Whatever the reason, moving your office can sometimes be even more complicated than moving your home. Why? Because when you move your office, you are moving the work lives of multiple people and everyone has their own preferences and organizational systems. The key to moving your office will be in preparing for the move ahead of time. Making sure that sure everyone understands the move, why you’re moving, and what’s waiting for them on the other side is crucial to a less stressful move.

1. Appoint One Person

Appointing one person to be in charge is essential to a successful move. A point person can work with department heads and the local moving company to get everything organized. Furthermore, having one person in charge of all moving details means that there’s less confusion from the start. This person can be responsible for sending out the emails regarding the move and getting everyone on board at the right time.

2. Have Moving “Kits” Available for Employees

Talk with your moving company to make moving kits for all of your employees. Each employee is going to have different needs. Some might have more paper materials than others while others may have more electronics. It’s important that everyone feels like they have the materials they need to effectively move their workspace. Give everyone enough boxes, plus zipper storage bags for cords, Sharpie markers for labeling, and plenty of tape. If you can, develop a labeling system and have the point person describe the best way for employees to label their items. For example, you could have everyone label their boxes with their last name, their department, and then the type of item in the box, such as: SMITH – ACCOUNTING – COMP CORDS.

3. Consult With Professionals

Moving a lot of electronics can be tricky business. With a lot of monitors, computers, TVs, and other job-specific electronics, you will want to make sure they’re carefully moved. Professional moving companies that specialize in office moving can be invaluable in the planning process. Planning an office move should begin about six months before the move, especially if the purchase of property is taking place. In addition to all of the moving issues, there will also be utilities to set up, parking to sort out, and plenty of other needs for your office. Be sure that your point person is comfortable talking with all of the different people involved.

4. Get Insurance

Talk with the moving company about the type of insurance they have for your office’s items. Make sure you see the policies involved for both item coverage as well as transportation and worker’s compensation. You don’t want to be liable if anyone gets hurt during the move. Workers’ comp insurance is required by law, but some small and medium-sized moving companies still don’t have it, which is why it’s important that you ask.

5. Let Everybody Know

Make sure you let all of your clients or customers know where you are going and when! It’s important that you change all of your stationery, labels, business cards, brochures, or any other paper items you have in addition to your website info and email signatures for all of your employees. You’ll also need to alert other businesses you deal with, especially if there is a phone number change. However, wait until the move is just around the corner to make this happen.  You don’t want to alert clients too soon and have them going to the wrong place!

Moving your offices can seem like a daunting task, but with preplanning and the help of the love moving professional Marrins Moving, you’ll have a less stressful move ahead of you. Communication with all parties will be the most critical piece of the puzzle. Be sure you listen to all of your employees and their concerns, as well as the concerns of everyone involved. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be ready to tackle anything!

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The Process of Moving

It’s easy to get caught up thinking only about moving day itself, but you’ll have a more successful outcome if you remember that moving is a long-term process that begins the moment you decide to move. The following stages highlight the moving process from beginning to end with some handy tips added in:

1.  Planning

A successful move begins with the planning stage. Take the time to think through your needs and preferences.

• Are you moving a long distance?
• Will you need a moving truck?
• Do you have heavy items you’ll need help moving?
• Do you just want someone to take care of it all, including the packing?
• Will you need temporary storage?

Getting a notebook to jot down your thoughts, ideas, and various checklists will help you organize what needs to be done and what kind of help you’ll need. You’ll quickly realize just how long the to-do list is, but having a place to keep track of your thoughts will keep any overwhelming feelings away.

2.  Preparing

The preparing stage involves everything from purchasing the supplies you’ll need (boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, labels, and markers) to scheduling services that need to be shut off in your current home and turned on in your new one. It also includes contacting moving companies and determining what services you may need and how much they may cost so you can budget for it.

It’s a good idea to prepare early on. That way you won’t be scrambling at the last minute to get everything done at once. Other things to consider during this stage include:

• Donating or selling items you don’t really need
• Contacting schools in your new area, if you have kids
• Filling out a change of address form
• Renting a storage space near your new home

3.  Packing

Now that you have a plan in place and supplies on hand, it’s time to get to packing. Be sure to label boxes with proper rooms so you and the movers will know where to put them on moving day.

Take care to pack fragile items and essential items separately, with clear labels. You don’t want your valuables broken or to be without things that you need. As you’re packing, start with infrequently used items, then move on to items you use regularly.

