Here are a few items that you should ask for when selecting a professional mover:

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

The Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a very important document from the moving company’s insurance company, because it verifies that the moving company is insured. In many cases, the building management in the office location that you are leaving or moving to, will require this document in case the moving company damages the building during the moving process. The COI protects your company from future claims from building management.

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also known as TWIC^®, is required by the Port of Houston for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine an organization’s eligibility, and issues the credential. oleRRelo has completed this certification to enable access to the Port of Houston for our customers moving needs.

The Houston Area Safety Council (HASC)

The Houston Area Safety Council (HASC) conducts hands-on, instructor-led and computer-based safety training classes for industrial safety training, general safety, professional development and company, and site-specific orientations. oleRRelo is a member of HASC, and our employees go through comprehensive safety training before working on our moving and relocation teams.

Sometimes the basics get overlooked when selecting a mover for your office or commercial move.  Make sure the companies you are comparing have the right credentials to get the job done, and that they have the protection you need.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our comprehensive commercial moving services, feel  to Contact us anytime.

The post Three Credentials to Require When Selecting your Houston Commercial/Office Mover appeared first on Oler Relo Moving.

Please read as he offers some great insight into the important aspects that companies need to think about when they are considering and planning an office relocation.

Describe Oler Relo’s workplace and logistics services.

It is also referred to as office moving, and industrial or commercial moving, which are all terms used to describe some type of business moving.  About 95 percent of the work that we do in this sector is Houston-based, so it’s local, but also being associated with United Van Lines allows us to ship products domestically and internationally.

What advice do you have for companies that are considering a move?

Anyone who is considering an office move should meet with a representative (like me) early in the process to try to establish a scope of work and a budget. People are often focused on the build-out of a new suite, or the procurement of new furniture, and they overlook the costs associated with the move, like relocating their technology. They simply don’t budget for the cost or the time needed to properly take care of those things.

Moving is very stressful, and obviously a time of great change, not only for management and ownership, but also for the staff.  So, companies need to plan for the change management portion and all of the different aspects of office moving.  The sooner they get started, the sooner they can budget for all of those things in a proper manner, which will reduce stress.

How soon should a company begin planning their move?

As soon as they think they might be moving their office.  Planning is important, especially when it might involve more difficult aspects, like manufacturing areas, or laboratory areas, or complicated machinery.  Those things, as well as office systems, take time to plan.

The other thing that we find often with larger moves, is that companies typically purchase new furniture.  So, one of the biggest challenges is that we have to find a place for the furniture that is no longer being used, so that it is properly recycled and donated.

Are there any pitfalls that companies should avoid when planning a move?

Most of the pitfalls of office moving focus around last minute activities.  Understanding the aspects associated with the property management at both the origin and destination location are important. People often think that their move can take place during the day, but a lot of times it has to be after hours. So, they shouldn’t make certain assumptions. They should always confirm everything, because waiting until the last minute can change our game plan.

What’s the best way to ensure a successful office move?

Most companies will have a successful move if they work together as a team.  The best moves are the ones where the companies have a team of people that are on the same page in the planning and execution of the move. They have to work together to get the staff ready and mentally prepared for the move.  So, office moving needs to be a team effort.

What are some of the things that companies can expect when working with you?

We certainly provide the men and the trucks, but we also provide a certain level of consultative approach for our clients.  So, we can help with the relocation of a data center, disconnecting and reconnecting of computers, and disconnecting and reconnecting cubicles and modular furniture.

Our core service is office moving, and that’s the majority of what we do, but we are also very good at warehouse moving.  We often partner with a rigging company that handles manufacturing equipment and large items, while we handle the moving of the small parts inventories, the pallet racking, metal shelving, and other ancillary items within a warehouse.

What are your reflections on your many years with Oler Relo?

It has been great growing with the company, and watching Blake and Bryan Oler become leaders, not only within our organization, but within the moving industry in general.  I’ve also enjoyed working with both Jhan and Nancy Oler, who are some pretty awesome folks!  We’ve gone from a very small operation, to a much larger and much more professional one that has safety as its number one goal.

Not only are we focused on our clients, but we are also focused on our staff, and making sure that our family atmosphere transfers to the staff.  Oler Relo cares about the well-being, happiness and safety of every staff member. We try to create a family atmosphere within our culture, which is really good.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My wife and I have two teenage boys. Our youngest is very involved in school band, and our oldest is involved in tennis and modeling. My personal passion is underwater photography, so I try to take a couple of weeks a year to go diving and take pictures.

Where can people see some of those pictures?

