Blog | - Part 3

5 Stress Relievers to Keep at Your Desk

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

While there are many different things that can cause stress on a daily basis, work tops the list for most people. If work has you feeling anxious or tense, there are several gadgets that can help you calm down on the job. These little stress relievers are handy enough to be used right at your desk at any time, whether you’re taking a break or checking your email.

Desktop Punching Bag

If there are times when work-related stress builds up to the point where you want to punch something, the desktop punching bag could be the ideal gadget for you. This bag sits right on your desk, making it readily available when you need a way to relieve tension on the job. It also gives you a fun and amusing way to ease tension.

Giant Stress Ball

Stress balls are a common toy that people use at work to relieve tension. They’re easy to carry around and simple to use, no matter how upset you might be. A giant stress ball is a bigger version of these foam balls that gives you a wider area to squeeze in order to get rid of higher levels of pressure and tension. These giant versions are still small enough to fit in your desk drawer, so you can have one available at all times.

Head Massager

When you want a calmer way to reduce stress, consider keeping a head massager at your desk. Just place this vibrating massager, which has a claw-like appearance, over your head when you’re feeling tense. It produces calming sensations that target certain acupuncture points on your head.

Toy Magnets

One of the most effective ways to relieve stress is by taking your mind off of your troubles. This can be tough to do at work, but desktop toy magnets can be a great solution. These magnets come in cubes or balls that give you the opportunity to form a variety of different shapes. Toy magnets provide you with a more creative way to lower your stress levels that can be highly rewarding.

Breathing and Heart Rate Monitors

These high-tech gadgets are small enough to fit on your desk while you work throughout the day. As you go about your job, these gadgets can let you know what your heart rate and breathing rate is and alert you when these rates start to climb to unhealthy levels. With the help of these gadgets, you’ll know when you need to do some deep breathing for relaxation or step away from your desk for a break.

Is the thought of your upcoming business move raising your stress levels? Get in touch with the professionals at Expert Relocation Systems to make the moving process easier. No matter how complicated your move is, we’re here to help.

Posted in General | Tagged stress, stress relief | Comments Off

How to Create a Clear Labeling System for Your Moving Boxes

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

Did you know the average household will fill about 200 boxes with their belongings when it comes time to move new a new home? Well, businesses may have two to three times that amount, depending on their size.

With so many boxes littering your rooms, how can you keep track of all your stuff? Taking an organized approach to packing can help you find what you need when you need it. This begins with proper labeling.

It is vital that you create an efficient and easy-to-use labeling system to identify the boxes and what’s inside them. Most people simply write what’s inside the box on the top, but that can make it hard to find what you need.

Here are some strategies for labeling boxes.

Color Coding Labels

Giving each room of the office its own color can make finding important items and documents quick and easy. Anything that belongs in the conference room can get a blue label, cubicles can get a green label and supply room items could get an orange label. You get the idea.

By assigning every room its own color, the movers will know exactly where to place each box as it comes off of the truck. You can even tape a colored piece of paper to the door of each room, making it even easier for the moving company to know which room gets which boxes.

To color code your boxes, you can:

Buy colored labels
Tape colored pieces of paper to each box
Use a colored marker (permanent) to write on each box
Place a strip of colored duct tape to each box

Numbering Boxes

If you find it too difficult to color code your moving boxes, try using a number system instead. This can be especially helpful when you have a lot of rooms in your new office. Pro tip: when using a numbering system, keep several master key lists available for employees and the movers to use. Post them throughout the office and keep a laminated copy on your person throughout the move so you can quickly answer any questions.

Some Final Tips

Staying organized through a big move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key to a successful move is to keep track of boxes and be able to find what you need once you arrive at your new location. Here are a few final tips to help you better label your packing boxes:

Remove old labels. There’s a good chance that you and your staff are reusing boxes from a previous move or project. If that’s the case, make sure that you properly remove any previous labeling from the boxes. Otherwise, all the hard work you put into your labeling system will quickly be undone.
Place labels in the same spot on every box. It is much easier for movers to know where a box goes and for those unpacking to prioritize which boxes are dealt with first if they know where to look to find out what’s in it. Choose a place on the box (say the top right), and place labels there for every single moving box.

Expert Relocation Systems is the real expert when it comes to moving, and can make your move a stress-free process. If you’re preparing for an office relocation, be sure to call us today to discover how we can take the stress out of your move.

Posted in Moving Tips | Tagged Moving, moving boxes, organizing, packing, packing boxes | Comments Off

What Does Your CEO’s Salary Say About Your Company?

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

In decades past, few people were aware of the salaries of others. You might have heard whispers in the hallway or gained an idea of your supervisor’s pay rate, but most salary information was held close to a company’s vest.

In today’s world, the salaries of many company CEOs are available with just a few clicks of the mouse. That kind of transparency has a number of benefits, but there are also drawbacks. The salary that your CEO is paid can have a significant impact on how the public views your company.

