How To Move An Office on Short Notice 3 Sep 2019, 4:15 pm

Nobody wants to go through a rushed office relocation, but when things unexpectedly change you have to act fast and stay organized. Maybe your business is growing so fast you’re running out of space, a natural disaster has hit, or you’ve found a new space that you have to move into quickly. Whatever the reason, keep calm and follow these tips to get through your last-minute move:

1. Find a Reliable Moving Company

The thought of moving a whole office can be downright overwhelming. Hiring a mover makes the most sense because time is the leading factor in your short notice move. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling in the office at night throwing papers in a box or trying to figure out how to get a dozen computers into a moving truck. Our team has years of experience in packing up offices and important files quickly and efficiently. Plus, Moving Masters offers computer and server relocation utilizing air ride suspension trucks. Relocation is also a great opportunity to replace outdated equipment and furniture. We offer furniture installation to make upgrading a breeze.

2. Pick the Right Time

Moving an office can be a disruption to your business operation. You’ll want to minimize the disruption as much as possible by packing outside of business hours or ask that employees work remote. Be sure to inform employees about the upcoming move as early as possible. If you’re making a long-distance move, figure out relocation packages and keep employees in the know about important dates.

3. Create a Moving Checklist

A checklist is key to keeping organized and it breaks the process down into manageable parts or stages. You should also estimate your relocation budget and review it throughout the moving process. Outside of a moving company, you may need to budget for security deposits and new IT infrastructure. Details like updating your business’s address online should go on your to-do list. If, at the end of your checklist, you have things that won’t fit into your new space just yet, Moving Masters has three secure warehouse/storage facilities. Every item that comes into our building is photographed, scanned, and inventoried in our secure online portal.

We know moving can be stressful and finding a company you can trust to carefully pack and move your business is crucial. Moving Masters guarantees the highest quality of service with each move and top-notch care.

Are you moving? Give us a call or contact us online.

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4 Insightful Moving Industry Facts 22 Jun 2018, 4:31 pm

Moving Masters has over 30 years of corporate, government, and specialty industries relocation services experience. From federal offices to laboratories, our movers are skilled professionals who make moving locations effortless. Moving Masters provides high-quality services to a niche market.

If you’re curious about the moving industry, here are some insightful statistics:

1. The economic impact of the moving industry was $85.7 billion in 2016.¹
2. The breakdown of who utilizes the services of moving companies is: Military 16%, Other Federal Government 2%, Corporate 38%, Individuals 44%.¹
3. The moving industry employs around 122,600 people.²
4. In 2017, electronic office equipment, such as computers and copiers, accounted for 18% of all the items moved.²

Needless to say, the American moving industry is a significant economic contributor and source of employment. With over half of those utilizing moving services accounting for non-residential moves, it is critical to have trained, professional movers who are skilled in loading, transporting, and storing diverse items, equipment, and sensitive information. For example, Moving Masters holds a GSA 48 Schedule #GS-33F-0029V contract with the government to provide competitively priced and excellent quality relocation services for federal agencies. From the packing process to secure document destruction, our team is well-versed in specialty moves.

It is evident that businesses, organizations, and agencies are outgrowing their current locations as they thrive in today’s market. Managing a growing business and personnel requires expert multi-tasking and time management. Relocating is often one of the most anxiety-ridden components of expanding operations and has the potential to be a logistical nightmare when left to non-professionals. When it comes time for your organization to make its next move, take the stress of the actual move out of the equation by utilizing Moving Masters.

¹ Self-Storage, S. (2017, October 31). 35 Interesting Moving Industry Statistics for 2018 and Beyond. Retrieved June 18, 2018, from  https://www.simplyss.com/blog/moving-statistics/

²About Our Industry. (2017). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.moving.org/newsroom/data-research/about-our-industry/

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3 Ways to Clean Out Before You Move Out 23 May 2018, 4:37 pm

There is no better time to declutter than when packing to move. Whether you’re moving commercial buildings or specialty spaces, chances are you have accumulated items or equipment that go unused. Rather than having to pack items with no utility, take the time to sort out what is and isn’t going to your new location.

