More people than ever are working from home, running businesses from their residential properties, and handling work-related tasks in their home offices. Estimates state that about 22 percent of the American workforce will be working remotely by the year 2025.
If you rely heavily on the setup within your home office to make a living, the idea of moving that office can be a bit intimidating. Check out a few good tips to keep in mind as you approach moving day to make sure the transition from your old home workplace to the next goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Create a Master Plan and Schedule
You may have created a master moving plan for the rest of your home, but you should treat your home office a bit like a separate entity. A lot goes on in this space, so create a good plan for when you will stop working in the room, fully disconnect, and what things need to be handled before making the transition. As you approach moving day, having a plan and schedule will make it feel less intimidating to tackle the whole of the job.
2. Organize First, Pack Second
The organization for your home office is essential. The more organized you are before you move, the easier your setup will be once you get where you are going. Be sure your master plan and schedule have some time penciled in to organize everything in your home office before you start packing. A few tips to remember in the process:
- Organize according to where you will use the item
- Take the time to pull out and eliminate documents you no longer need
- Sort and arrange office supplies according to where you will store the item
3. Backup, Save, and Digitize
Take the time to backup your crucial programs, documents, and files before disconnecting your computer system. You can copy everything to an external hard drive or hard discs if needed, or you may consider backing up everything to the cloud so that you can access it quickly once you get to your new place. Take the time to digitize physical files by scanning them into your system as well.
4. Keep Cords Where They Go
The home office can have more electronics than most places in the house. As you take down your computer, printer, second monitors, and other pieces, try to keep the cords to those items with the item. For example, cables you have connected to your speakers can be coiled up, secured with a wire tie, and then taped to the back of your speakers for safekeeping.
5. Disassemble Office Furniture
Desks, bookshelves, and even office chairs are far easier to move when they are disassembled. These items can take up a lot of space in your moving truck, but they are not so space-consuming when broken down. Disassemble what can be, and drop all small parts in a zipper bag labeled with the furniture piece’s name.
Trust Professional Movers With Your Home Office Transition
Any business move can be challenging, even if your business operates out of your home most of the time. Contact professional movers in your area to make sure your home office transition happens as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We can help with your move! Call us today for a free quote.