4.  Moving Day

It’s finally the big day. If movers are coming, be sure to be ready with clear instructions. If you’ve taken the care to plan, prepare, and pack carefully, this part shouldn’t be too stressful, especially with plenty of help.

5. Settling In

It’s time to settle in and enjoy your new place. Having a plan for simple meals the first week in your new home is always a good idea. It will give you a chance to focus on any repairs, cleaning, painting, and unpacking you need to do, without any additional mess or stress.

Common Moving Mistakes

Here are some mistakes that are frequently made. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress, and possibly even an injury.

Here are things you need to watch out for:

• Not budgeting for the move
• Not allowing enough time for the move
• Jumping right into packing without a plan
• Waiting until the last minute to pack
• Packing and moving stuff you don’t really need
• Trying to move heavy items yourself
• Attempting to drive a moving truck without any experience

With a little planning, a few handy tips, and some extra help, the process of moving doesn’t have to be a stressful event. Marrins’ Moving has several options to fit a range of needs and budgets. Call Marrins’ Moving today to learn about our moving options and to get a free quote.

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1. Weather Problems

Everything is packed. You’ve thought of everything. You’re excited to get started and get this move going. Then you wake up on the morning of the move, and there’s a new and unexpected foot of snow in your driveway. Maybe you wake up to an obscenely hot and sweaty day — one of those days where it’s only 7 am, and it already feels like it’s 90 degrees! Whatever the issue, whether it’s driving rain, fog, snow, high heat, there are ways to deal with it. If extreme cold or heat is your issue, make sure that anything temperature sensitive is protected. If you have items that could melt, like candles, consider getting a cooler. Also, prepare yourself for extreme temperatures. Wear sunscreen, layer your clothing for cold days (especially moving items inside and out), and have lots of water available for hot days. Also make sure that you’re taking breaks as needed, no matter what the weather. If you’re working on snow or ice, be sure to put down traction for everyone. Sand or salt can help keep driveways and steps clear or, at least, not slippery. Be sure to put towels or throw rugs down on floors if you will be walking through sand, dirt, or other debris.

2. Pack an Essentials Box (or two)

Pretend for a second that you have moved into your new home. You got everything inside, laid out an air mattress, and crashed. You can still see the remnants of take-out on the new kitchen counters. You feel better in the morning, and everything is exciting and bright. You’re eager to get started unpacking and sorting your new home. First, you need some coffee. But where’s the coffee pot? Ugh. Who knows? Packing an essentials box for those first moments in your new home can save you frustration and a caffeine-deprived morning. A coffee pot (or instant coffee), coffee mugs, some flatware, and any other small items you might need like a knife to cut open boxes, a screwdriver, a hammer, and some duct tape will get you through almost any issue you might come across on your first days in your new home.

3. Injuries

One of the worst things that can happen on your moving day is to hurt yourself or have someone in your family or moving crew get hurt. Keep a basic first aid kit nearby at all times. A good rule of thumb, especially if moving a long way, is to have a backpack filled with small essential items, including a first aid kit, a toolkit, a sewing kit, a water bottle, and anything else you might need.

In addition, you should also be sure that your movers are properly covered by insurance. A good moving company should provide you with proof of workers comp coverage. Without it, you could find yourself responsible if anything happens to your movers while they’re on the job. This coverage is actually legally required, but you’d be surprised how many small and medium-sized moving companies don’t have it. Always check first!

4. Kids and Pets

Little kids will be excited to move — and they’re going to want to help! Be sure to keep little ones safe by either designating a person to watch them or by keeping them in sight at all times if you’re helping, too. Pets might be better off in a kennel or at doggie (or kitty) daycare. Hiring a sitter (for either kids or pets) can be the best option. This keeps the kids occupied and safe all day while the “heavy lifting” is happening.

Even the most organized person can have troubles on moving day. Consult with a local moving company to make sure any and all circumstances are taken care of ahead of time. A trustworthy moving company can be the key to a smooth moving day — or one filled with anxiety and frustration. Marrins’ Moving is experienced and efficient. Our team of experienced, expert local movers will help you get to your new home with less stress. Call today to see how Marrins’ Moving can help you sort out the best way to get moving.

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1. Preparing the Kids

You might be really excited for this move. Maybe you or your partner got a new job or a job promotion. Or maybe the opportunity to go to a dream location has turned up. Whatever the reason for your move, you may discover that your children are far from excited. Your “great news” may be met with wailing, whining, or tantrums—no matter at what age your children are.

