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One of the changes almost every business goes through is moving locations, which is no small task. There’s enough to stress about as is. Now, you’re having to make sure that you’re all packed up while keeping things moving at the proper pace. You also want your clients and employees to know that this will be a smooth transition for you all. There are some concerns to highlight regarding physical security threats throughout your move, so we’re providing strategies below to keep your business and yourself safe while you relocate.

Physical Security for Business Relocation

Relocating is an exciting time, especially for small businesses. Maybe they are moving from a rented space or they’re downsizing into a more cost effective area. Whatever the reason for moving, the threats to physical safety will remain the same, including theft and damage at the very least. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you set out on moving day.

Vetting Your Moving Company

Moving a business requires care when transporting items from one place to another, and you’ll likely hire a moving company to take care of this for you. We recommend doing your Due Diligence before selecting your moving company. Check their credentials, read reviews, and ask for references. They should have experience in handling business relocations and be insured. 

• Have you vetted the moving company’s leadership? 
• Have you vetted the moving company's employees?
• Are they credible and trustworthy?

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their security measures during the move. The safety of your assets depends largely on the reliability of the movers you choose.

Protect Your Assets and Physical Property

Before the move, categorize and log all important documents and assets and create an inventory list to keep track of everything. Secure sensitive documents in locked boxes and label them clearly for easy identification.

• Do you have all documents and assets categorized and logged? 
• How are you protecting your assets from theft and damage?
• Will you know where they are at all times?

We recommend using tamper-evident seals and GPS tracking for high-value items. Communicate with your moving company about special handling instructions for fragile or expensive equipment as proper packing materials and techniques will prevent damage during this transit.

Avoiding Trips and Falls In The Office

Safety during the move isn’t limited to your assets. You’ll want to make sure that there are clear and unobstructed pathways in both your old and new locations to prevent accidents. Moving heavy boxes and equipment also comes with the risk of injury.

• Are your entryways and pathways clear to avoid trips and falls?
• Do you have Incident Report protocols if someone were to get injured?
• Do you have an Emergency Action Plan in case of emergency?
• For the old location and the new one?

Use signage to indicate potential hazards like wet floors and low ceilings, and let your team know what goes where to keep walkways free of debris.

Physical Security Solutions Before Moving In

You should do a thorough walkthrough of your new location before you arrive on moving day. Identify any locks and surveillance systems that are not functional, as well as your access and entry points. Receiving advice from your Physical Security Risk Manager is what will help you identify your weak spots and address any potential security vulnerabilities. These are identified during your Physical Security Risk Assessment. 

Safe and Successful Relocations For Businesses

If you develop a detailed schedule with your Security Risk Manager that outlines each step of the move, including packing, transportation, and unpacking, you can count on a successful day. Assign specific tasks to your team members so that you know everything runs smoothly. Having a plan in place will reduce the stress and chaos of moving day.

Need help securing your current or new location? Reach out to us for expert physical security solutions today.