Consumers Don’t Want to Support Inflated Salaries

A recent study conducted by Harvard University suggests that consumers are put off by companies that pay high salaries to their top executives. More specifically, it is the difference between what executives are paid and what the average worker brings home that seems to have an impact on consumer decision-making.

Consumers avoided companies that had a high CEO-to-worker-pay ratio in favor of those that have less of a gap between the top-end and average pay rates.

How Much of an Impact Do Pay Ratios Have?

Researchers discovered that consumers are willing to pay more for the same goods and services if they feel that a company is fairly compensating all workers. In fact, in order for a company with a higher CEO-to-worker-pay ratio to appeal to consumers, the cost of the products or services offered must be reduced by nearly 50 percent.

This gives companies with less of a pay gap between the highest and lowest levels an incentive to advertise that fact in an effort to attract new customers.

What Can Be Done?

Consumers want to feel good about the things they buy. According to the Economic Policy Institute, executives at the nation’s 350 biggest companies make an average of 300 times the salary earned by a median worker. What most of them will say is that this pay disparity is the result of a scarcity of talent at the highest levels.

They argue that there are simply fewer people qualified to lead a large company than there are workers who fill the lower-paying positions. Of course, learning that a company’s CEO makes more than $16 million per year can make that argument hard to accept.

One way that companies can offset any losses related to CEO-to-worker-pay ratios is to increase the pay of those workers at the bottom of the scale. In addition, creating employee benefit and incentive packages can also lead to positive media attention and word-of-mouth about a company.

That goodwill can quickly spread, and can lead many consumers to seek out the goods and services offered by a company that they perceived as being fair. To that end, creating marketing campaigns that focus on a company’s efforts regarding working conditions and compensation can have a far-reaching impact, and can make a world of difference on the bottom line.

At Expert Relocation Systems, we are here to meet all of your commercial moving needs. When it is time for your business to change location, we want to be the first call that you make.

Posted in General | Tagged CEO, CEO salary, pay ratio, reputation management, salary | Comments Off

Why You Should Hire a Professional Moving Company

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

To operate a successful and profitable business, owners must be able to make savvy financial decisions. Saving money whenever possible is often a top priority,

That said, there are certain times when cutting corners leaves a company at risk for significant losses. In those instances, it simply makes good financial sense to invest in a higher quality product, an educational opportunity or professional services. A prime example lies in moving one’s business from one location to another.

Why Business Owners Choose a DIY Move

The primary reason why business owners would choose to have their own employees handle a move is simple: cost. They may feel that the hourly rate they would pay their staff and the cost of any rental trucks or other necessary equipment would make the move less costly than hiring a professional moving company.

On paper, the numbers might support that assumption. In reality, however, there are plenty of hidden costs that can make a DIY move a complete disaster.

Risks of a DIY Move

Damage or destruction of equipment

Asking your employees to serve in the role of professional mover can lead to a number of accidents in which valuable equipment is mishandled, lost or broken.

The items may not be properly packed to avoid damage during transport. The truck might not be loaded in a way that would prevent the contents from shifting or falling. Upon arrival, damage can occur while unloading the truck and when setting up the new office space. All of these risks come with financial repercussions.

Employee Injuries

The people who staff your business are valuable resources in and of themselves. Asking them to serve as professional movers leaves them vulnerable to injury.

Workers can strain their backs, boxes or furniture could fall on them, there could be accidents involving the moving trucks. The list goes on and on. Losing a worker due to a workers’ comp claim can have a huge financial impact for a company. Being sued by an injured worker can be even worse.

Lost Productivity

Even a relatively simple move across town will require a degree of time and effort. Expecting employees to handle the move removes them from their daily obligations. Even worse, the office relocation will inevitably take longer due to the fact that your employees are not trained movers. This all translates to lost time on the job and less chance to make a profit.

Why You Should Hire Expert Relocation Systems

With more than 18 years of experience, the professional movers at Expert Relocation Systems know how to get your office moved quickly, safely and at minimal cost. Our teams do this day in and day out, and we know the best way to pack, load, unload and set up your commercial office space.

As a commercial moving company, our work is fully insured, so any equipment that might be damaged can be replaced. By using a professional moving company, business owners are able to experience an efficient, affordable and effective move that allows their employees to focus on their own role within the company.

We invite you to contact us today for a quote or with any questions or concerns that you might have.

Posted in Moving Tips | Tagged business, Moving, Office Move, professional moving company, Relocation | Comments Off

Moving Your Office? Don’t Forget To Tell These Important People

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

Moving your office can become overwhelming at times. With so much to get done, not to mention keeping your business running, you might unintentionally forget to alert everyone who needs to know about the move. To help keep you on track, be sure to alert these important folks about your impending move.