“But what about my friends,” you might hear. “But what about my school,” the wailing may begin. Teams, activities, friends, and family could all be reasons why even the idea of moving strikes fear into your children’s hearts. It is important that no matter what the response, whether excitement, fear, anger, or sadness, that you listen to each child’s concerns. Remind them that friends and family can be kept in touch with through email, Facebook, Skype, and the good old telephone. Try and get them excited about the possibility of new friends and activities that can be found in almost any town.

Explain, in detail, what will happen and when. If your children are very young, let them ask questions and answer them simply. Try not to overcomplicate the issue with excessive details. This can make things worse, especially with young kids.

2. Packing Up

Packing up items can be a frightening experience for some children. If you have never moved before, a child may not understand that they will see their items again. While this is a good time to get rid of unused items, try not to get rid of too much if you can avoid it. Talk with local moving companies about options for packing and storing your items. Any help you can get in packing the house will give you more time to help your children adjust. Having to pack up items, leave their old home, and donate your old stuffed animals to a thrift store might be more than some kids can take. Recognize the stress level your child is reaching and pack accordingly.

Let your children help you pack. Show them how to pack a box and then let them label the box if they can, or draw a picture on the box so that they know which ones belong to them. Also, keep favorite items out and put them in a backpack or basket for the ride to your new home. A doll, stuffed animal, or a few favorite cars or Legos in a bag can make the kids feel much better during the ride.

3. Surviving the Trip

Once the bags and boxes are packed, and you’re in the car, it’s not much different than any other road trip. Allowing a cross country moving company to take your items to your new home can leave you free to enjoy your trip. Keep tablets charged for little ones (and big ones) to play games and watch movies. Pack a cooler full of fun and familiar snacks. A long road trip is not the time to quibble about nutrition! If you can make the road trip more fun by letting your littles have their cheese crackers for breakfast, go for it. It’s all part of the adventure.

4. Be Flexible

As with anything with kids, the key to your sanity is in your flexibility. You may have a strict timetable for getting there in your head, but try and remember that part of the joy is in the journey—not just the destination. Stop at interesting roadside landmarks, learn a little history, play at new playgrounds, or eat at roadside stands. Making the journey more of a vacation and less about “getting there,” can make the whole move more fun and put your kids in a more adventurous mood regarding the new place.

With a little planning and consideration, you might find that your cross-country move, even with kids, is not nearly as stressful as you thought it would be. When you’re ready for your next adventure, call the local moving service at Marrins’ Mooving and ask about getting your free quote.

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1. Day-to-Day Disruptions

When a business moves, their processes and procedures tend to get messed up. This can cause order errors, customer service delays, and more. Customer trust and loyalty is priceless and should be a major concern when moving your business. You can avoid problems by planning and letting customers know of any potential hiccups. It’s always best to be up-front, and if people know that you’re moving, they’ll probably understand.

2. Overpaying Employees to Help

It might seem like a good idea, but using your employees to help with the move could end up costing you more than you think. Many companies opt to use their employees to move their business location. This can often be a mistake. If a business is not shut down and moved during regular business hours (which reduces revenue-building productivity), then employees must be paid overtime. Also, both locations are often open at the same time. This can create double the overhead. When you choose to work with a professional moving company you’re just paying the standard rate. On top of that, your employees can still get their jobs done, so you save both overtime and productivity.

3. Workers Comp Can Cost You

Another employee concern should be potential workers compensation cases. While precautions can be taken to limit employee injuries during a move, you can’t completely eliminate the possibility. If an employee gets injured during the move, this could cost the company dearly. You can avoid this entirely by enlisting the services of a professional moving company that knows the risks.

4. Protect Your  Health

Above all, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself during the big move. Your health should be a concern when planning to move your business. Moving a business can be stressful, especially if you are inexperienced. Let experienced movers do the heavy lifting and reduce your stress!

A location move is often great news for a growing company. But that doesn’t mean things are easy! There are many uncertainties that come along with the growth and improvements. You can eliminate unforeseen moving costs and reduce your stress by hiring professional movers! Speak to the friendly local movers at Marrins’ Moving to see how we can help you and get the job done right.

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1. Make sure to have an end destination in mind

Chances are, you weren’t planning to move during the holidays. That’s perfectly okay with us! If you’re not sure where your end destination is, consider a moving and storage package option. Choosing a moving and storage package will buy you time to decide where your belongings end up after the stress of the holidays has passed. Whether you need temporary or long-term storage, Marrins can accommodate.

