Have a unique situation or general question about your office move? Read what moving guru Ed Katz has to say — or ask your own question.

How much packing should I ask my employees to do?
Most companies require their employees to pack the contents of their own offices and workstations. It is also common to have the movers pack the contents of common areas such as the break room, library and supply rooms. Another alternative, though, would be to have a white-collar temporary labor service, such as Durham or Kelly Services, provide you with labor to pack the common areas. Such services can furnish college educated staff that are more adept than movers in this type of task.

How early in the move process should I hire a moving company?
You should start the bid process as soon as you sign your lease. Once you get the bids, you'll be able to identify the time frames necessary for your move. With this information, contact the building managers at both buildings as soon as possible and get guaranteed exclusive use of the freight elevators in writing. If you are dilatory, another tenant moving into or out of your building(s) may reserve the elevator before you thereby precluding you from moving when you want to.

When's the best time to schedule a move?
The best time to schedule your move is when you can get guaranteed exclusive use of the freight elevator(s). Inquire if the building's cleaning crew hauls trash on the freight elevator from 8 PM until 10 PM Monday through Friday. If they do and you'll have to share the freight elevator, opt for a weekend move if the rates are the same.

Have a question for Ed? Send him an email at moving@buyerzone.com.

Ed Katz has been involved in business moves for the past 30 years. As a result, he's developed methods to eliminate most moving complaints. Katz's innovations, featured in the Wall Street Journal, have brought him international recognition as well as the unofficial title of Guru of Office Moves.

Katz has written several books about moving. He was chosen Distinguished Author of the Year in 1999 by IFMA for his book Commercial Relocation. He recently released its sequel, Move Your Business (Without Becoming A Moving Target).

Today, Katz is president of the International Office Moving Institute (IOMI) www.officemoves.com where you can learn more about how to have a successful move.

Search by State

Order Ed Katz's best-selling book now