Are those mismatched office chairs from the back-conference room worth the trouble of transporting? Is that machine from eight years ago still relevant? If your answer is “no”, then check out our list of how to clean out before you move out.

1. Trash (or recycle) it:

There are several factors to consider once you’ve made the decision to throw something away. Depending on what it is, there may be legal regulations or other restrictions set in place by your dumpster service. Many services will not pick up large items, such as a desk or couch unless they are placed out on a bulk-pickup day. Call your service a few weeks in advance to determine when your bulk day is so you can be prepared. If something can be recycled, do it! Printers and certain other technologies can be recycled by specialty centers and businesses such as Staples.

2. Donate it:

Many national and local organizations are happy to accept donations from businesses. Determine which organizations benefit most from your items. For example, if you have miscellaneous office supplies, you may want to research schools in your area that take donations. If you’re getting rid of chairs, consider Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity.

3. Sell it:

If you have something that is in good condition, research your options for selling it. Selling on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace allows you to target potential buyers in your current geographic area. Always be considerate of the risk associated with meeting buyers online that you’ve never met before.

When moving day rolls around, you’ll be glad to have gotten rid of extra weight. Start off in your new space de-cluttered and refreshed. If you need help making the move, be sure to call Moving Masters to handle the transition!

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Tips for Moving Your Business Electronics Safely 13 Apr 2018, 5:45 pm

Relocating your delicate business electronics from one building to the next doesn’t have to be intimidating. As long as you take the appropriate steps to make sure your property is appropriately packaged, you will keep your valuables from getting damaged during the move. Even packaging and moving large electronics such as TVs and computers can be made simple with the right tools. Moving Masters has spent over 30 years helping businesses of all sizes move their equipment efficiently and effectively. Follow our basic tips to keep your electronics safe and secure during the transition:

Protect with packing materials:

Pack each piece well with packing materials. Wrap the electronic with packing paper that you seal with packing tape. After that, wrap it in static-free bubble wrap to provide cushioning. Use packing paper or newspaper to make a cushioned layer on the top and bottom of the item and to fill empty space so the item will not move within the box. Seal the box well on the top and bottom with packing tape.

Choose the right boxes:

If you saved the original box with its packing materials for each electronic, you’ll be able to easily repack each electronic in the best way possible. If not, find a box of the closest size and shape to securely hold your item when it is wrapped by packing materials. Companies sell stronger specialized boxes designed to protect electronics. Also, you can find boxes in different sizes to fit stereos, computers and other items, including slim boxes designed for flat-screen televisions.

Pack accessories:

Electronics tend to come with numerous accessories, such as cords, speakers, and remote controls. You’ll need to pack these too, ideally so that you can find everything you need in one place. Use twist ties or rubber bands to neatly hold your folded cords and mark them with colored stickers that match the same sticker color on the corresponding electronic. Pack all accessories, wrapping anything that requires protection. When you put multiple items in one box, put large and heavy items on the bottom.

Protection in storage:

If you need to store the electronic items, make sure that you choose a climate-controlled unit that will keep your electronics at a safe temperature with controlled humidity levels. Moving Masters offers a variety of storage options just 15 minutes from Downtown, Washington D.C that have been proven safe for your electronics. We use motion, heat, smoke, and fire detectors to keep your assets secure and protected. In addition, our warehouses are scanned, photographed, and inventoried in our secure online portion so that you can view your stored items any time.

If you need assistance with your big move, Moving Masters can help you properly pack, move, and store your electronics and other goods to make sure everything arrives safely at your next address. For more information, Contact us for a free estimate.

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6 Things to Consider Before an Office Move 14 Mar 2018, 5:57 pm

During any move, it is important to plan ahead. This will save you time and money in the long run, and help to ease some of the stress that comes along with moving. An office move might be one of the most stressful types of moves, so we’ve come up with some tips to help you plan ahead!

