule Early
In Alaska, timing is everything. Although professional movers can handle a number of scenarios, it’s not pleasant to move during the Alaska winter. At certain locations, spring breakup can also present some challenges. Schedule your move early to get first pick of dates.
Make a Technology Plan
Internet and phone lines are crucial for keeping your business running. You don’t want to arrive at your new office space to find your business cut off from the outside world. Instead, make sure you put together a plan that covers:
- Shutting off service at your current location.
- Establishing accounts and start dates at your new location.
- Purchasing any new equipment needed for your new space.
- A timeline for any upgrades or infrastructure so everything is in place before you move into your new space.
And don’t forget the rest of your utilities! Make sure you’ve communicated your move to your utility providers to ensure uninterrupted service.
Communicate Your Move
Finally, don’t forget about all the people and businesses that need to know your new address. Make sure to update your:
- Clients, including any details of your new physical location, such as parking instructions
- The US Postal Service (Start here!)
- Your bank and any other financial institutions you work with
- Insurance providers, who may need to requote some of your policies
- Local, state and federal tax agencies
- Professional associations and other organizations your company belongs to
- Magazines or publications you subscribe to
- Your website, Google business profile, email signatures, business cards, and letterhead (as applicable)
Paving the Way for a Smooth Alaska Office Move
Every office relocation comes with its own set of moving parts, all of which require careful coordination. With the right Alaska office move provider at your side—and these tips—you’ll be well on your way to a simple, efficient relocation.
Looking for an experienced Alaska office relocation partner for your move? Our expert commercial movers would love to assist with a safe, stress-free move. Just reach out to our team for a free quote to get started.