They can visit: 500px.com/kc-uw-photography

Any final words about office moving?

Yes, if anyone is considering moving their office, please contact us!

The post Meet Kevin Crofoot appeared first on Oler Relo Moving.

Relocating a business might seem like an impossible task, but it gets a lot easier once you know where to begin?

In this article, we will walk you through the most important things to consider when planning a business move.

Are you ready to make it happen? Let’s get started.

1. Plan & Create a Timeline

Nothing will complicate a business move more than poor planning. When it’s time to relocate your business, it’s important to have a well thought out plan as early as possible.

The earlier you begin the process of getting the pieces in motion, the more successful your move will be.

Begin looking at spaces as soon as possible, so that you don’t run out of options for office spaces as the moving date approaches. Having a general idea of what you’re looking for will speed up the process.

Small businesses usually need about three months to execute a move. Whereas medium size and large businesses often need six to eight months to make a move happen.

2. Pick The Team In Charge of the Move

Once you’ve done the general planning and decided on a new space, you will need to decide who will be the people responsible for making the in-office task happen.

Pick a person who will be the go-to for all moving related issues. Also, designate people from other departments who will report to this person to give progress reports.

The team leaders will be in charge of making sure:

• Their team meets set deadlines
• They complete the moving tasks
• Delegate responsibilities
• Communicate issues to the other team leaders

3. Decide on a Budget

Relocating your business will not come cheap. Establishing a budget will prevent you from any unnecessary overspending.

If it’s not in your budget, you probably won’t be moving to a space that needs a lot of remodeling.

You will also need to accommodate for professional movers, packers, and cleaners. Additionally, if you move to a bigger office space, you will need to order more equipment or upgrade what you have.

Is the move significant enough that you will need to pay for employee relocation?

All the little things can add up and put a dent in your budget.

4. Communicate With The Team

It’s important for the team to be informed and hear things from upper management as well as team leaders.

Make sure you hold meetings with the entire team to explain the process and the timeline.

During the initial meeting, introduce the team leaders and ensure that everyone knows what their role will be.

Hold a couple more meetings half-way and before the end of the process to make sure everyone is on the same page. This will help you to solve any issues that might arise.

5. Decide Layout of New Office

This is the most exciting part about moving offices. You will get to decide the layout and design of the new office space.

You will need to get blueprints and floor plans so you can designate offices, common areas, equipment rooms, and working spaces.

It will also make it easier for the movers to know where to place things, which will minimize any confusion on moving day.

6. Inventory Your Equipment

This is an extremely necessary step. To know what you’ll be taking to the new location, you need to know how much equipment you currently own.

Taking a detailed inventory will help you determine which equipment will be making the move. If you have

equipment that is old and outdated, depending on your budget, you have the option of upgrading and possibly

recycling.

7. Notify Your Service Providers

When you’re a business, you have a few more services to notify than during a residential move.

Create a list of all of your current service providers and keep a spreadsheet, so that it’s easier to keep track of which ones you have already contacted.

If you plan on switching providers based on the area where you’re moving, then you should begin contacting prospective providers and comparing prices.

Make sure you provide them with the exact moving dates, so you’re not stuck without service before or after the business move.

8. Make a Customer Contact List

Notify your customers and clients all in advance of your move to let them know of your plans, and the address of your new location.

Let them know via Letter, postcard, and email where your new office will be located and the effective date.

Make sure you include any other important information such as directions to your new space or possible phone number change. We recommend sending several reminders.

9. Contact Moving Companies

This one goes without saying, but you need to contact professional movers. Make sure you do this early on to ensure that  the company choose can accommodate you and your timeframe.

Make sure you pick a company that specializes in business moves, and that has the necessary resources and equipment to get the job done.

10. Move IT First

Once the big day arrives, you’ll be tempted to have all of the furniture and other stuff moved before all of your technology.

Well, it’s always a good idea to move all of your IT first. This includes telephone systems, routers, printers, and computers.

You’ll want to make sure that these items are installed early on in the moving process to make sure that all the

glitches are fixed before you are operational in the new location.

Plan for a Successful Business Move

Planning a business move can be stressful, but with the right moving company, it can be a lot easier than you might think.

The key to a successful move is a well thought out strategy. So, it’s best to plan early, create a timeline, designate team leads, communicate with your clients and customers.]

Are you ready to make the move? Contact us and let Oler Relo take care of all the heavy lifting for you.

The post How To Plan for a Business Move appeared first on Oler Relo Moving.

And you’re almost ready. You’ve crunched the numbers, found a suitable place, and maybe even imagined how your new office would look.