1. Plan early! Business relocations are typically planned six months in advance, and when you’re dealing with large commercial moves, those can require years of planning. Think ahead, and the planning will save you a lot of unwanted stress down the road.
2. Experience matters! It is really important to hire movers that have experience with commercial moving, or it has the potential to be a disaster. An office move requires movers who know how to handle the move efficiently, as well as the manpower to handle the scale of the move. Make sure you do your research before you hire based on your individual needs.
3. Be well acquainted with the rules of your building prior to the move. Every office building is unique and will have unique rules about moves, including how much time you can park at the loading dock, reservation of the elevators, and other considerations.
4. Be sure to schedule your move with not only the building you’re moving out of, but also the building you’re moving into. More often than not, office moves need to take place outside of normal business hours due to restrictions put in place by the building during working hours. Typically, the best time to schedule a move is over the weekend, but be aware that if you need employees present, you will have to give them appropriate notice.
5. Consider the interior conditions for the move. Often times, the heat or air conditioning will be turned off in office buildings over the weekend, so it’s important to consider this ahead of time. Place a request to have these systems left on for both movers and any employees present for the move.
6. Appreciate the value of labeling! It is an easy thing to overlook when planning such a daunting move, but labeling boxes will make the unpacking process so much easier. Consider labeling based on department first, and then break it down for your business, which can be by employee, by item description, or whatever makes sense for you.

Moving Masters has been an expert in office and commercial moving for over 30 years, so contact us today and find out how we can assist with your next move!

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Why Commercial Warehouse Storage is an Important Consideration 22 Feb 2018, 7:01 pm

Many companies need to store large amounts of raw materials in order to keep business operations moving smoothly. However, maintaining such a large space can be a costly proposition when you take into consideration insurance, mortgage payments, and even warehouse employees. Once all of these costs are added in, it can put owning a warehouse out of reach for many business owners. There is a solution to this, and Moving Masters can help!

Renting storage space is a much more affordable option and offers great flexibility, particularly for companies who have seasonal spikes in business needs, because it gives you the ability to rent just the space you need at any particular time of year. With over 150,000 square feet of storage capacity located just 15 minutes outside of Washington D.C., Moving Masters is conveniently located for many businesses in the area. We offer a variety of contemporary storage services including palletized, archival, storage and warehouse security, and an online client portal where you can keep track of your items 24/7.

It is important that any company looking for commercial warehouse storage takes into account things like access, damage prevention, and security, among other things. If you will need to regularly access your items, consider how quickly and easily you can do this based on the location of the facility you choose. Additionally, this will include making sure that the business hours for the facility work for your type of business. Ease of tracking for stored items is another important consideration. At Moving Masters, we catalog every item that comes in and out of our warehouse to maintain maximum security for your business’ inventory. This includes bar-coding and rapid retrieval capability, as well as photographing every item.

Climate control is another important consideration, as this can affect the shelf life of some items, particularly files and electronics. We carefully monitor the climate of our facilities to protect your items. We also restrict access to our facilities to employees only as an added layer of security. It is also important to consider the range of services offered by the company you trust to store your assets, to be sure that those services meet your needs.

Moving Masters offers a variety of services, including pick-up of materials from your site, in-house work areas, and secure destruction services. Moving Masters is a full-service storage, warehousing, and commercial moving company that can offer solutions to fit all secure commercial storage needs. Give us a call today and find out how we can offer a solution to all of your warehousing needs.

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What You’ll Need For A Successful Laboratory Move 23 Jan 2018, 7:10 pm

Moving laboratory equipment is a complex process that requires experienced professionals. Planning and inventory management are essential for a successful move and fragile scientific instruments must be carefully handled. Our laboratory moving experts have experience organizing every aspect of the move, including a detailed timeline to make sure you can pick up where you left off as soon as possible. We have experience moving even the most expensive and sensitive lab equipment, so you can be assured that everything will arrive at its destination safely. Recently, we have handled some note-worthy moves, including a $350,000, 2,000 pound electron microscope at The George Washington University in addition to holding the relocation services contract for Goddard Space Flight Center for NASA.