2. Plan to share your forwarding address early

As soon as you know what your new address will be, make sure to share it with all important parties. You wouldn’t want to miss a holiday package delivery, supply shipment, or other important mail during that time of year when the mail is already a bit unreliable. If you’re the type to send holiday cards, this is the perfect opportunity to share your new address with the most important people in your life, as well as share the news of your big, exciting move. It’s a win-win!

3. Find a company that meets your needs

Good news! There’s no need to do endless hours of internet research, wasting your precious packing time in an attempt to find movers to meet your needs. Marrins Moving offers it all. From residential movers to commercial movers, to storage, and more, we have all your needs covered.

Our full-service movers will even pack your belongings if you’re really in a holiday time crunch. Flexible scheduling is yet another of the countless benefits of choosing Marrins. Still not sold on the benefits of choosing Marrins Moving? Check out this article, then request your free quote as soon as the need arises. You can trust that we’ll take care of the rest.

4. Watch the weather and have a backup plan

As you already know, the weather can be kind of temperamental during the holiday season. While it won’t help to obsess over every change in the forecast, it is helpful to keep watch. Being in the know will allow you to have a backup plan in mind so that you can prepare for the worst. Talk with the trusted movers at Marrins’ Moving to formulate a backup plan that works for you, just in case the weather refuses to cooperate.

5. Find time to enjoy yourself

If you’ve got a case of the holiday blues or are stressed about relocating, a pick-me-up may be in order. With all the festive holiday decorations on display, this is a great time to explore your beautiful new locale. With Marrins’ Moving handling all your moving needs, you’ll have the time to grab a cup of coffee, take a stroll in the snow, or meet your jolly new neighbors. It’s the perfect way to lift your spirits during your big holiday move.

Holiday moves don’t have to be stressful

By choosing Marrins’ Moving to help with your move, holiday relocation will seem like a breeze. With residential movers and commercial movers on call, as well as a moving and storage options, you can’t go wrong with Marrins. If you’re anticipating a big move this holiday season, don’t forget to fill out the form to request your free quote today!

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The holidays are one of the most wonderful times of the year. There’s a contagious feeling of joy and generosity that’s can be hard to avoid. But during all of the celebrations, it’s important to think of those who are less fortunate. There are many people in our community that are still struggling to put food on the table, and presents under the tree. That’s why Marrins Moving is proud to team up with the Salvation Army and the Capital City Clauses to work to benefit underprivileged families in the area. Together, we can help make the season bright for thousands of families throughout our community.

24 Years of Toys for Christmas

The Jingle Ball has been taking place for more than 20 years, and has come a long way from its humble beginnings. It all started in 1993 as a group of friends wanting to raise toys for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer program. The Christmas Cheer program is dedicated to helping make sure that families in need will have something under the tree on Christmas morning. Thanks to the Christmas Cheer program, deserving families and thousands of children are able to open presents around the Triangle.

Today, the Jingle Ball is in its 24th year and has become one of the largest toy drives and biggest charity parties of the season. In fact, the event has become so successful that they sell out of tickets to the event every year. With more than 2500 attendees the program is able to raise tons of toys for underprivileged families, and bring a lot of smiles to homes all over the Triangle on Christmas morning. All the toys that are purchased are donated to the Salvation Army of Wake County’s Christmas Center. Every year, this 25,000 foot warehouse is turned into a Winter wonderland where registered families are able to find gifts for their families for the holidays.

Serving Our Community

Marrins Moving is pleased to be able to pitch in and help out with this year’s event. Our business is happy to give trucks, manpower, and additional donations to further help underprivileged families around the area. Our company has been helping move the Triangle area to greener pastures since 1997. The community has been so good to us over the years that we wanted to find a way to be able to give back. We’re thankful to the Salvation Army and the Capital City Clauses for presenting us with an opportunity to give to the less fortunate.

See How You Can Help

What’s even better is that you can get involved too! If you’d like to learn more about how you can donate to families in need, you can contact the Salvation Army or visit the Wake County Salvation Army online to get more info about available Christmas opportunities. Whether you’d like to donate toys, adopt an angel from the Angel Tree, donate food for a hot holiday meal, or ring the bell, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved with your community this holiday season. Find out how you can spread the joy of the season and get involved in the community today!

The 24th annual Jingle Ball will be held Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. Marrins Moving would like to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the entire NC Triangle and everyone else that’s celebrating across the United States.

