How to pack: Preparing for a corporate move

As businesses grow and expand, it may become necessary to move to a new - and hopefully better - location. A bigger, nicer office could go a long way toward making your employees happy and productive, so if you're a business owner, it's crucial to make sure you find just the right location. In many ways, packing for a corporate move is a lot like a residential move, but there are a few more details to consider when moving a corporate office.

As with a home move, you'll want to make sure you have the right packing supplies to make sure your company's equipment arrives at the new office unscathed. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts and old newspapers are invaluable weapons in your moving arsenal, so use them liberally. There are anti-static versions of these products available at some stores (except newspaper, of course). This could be a good option if your company has a lot of electronics it needs to transport safely.

Depending on the type of business you have, you may have different items that need special attention. Try and remove (or secure) any movable parts or cartridges from office equipment. This could include taking toner and ink cartridges out of printers and copy machines or removing CDs and cassettes from media players and computers. Pack these items separately. Since toner and ink cartridges could break and spill en route to the new office, it might be best to pack them in a watertight bag. Nothing is worse than a big mess at a new office.

Whenever possible, try to use the original boxes your office equipment came in, especially for valuable computers, printers and monitors. The companies that manufacture these products go to great lengths to create custom packaging that will keep these delicate items safe during transport from the factory to the store. The same packaging should keep your equipment safe during an office move.

Planning is a vital part of any move, but especially so with a corporate move. Start several weeks before the move by making a list of all the items you'll need to bring with you to the new location. Split the list up into different areas of the office to help you stay organized when packing. Color code boxes so you know where they'll go in the new space, whether it's the kitchen, the conference room or an employee's office. If at all possible, spend some time in the new office assembling furniture and setting up equipment before your employees arrive. That way, you'll ensure a smooth transition for everyone.