Moving Masters has specialized equipment to handle moving sensitive lab equipment. Our air-ride suspension trucks have long lift gates, which makes them easier and safer to load and unload which means all of your equipment is in the safest of hands. We have the experience and the know-how to make sure that your move goes according to plan, whether you’re moving to a new building, a new location, or even across the country, we get the job done right.

If you are planning a laboratory move in the near future, we have some tips that will help make the process smoother.

1. Do not work alone.

   Never transport hazardous materials by yourself. It is dangerous and should always be done in the company of at least one other person in the event that an emergency should occur.

2. Avoid moving hazardous materials in elevators.

   This is often against fire codes. Similarly, it is important to be conscious of the fact that these materials should never be left in hallways or corridors during moving, as they can pose a threat to others in the building.

3. Wear appropriate protective equipment.

   This includes safety goggles, gloves, closed-toe shoes, etc. It’s important to protect yourself while operating inside any lab space.

4. Be aware of what chemicals you may have present in the laboratory.

   Special precautions should be exercised when transporting odorous chemicals. Items of this nature must be sealed and double contained to prevent the spread of any unpleasant smells in hallways or corridors.

When dealing with a laboratory move, it’s always best to leave the hard stuff or the potentially dangerous items to the professionals to handle. We understand how valuable your equipment is, so we don’t leave anything to chance! With 35 years of experience in relocating lab equipment including microscopes, freezers, glassware, incubators, samples, and robotics, we’ll protect your investments. If you have a laboratory move in your future, give moving masters a call for a free estimate! We take pride in our level of care and consideration in all of our moves. Whether we are moving $350,000 medical equipment or relocating an office, let Moving Masters be your single source for all your moving needs.

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4 Safety Tips For Moving Furniture 27 Dec 2017, 7:13 pm

Moving heavy furniture can be a very risky business, especially if you have no prior experience moving large pieces of furniture and even more so if you’re moving it alone. If you’re planning to take on a furniture move on your own, we have provided some tips below that can help you avoid personal injuries and any damage to your possessions when moving from one space to another.

Wear proper clothing and footwear

This can be an easy thing to overlook on moving day, but it’s really important. Shoes should be closed-toe and have a rubber sole to prevent slipping. Most often, a good pair of athletic shoes will be the best choice. When considering clothing, choose items that are flexible, as these will allow you to move freely. Avoid clothing that is baggy, as this can be a safety hazard should the item get caught on something.

Disassemble furniture pieces

Furniture is almost always considered one of the most difficult hurdles on moving day, due mainly to its size, weight, and awkward shape. When moving heavy furniture, the best option is to hire experienced furniture movers who know exactly how to handle moving heavy furniture in the safest way possible. If you move smaller items on your own, always remember to disassemble first so that the pieces fit through doorways and down staircases.

Eliminate moving dangers

Safety is always of the utmost importance when handling items as large as furniture and a big part of that is making sure that your path to the end location, whether that be the moving truck, a car, or the dumpster, is clear. Take a walk along the intended path prior to moving any furniture and remove any obstacles that may be in the way such as boxes, protruding nails, desk chairs, etc. Additionally, if you are moving the items outdoors, remain mindful of weather conditions and check for hazards such as ice, mud, puddles, and snow that can be potential safety hazards. A good way to start preparing is with our moving checklist.

Use proper equipment when moving heavy furniture

The right moving equipment can help you avoid accidents and injuries during a move. A dolly is one of the most common and versatile piece of equipment for moving furniture. It can be used for lifting and also for moving heavy objects due to its wheels. Furniture slides are also great because they help slide furniture from one spot to another without damaging flooring or any muscles! A quality moving company that you hire will come prepared with these items plus more to handle the heavy items.

There are a lot of safety risks involved with moving furniture, so it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. Moving Masters offers the highest quality corporate, commercial, government, and specialty moving services backed by over 35 years of safety and experience. When you’re ready to discuss your next move, give us a call!

