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Let’s get one thing out of the way right in the beginning: commercial relocation is challenging, and there’s no way around it. Finding a new facility to accommodate your equipment can be difficult even before the relocation process starts. After you’ve found a new place, you will have to tear down the equipment, organize your inventory, pack everything, transport the stuff, and install the equipment again – all while keeping your employees occupied and prepared with an intelligent personnel plan.
That said, a warehouse relocation is challenging and complicated, but there are a few things you can do to make the entire process more straightforward.
As such, in this article, we focus on the best practices pertaining to warehouse relocation. And if you have any further questions after reading this article, contact Lifestyle Moving & Storage to help you out. We are among the top warehouse moving companies in the state, and we can help you create a thorough transition plan that will let you avoid complete chaos.
Warehouse relocation: Essential questions to ask
In the earliest stages of the process, there are a few crucial questions you will need to ask yourself and your team members, as the answers to these questions will help you get started and craft a comprehensive moving plan.
Here are a few essential questions you will need to get answers to before starting with the warehouse moving process:
- What kind of benefits does the move provide for my business?
- Who needs to know about the relocation?
- What part will my team members play in the relocation process?
- Will the procedure require me to pause all business operations? If yes, for how long?
- Will we save money if we move the old equipment, or does liquidating it make more sense and get a fresh start?
- Will the new location have enough space for the inventory and equipment?
- Will it have enough space to allow the business to grow?
Remember that there are no wrong answers; they will help you tremendously once you start planning.
Phases of a commercial relocation plan
There are three primary stages that you must plan out before you start the moving process. To make everything easier, experienced warehouse moving companies will usually advise having these three phases in your relocation plan:
- Equipment teardown
- Relocation of the equipment
- Installing the equipment at the new site
Equipment teardown
The truth is, most of the gear in your warehouse has probably been in the exact same spot for years. First, you must inspect every piece, assess its condition, and ensure that you can position everything for easy transportation.
Next up, you should assess whether you’ll have your team do the teardown or have it done by professional movers from warehouse moving companies.
Often, your staff doesn’t know how to do it or works slower than you’d like. We recommend researching your options before making a decision.
Relocating the equipment
Most experienced movers will say that this is the hardest part. You might need specific vehicles and tools to transport large gear, and getting a hold of them can be costly, especially if you take the DIY route. Do you have these tools, or are you willing to rent them? Does anyone in your team have the proper permits and licenses to operate these machines and get everything done safely?
Installing the equipment at the new location
Unloading your gear and setting it up again can be challenging and time-consuming. If you’ve opted for outside help with equipment installation at your previous warehouse, chances are you will need it again. Because of this, it might be a smart move to hire a warehouse moving company to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Moving a warehouse: Step-by-step
Now that the planning phase of your relocation is done, you can commence with the next step. Regarding the topic of cleaning out the warehouse and transportation options, here you have our ten simple steps that will help you a great deal:
Arrange the equipment relocation
The relocation of your warehouse and transportation scheduling should be done early on. You will see that the entire process will be logistically complex, and you will want to ensure that the moving company isn’t booked and can pull off the move at your preferred time.
Take care of your inventory
You may be able to move your inventory easier than the warehouse equipment itself, but make sure to plan this well ahead as well. It should be fully organized so you can get back to work as soon as possible after unloading.
Take care of work schedules
While your warehouse staff will probably help with packing and the move itself, you want to ensure that you will let them know everything they need about downtime, equipment teardown, loading, unloading, and installation.
Take a closer look at the new location’s layout
When planning a warehouse relocation, taking a thorough look at the new premises before moving in is also crucial. Knowing where you can put the pieces of your equipment to keep productivity optimal and reduce unnecessary headaches is vital to making a move seamless. Check for the position of supports, hookups, walls, and available space to asses how to install all the necessary equipment.
Plan ahead
Planning relocation tasks around the warehouse and transportation arrangements is one thing. When assessing the new warehouse, you should also determine whether your company has space to grow here. Especially if you want to scale your business, the new warehouse needs to accommodate those goals.
Let your vendors and customers know that you’re moving
Your customers and vendors need to know that your warehouse has moved, as you don’t want them showing up at the old spot. Get the word out and update your phone number and address in every business listing you show up.
Learn about the new location’s specifics
As with all places, the new warehouse will probably have some new features and quirks you must memorize. Make sure to learn every detail you (and your staff) need:
- Key locations and door protocols
- Security codes
- Internet access details
- Parking options for visitors and employees
Tear down the equipment
When all the planning and assessing are done, it’s time to move on to the heavy lifting. Give the teardown process at least a couple of days, and load everything onto the moving trucks when everything is done.
The timing here is vital. If you pack up too soon, you miss losing productivity and business; do it late, and you might not be ready to move on the previously established date.
Install the gear at the new location
Once the gear arrives, it’s time to put everything in the right place and install it. Ensure that everything’s back in working order as soon as possible to minimize any business loss, but still, be thorough enough as you don’t want to rush through and miss something. Especially be careful with workplace injuries and citations from the OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Resume growing your business
At this point, you’ve completed the move and are ready to resume everyday business. Give yourself a tap on the back because moving an entire warehouse is no easy task, and you’ve managed to nail it professionally, especially if you’ve followed this guide.
On the other hand, commercial moving in New York can be daunting, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused. If you ever find the moving process too much of a hassle, you can always reach out to us to help you with moving to a new, better warehouse.
