Enterprise Nation

Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful life events we can experience. Add a home office and running a business into the equation and it's obvious thorough preparation is essential.

Start preparing well before the removal date:

• We've moved five times in the last ten years and having started to use professional removers, I'd never go back to moving myself.
• Get quotes from several small, local firms so that the person doing the quote is the one who will be moving you.
• Choose the one you feel most comfortable with, ideally with a good sense of humour - it will make all the difference on the day.
• Don't be afraid to tell your customers and associates about your impending move. It gives you an excellent reason to make contact three times. Tell them you are going, remind them just before the moving date to update contact details, and confirm once you are in, maybe inviting them for a catch-up meeting.

At the new property

• Check your new office for sockets, phone lines etc.
• Find out which ISPs are available and the broadband speed you can expect.
• Be very clear in your instructions to suppliers, whether existing or new ones. Check all the details at the end of each phone call and if possible get written confirmation. Keep a record of all calls.
• Keep checking that all is proceeding according to plan - never assume that no news is good news.
• If in doubt, pleasantly ask to speak to a supervisor or manager and request they take over your case.
• Find out if there is a workhub or other coworking space in the area, or a library, coffee shops etc where you could check emails in an emergency. Or buy a mobile broadband dongle.

Packing:

• Leave your office 'til last, keeping all house and utilities documentation, work pending etc accessible in a folder or briefcase.
• Back up all your data before breaking down your computer. With luck you'll have kept the original boxes to pack it all in.
• Move all fragile/expensive/essential kit yourself in the car if it gives you peace of mind.
• Lots of small boxes are better than fewer larger ones. The contents of filing cabinets are unbelievably heavy and the handles will tear, making breakages more likely.

And finally:

Now you've prepared for the worst, you can expect the best. Happy moving!

Judy Heminsley is a passionate advocate of working from home, having done so for more than 20 years. Her book Work from Home is a friendly, down-to-earth guide on tackling the challenges of home working and getting the best from its undoubted benefits. Judy organises regular Jelly coworking events and her website www.workfromhomewisdom.com provides comprehensive information about coworking, as well as many other aspects of home working.

Photo credit: Chris Denbow