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5 Considerations for a Corporate Relocation 21 Nov 2017, 7:20 pm

Moving is never an easy thing to schedule because it disrupts everyday life, but if there is a corporate move looming for your business, we have some tips to help make the move as smooth and as inexpensive as possible.

1. Schedule moves during the “off-season”
   

   The summer months are particularly popular for moving companies which results in higher costs as well as scheduling issues. Planning an office relocation between October and April will likely be less expensive and with much more flexible availability, most movers will be able to accommodate your schedule.

2. Mid-week moving
   

   Everything about a mid-week move is a great idea! Not only are employees available to assist because they are likely already scheduled to be at work, but it also allows time to get settled in before the start of another busy week.

3. Schedule the move during business hours
   

   Try to plan your move during normal operating hours. In some cases, buildings do not allow moving activities during business hours, but if you are not bound by these restrictions, a daytime move is the way to go. This allows you to avoid the extra fees that often accompany an after-hours move, such as paying a building engineer to oversee the move outside of his/her normal nine-to-five schedule, or the cost of having a freight elevator operator stay while the move takes place.

4. Avoid scheduling when inclement weather is common
   

   Depending on where your business is located, weather can be a large hindrance to a corporate move. Try to schedule around the highest-risk weather months to avoid incurring additional costs for things like damaged equipment inside wet boxes, muddy boot prints on light-colored carpeting, and icy conditions for trucks.

5. Plan your move around business needs
   

   As a general rule, most businesses tend to be busier at the beginning and end of the month so planning your move to fall mid-month helps to alleviate the stress of taking on a move while also fulfilling regular business commitments.

Following these simple guidelines can help you have a more efficient move with minimal stress and that’s exactly what Moving Masters is all about! If you have a corporate move coming up, give us a call to get planning.

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Temporary Storage During an Office Renovation: Pros and Cons 27 Sep 2017, 6:23 pm

Office renovations can be tricky and require quite a bit of forethought to avoid having a negative impact on productivity or increased liability for injuries. Moving Masters understands the stress renovations can cause and have been successfully moving corporate offices for over 30 years. Our fleet of 40 trucks and over 100 trained moving professionals will make any temporary move during an office renovation stress-free.

Top Pros for temporary storage during an office renovation:

1. No dust: Depending on the type of renovation you are doing, dust from exposed ceilings, walls, and floors will make its way throughout the office. Moving furniture and equipment from one side to another and covering them will do little to lessen the amount of post-renovation cleaning required (or potential damage from dust).
2. Safety for employees and visitors: Stacking things up high on shelves or having cluttered walkways could lead to accidents, such as injuries from falling items or employees slipping and falling.
3. Purging: When having to clear out a section of the office for renovation, a company is forced to take a look at useless assets. Many companies find that it is easier to fill up a dumpster or to donate items, then them in a storage unit or find a place to put them after the renovation.
4. Peace of mind: Hiring a professional commercial moving and storage company, such as Moving Masters (hint, hint), will significantly reduce the stress to an already stressful renovation.

Top Cons for temporary storage during an office renovation:

1. Cost: Having employees move the office equipment and supplies from one room to the next will undoubtedly save money on storage and professional moving. However, there are increased risks (see above).
2. Accessibility: If you accidentally stored an important file or piece of equipment, you will not be able to access it easily if it is in a far off storage unit.

Other tips:

When packing for temporary storage during an office renovation, be sure to keep in mind the items your employees use on a daily basis. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to make multiple trips to storage to retrieve them or purchase new.

Pick a length of time when deciding what gets purged. For example, if an item hasn’t been used in a year or more (i.e. a three-hole punch), there’s a good chance it won’t be used in the future. Here’s 3 Steps to Simplify Your Move With Packers.

Ask yourself these questions to make sure your business runs smoothly during renovation:

• Will I need swing space (temporary working space) to accommodate employees?
• Will I need to add new wayfinding signs so customers or clients are directed appropriately?
• Will there be enough restrooms for employees and visitors?

Temporary storage during an office renovation can be a hassle, we know, but that’s why Moving Masters is here to do all the heavy lifting. Give us a call before you begin your office renovation!

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