Of course, corporate moving is a lot different from a household move. You have to plan every detail to make sure your move is stress and hassle-free.

Here, we’ll give you some helpful tips on how to make your move go off without a hitch.

1. Create a Detailed Moving Plan

The first step is to be as detailed as possible with your moving plan. You want to list down all the things each department needs so that when your chosen commercial movers arrive, you’re not scrambling to get everything ready.

It’s better if you get everyone involved in this. Don’t try to plan everything on your own. This way you can properly delegate responsibilities and reduce confusion on the day of the move.

You should also note that the bigger the move, the earlier you should start planning. Give it at least 6 to 9 months before your lease contract expires and find a suitable company that specializes in office relocation services as soon as possible.

2. Find a Short-Term Storage Facility

Storage solutions are a must for any business that’s thinking about corporate moving. A temporary storage solution works best if you have valuables you won’t be using for a while until you get settled.

These include paper documents, seasonal products, and office equipment you’re not sure you’ll be using in your new space. The last one is quite important because you don’t want to get rid of something you could end up needing.

Store them first and save money down the line. It’s okay to spend a little more on storage than purchasing new office equipment you used to have.

3. Do Your Research

It’s easy to choose a moving company offering the cheapest rates, but don’t base your decision on price alone. Check out recommendations of friends or business partners. Or if you’re researching online, make sure you visit the website of every moving company you’re thinking of hiring.

Another thing you can do to make sure you’re engaging the right moving professionals is to read reviews. 77% of shoppers take the time to read product reviews before they buy anything online. You should, too.

This way, you’ll know if the movers you’re considering are experienced, employ good business practices, and are licensed.

4. Review Everything

Corporate moving means more paperwork. But the good thing about documenting everything and being organized is if something goes wrong during the move, you have a piece of paper (or papers) to hold onto.

Of course, you should read everything before signing documents. If there are clauses you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask the moving company you’re contracting with. Legit business movers are more than willing to help clients plan their big move and ensure everything goes smoothly during the process.

Do You Need Help with Corporate Moving?

Workplace moves are our thing. In fact, we offer all kinds of moving services – residential to international to storage, and more. You can check out what our clients have been saying about us to know how we conduct our business.

If you have any questions or if you want to request a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The post 4 Tips to Make Corporate Moving Stress-Free appeared first on Oler Relo Moving.

When you first start thinking about a move, you should have some idea of the scale of your move. Add up the amount of furniture you have, the number of rooms, and factor in the length of time you’ve been at a location. This will help movers give you a rough estimate.

If you find a professional moving service at the right price, you then need to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your move. Here are five qualities your moving company should have.

1. Exceptional Customer Service

From the moment you get them on the phone, your moving service should be welcoming and accommodating. It should be clear that their priority is to help your move run without a hitch.

They should even offer tips on how to pack.

In addition to answering all of your questions thoroughly and skillfully, they should also have questions for you. Before you get off the phone, they should have clearly understood the scale of your move and how much care you require with your belongings and equipment.

2. Strong References

However you search for a moving service, you should be able to find plenty of positive reviews. If you ask them, your service should be able to provide contact information for other customers or businesses that have used their services in the past.

While there are always unhappy customers, you should be able to spot red flags right away. Doing a little bit of research will go a long way in informing your decision of which service to use.

3. Skilled Workers and Equipment

Your service should be able to provide high-quality workers and quality equipment to help you orchestrate your move. They should pack and care for your belongings with care and attention.

Their workers should communicate with you clearly and be able to customize their work to your needs. If you’ve got some especially sensitive items, they should be more than willing to give the most attention to those items, with the utmost professionalism.

4. Licensing and Insurance

Every professional moving service should be adequately insured and licensed. They should also be more than happy to show you the documentation you ask for to help seal the deal.

Not only should any damage to your property be covered, but also the workers involved. If workers are dismantling a chandelier and fall, the moving company should have them covered. Otherwise, you could end up being liable for the fall.

5. Great Storage Facilities

If you need to store property during the move, your moving service should have recommendations, if not their own facilities. If you’re moving a lot of expensive art that would need to be climate controlled, they should be able to help you keep everything valuable in pristine condition.

A Professional Moving Service Will Let You Relax

Hiring the right moving service means that you can kick your feet up after you set up the move. As exciting as moving to a new location or a new city can be, moving is a dreaded part of the process. Saving yourself a headache by choosing the right service could be a welcome relief during a hectic period.

If you’re ready to find the right service to help you with your move, contact us to get started today.

The post Top 5 Qualities of a Professional Moving Service Company appeared first on Oler Relo Moving.