Self Employed Success

People seem to be moving to a new home more and more often as our society becomes more mobile. Moving house is stressful enough; what do you do when you also have to move your home office and be up and running for business quickly?

Here are some tips to help (from someone who just did it a month ago!):

1. Work backwards. Start by packing the items that you won’t need immediately and label those boxes, “Unpack Later.” A few days before the move, pack items that you can live without for the first week and label those boxes, “Unpack Sooner.” Finally, the day before your move, pack the items you will need as soon as your office re-opens, and label those boxes, “Unpack Immediately.”

2. Choose “immediate” items carefully. What do you really need during the first few days of business? Some items to consider: client files, stapler, tape, pens, telephone, notepads, computer, printer, printer paper, and a clock.

3. Give yourself time. After you move to a new home, you need time to unpack all your personal belongings as well as your business boxes. Give yourself a week after the move before you start up your business again so that you have time to do all the tasks involved without stressing yourself, your family and your pets.

4. Notify your customers. About a month before the move, begin to notify your customers that you will be unavailable for the week of the move. It’s helpful to explain to them that you will be without phone or email during that time, but that you will pick up voicemail and email starting on your first day back. Also notify your customers of your new address, new telephone number and new fax number, as needed.

P.S. Don’t forget to pack your “office cat!” 

Related posts:

1. RANT: Moving Your Home Office Is Crazy-Making Time
2. The Green Office: Other Tips
3. The Green Office: Save Big by Reducing Phantom Power Draws