How To Move Your Home Office

Moving Your Home Office

More and more people are working out of their homes, losing the problematic commute and daily grind for a much more accommodating work environment where they feel, quite literally, at home. In the event of a long distance move, you will be dismantling your home office, and you want to be able to do so and have it set up again in your new location with as little productive time lost as possible.

Start early on, like as soon as you know you are going to be moving. Make a detailed list of everything in your work space and see what can be packed first. Document what items are in which boxes so you can efficiently unpack when you reach your destination. If you can throw something out, then do so. Do not overload boxes and resist the urge to pack things inside file cabinets. While this may seem like a good idea, file cabinets have a way of opening unexpectedly, which could create a mess at the most inopportune moments.

Make a back up of all computer data and store it on an external hard drive. Put all electronics in their original packaging, if possible, or ask for a generous supply of bubble wrap to protect them. Once you have packed the electronic items, fill any empty space with smaller items that are unbreakable.

Be sure that all boxes containing office items are packed together in the same space, on the same vehicle, etc. This cuts down on the confusion at the end of your long distance moving trek and allows you the ability to get a head start on getting your office ready for business as soon as possible.

You will also want to send out some change of address cards to your colleagues and clients, and be sure to explain any interruption of service or contact that may take place as a result of the move. Even in the best case scenarios, you will be offline for a few days, and you don't need people wondering what happened to you.

As with any moving project, a little due diligence and preparation will go a long way towards a successful home office transition.