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Commercial Moves Require a Lot More Planning

Residential moving services in the Tar Heel State are relatively simple. Movers will transport someone’s belongings to his destination on a specified day. Commercial movers, on the other hand, require a little more planning. Business owners need to choose a moving day that limits disruption to everyday operations. Office moves that take too long could have a significant financial impact on the business.

Here at Marrins Moving, we have specialized in commercial moves for more than 10 years. Corporate offices, retail stores, restaurants, banks, law firms—these are just some of the businesses we have worked with over the last decade. Companies based in North Carolina’s Triangle area can benefit from our excellent customer service and get a return on their investment.

Commercial Moves Involve the Transportation of Sensitive Material

Unlike most residential relocations, commercial moves include the transportation of highly sensitive documents such as employees’ tax records and internal accounts. Most businesses will also have a computer system with valuable data. Data protection legislation in the United States requires business owners to keep these documents and programs safe and secure at all times, including when moving to new premises.

Marrins Moving transports all sensitive material with care, providing businesses in North Carolina’s Triangle area with the peace of mind they need. We carry out extensive background checks on all our staff and always use the best business practices. Companies in the Triangle area can benefit from our trusted, reputable commercial moving services. We help business owners pack sensitive documents and programs and unpack them at the other end.

Commercial Moves Involve the Transportation of Lots of Electronic Equipment

Most residential movers transport valuables such as televisions and laptops. Commercial movers, however, transport a wide range of electronic equipment. This includes printers, photocopiers, scanners, fax machines, and water coolers. Business owners rely on this equipment to carry out essential operations, so movers must transport these items with care. Only the best commercial movers guarantee this.

Sixty-six percent of employees use two or more devices at work, according to a study. Throw in all the other office supplies—stationery, desks, vending machines, etc.—and it’s clear that commercial moves require much more effort than regular residential relocations.

Here at Marrins Moving, our staff can move heavy items to new office premises without breaking a sweat. Our company is fully insured too. Unlike some other services, we are completely upfront about all of our costs. This means business owners know exactly how much they are going to pay as soon as they contact us.

Looking for commercial movers in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, or elsewhere? Marrins Moving has everything covered. We provide moving solutions for businesses of all sizes. Click here for a free quote!

The post Here’s Why Commercial Moving Is Nothing Like Your Last Home Move appeared first on Marrins' Moving.

Check the Delivery Window

We understand that during a long-distance move, one of the highest priorities is finding out when the movers will be delivering your things. But because of the long distances involved, and because your belongings might share space on a truck that’s hauling other households too, most movers can’t give you an exact day for delivery. Our advice is to make sure you read the fine print on the delivery window, which can stretch for days or weeks, and to pack enough belongings to hold you for a few extra days—just in case. Another strategy we like is booking your move as soon as possible: This makes it easier to get your choice of move-in dates, and some companies will let you book a confirmed delivery day in return for an extra fee.

Pack a Travel Bag

We recommend packing a “go bag” of essentials for any move. That bag becomes especially important when you’re separated from most of your belongings during a long-distance move. The bag should contain basic toiletries, changes of clothes, vital documents and medications, along with anything you’ll need to find work, secure housing, or get started on school during your first days in your new town.

Here’s another good tip: Pack (and clearly label!) a “Day One” or “Week One” box that contains everything you need to quickly return to normal life without having to dig through all the boxes that were delivered. Some things you might want to include are wardrobe staples, favorite comfort items, and pots, pans, dishes, and utensils for cooking.

Your Belongings May Be Changing Hands

Your belongings might pass through many hands during a long-distance move, so we recommend packing everything as if it were going into long-term storage. That means filling every box full to the top so the contents won’t shift and padding all sides so that even if the boxes tip over, your belongings will be safe. Clearly label each box with your name, its contents and the room it belongs in, so you can quickly get organized once everything is delivered.
One of our highest priorities is being very careful with any fragile items you’ve packed, but you can help us out by grouping any fragile items together, so we can concentrate our care on those “fragile” boxes. Finally, please don’t pack liquids or food of any sort—even non-perishables can burst or leak during a long move.

You Have to Get There, Too

Here’s one last tip that’s usually a big help to clients: Don’t delay in planning out the logistics of getting yourself, your family, and any pets to your new home. You might need to rent a second vehicle or send some people ahead by plane. If nobody wants to drive, you’ll need to ship your vehicle to your new home.

While it’s true that a long-distance move can be challenging, we here at Marrin’s Moving take pride in getting it right, and we’ll be here to help you through every step of the way. Contact us today to get started!

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