If you’re in the market for a move, you should know the differences between residential and commercial moving. While residential moves require less planning and organization, commercial moves may take weeks. If you’re unsure which is best for your needs, follow these tips for successful commercial and residential moves.
Keeping sensitive information safe
The protection of sensitive information during a move is vital. Personal data, also known as PII, can easily be misused to commit identity theft. For example, knowing a person’s Social Security number makes it easier to apply for a credit card or fake a passport or visa.
On the other hand, sensitive business information is information that may pose a risk to a business if released. Such information includes intellectual property, trade secrets, merger plans, and financial data.
To protect sensitive information during a move, companies should make sure that they back up their data to separate off-site locations and cover them with passwords. Data backed up by USB flash drives, for example, should be entrusted to designated staff members who have access to the data.
All backed-up data should have passwords that are unique to each location. Keeping data backup is essential even if the business is not moving. Even if data isn’t sensitive, offices should ensure they have the latest versions of sensitive data.
Protecting expensive office equipment
There are several methods for protecting expensive office equipment when moving residential or commercial. The first step is to ensure that the equipment is adequately pad-wrapped and in commercial-grade containers. Commercial-grade containers are typically made of heavy-duty tri-wall material. These boxes will prevent damage to the interior components of the office equipment. Ideally, the equipment should not be moved more than once during the move. Lastly, the furniture should be packed using special pads.
To move office equipment safely, it is best to hire professional movers. These companies will take care of disassembling and reassembling the furniture. This process can be overwhelming and requires a lot of planning.
For best results, start planning three to six months before the move. Measure the new space to ensure that everything will fit properly, and prepare the interior layout of the new office space. In addition, make sure to label boxes to ensure that they don’t get damaged in transit.
Getting fragile or oversized items moved safely
Getting fragile or oversized items moved safely from one place to another can be challenging. Many people opt to pack their things. This is called PBO, or “pack by the owner,” and requires special care. You should mark these items, so the moving company knows what to expect. Then, take pictures and note the condition of the items. Make sure to purchase full valuation coverage for your items.
Before you begin packing, make a list of fragile or oversized items. You should identify which pieces are the most delicate and decide which accessories you’ll need to protect them. Once you’ve determined the type of material, you should label each box so that others know what to expect. For instance, glass or ceramic should be loaded without anything else on top to avoid them from falling. If you’re moving electronics, place them in a temperature-controlled environment.
Choosing a moving company that specializes in both types of moves
While choosing a moving company, you should consider the kind of move you’re going through. If you’re moving from one state to another, the type of move you need will differ. However, there are some things you should look for, no matter what kind of move you’re having. An established company will be organized and know how to manage your move correctly. A reputable company will provide you with a comprehensive plan, including how many men, trucks, and support equipment will be needed.
Firstly, make sure that the company has insurance coverage. The insurance policy protects your property during loading and unloading and compensates you for damage claims. If a company does not have insurance, this may signal a low level of safety and reliability. It may not be safe to trust a moving company to handle the commercial property. Also, choose a company that has a good safety history.