You have signed the lease for your warehouse or office space. Now you are eager to move in. You've made a good decision and it supports your company's growth. However, you might be concerned about unexpected challenges or second-guessing the decision to move.

To ensure that you are organized during the move, it is a good idea to create a relocation checklist. These are some tips and steps that will help you minimize anxiety associated with warehouse or office transitions.

180 Days Prior To The Move Date:

• Start to create a move plan.

• If you are not working with a vendor, choose an architect or interior design firm.

• Refer to trusted vendors for references.

• Create your building, furniture and IT needs list.

150 Days Before The Move Date:

• Assure completion of construction documents.

• A general contractor is recommended.

• For liquidation, catalog existing furniture and IT equipment. To ensure that the equipment is moved, categorize any leased furniture, IT equipment, or copiers.

• Interview and request bids before entering into a contract with suppliers of new furniture, IT equipment, and telephone equipment.

120 Days Before The Move Date:

• Discuss and agree on the finalization of your relocation plan with all stakeholders, as well as your project manager.

• Notify your landlord and property management company in writing about any changes to the move date and any needs for elevators and exits.

• You can order new furniture, communication equipment, training gear, and IT packages.

90 days Before The Move Date:

For each of these services, interview and ask for bids from up to three vendors:

• Provider of moving services (insured); furniture, and office systems

• IT/Server disconnect/reconnect

• Computer systems disconnect/reconnect

• Transfer of phone/communications systems

• Voice & data cabling installer

• Security system vendor (keypad, card-key access installers, surveillance systems installations, on-site security services, etc.

From the 90th day until your actual move day there are many other tasks that must be planned and accounted for. However, it is important to create a working timeline together with general contractors, relocation experts, and IT vendors. They can help you create a working plan that will be implemented so your warehouse or office can open on the first day. It is important to work closely with both your current landlord and the new landlord. It is important to understand the requirements of the facility you are moving and the one you will be leaving. This will ensure that your work schedule runs smoothly.