Employees

Maybe you have been quiet about your office move until all of the logistics have been formalized. That’s understandable, but don’t wait too long to tell your employees. Be honest, proactive and helpful. If you are moving the office away from public transit or major roadways, your employees may have to make new arrangements for transportation to and from work, child care, etc. Keep your workers happy by sharing your good news in a timely manner.

Customers and Clients

Right after telling your staff about the move, be sure to let all past and present customers and clients know. Send an email notification, mail out a formal letter that includes a map to your new location, and update your website with the news. Do whatever is necessary to let everyone know when and where you will be moving.

Service Providers

Handling office relocation smoothly requires keeping the doors open while the move is in place. This will mean juggling phone service, Internet connections, answering services, security, utilities, cleaning crews and any other service providers that your company uses regularly. Be sure to notify all of your service providers within 60 days of the move so that you can preplan your exit strategy from one location to the next.

Insurance Providers

Insurance can be a tricky thing during a move. You want to make sure that your current policy will cover liability, theft and damage at both locations during the moving process. Schedule a meeting with your insurance provider 60 to 90 days before your move to ensure that the right coverage is in place.

Web Services

Your website, social media accounts, email and other web services should be updated before your move with the new address and phone numbers.

Business Partners

Do you work periodically with the coffee shop down the street? Send them a notice or make a quick phone call to let them know that office relocation is imminent.

Advertising Partners

Since a change of address requires you to reprint all of your marketing and advertising materials, use the opportunity to revamp and update your materials. Maybe even start an ad campaign designed to announce your move.

Licensing and Certification Providers

Does your business (or its employees) operate under a license or certification? If so, be sure that all entities are notified of your office relocation so that you can continue to legally operate during and after the move.

Commercial Moving Company

Why handle such a big move yourself? Now is the time to bring in a professional company that knows how to relocate businesses without worrying about closing down for a few days (or even weeks). You want someone who can keep everything running smoothly before, during and after a big business move.

About Expert Relocation Systems

Moving an entire office or warehouse is an exciting, yet challenging transition for any business. Expert Relocation Systems offers an experienced team of professional commercial movers and office relocation team that can help you move to your new location as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Don’t let moving your office become a nightmare. Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure an easy transition to your new office that everyone can enjoy.

Posted in Moving Tips | Tagged commercial moving company, expert relocation systems, Moving, Office relocation | Comments Off

5 Ways to Make Your Move Stress Free

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

Moving is one of those things that probably makes you cringe. Just the thought of having to move your company to a new location can stress you out even if the move itself is still months away. Since you can’t just snap your fingers and have everything packed, moved and unpacked, you need to know what you can do to reduce — and possibly even eliminate — stress on yourself and your employees during an office relocation. Here are our tips.

1. Purge

The more stuff there is to pack, move and unpack, the more stress everyone in the office is going to experience. There is no time like moving to remove any unnecessary items from the workspace. Employees should be encouraged to take desk knickknacks home that they really don’t need at their desk. If there are any loose cables lying around, these should be eliminated as well. This is also a good time to get rid of any unnecessary paperwork that has been piling up. Make sure to recycle anything that can be reused and consider selling or donating items that the office doesn’t need any longer but that someone else may find useful. There is no reason to take up space in the moving truck that could be used better for other purposes. After all, an uncluttered work area leads to better overall production and happiness.

2. Clear Your Calendar

Once the decision has been made to undergo an office relocation, it is crucial that you start clearing your calendar and planning for the move now. It isn’t a good idea to wait until the last minute, as this is when problems arise. It’s hard to come up with effective solutions in the heat of the moment. Make sure that you establish a timeline that includes when employees can begin preparing for the move and what times of the day (as well as which days) can be used for cleaning and packing. It is also a good idea to create a checklist for employees so that they are fully aware of what is expected of them, which can help significantly reduce their stress.

3. Save Your Boxes

Make your office relocation a bit greener by saving any boxes that come into the offices. Those boxes that the printer paper comes in are perfect for moving, as they’re designed to hold up under a heavy load. Other boxes, such as those that carry office supplies and printer ink cartridges, work just as well for lighter loads and smaller items, such as personal items from your employees’ desks. Save any box that comes through your office doors in the months leading up to the move. It will drastically reduce your moving costs by not having to purchase boxes from the moving company.

4. Protect Your Valuables

It isn’t hard to lose important things when you’re moving, but the last things that you want to lose are valuable documents related to work. Whether it is a report and its accompanying presentation for the big meeting next week or the research that you’ve conducted on a new client, it is crucial that these items are safely packed into a box that has been clearly labeled and is easily accessible.

5. Delegate packing

While it’s great to tackle the packing part of the moving process, it is recommended that you step back and allow the professionals at Expert Relocation Systems to come in and do the heavy lifting. Employees are more than capable of packing up their own desks and even some of the minor office belongings. However, a lot of your office equipment and items truly deserve the care of professional hands. The experienced and professional movers at Expert Relocation Systems can easily take the stress out of your upcoming company move and make it so that you can put your focus on far more important business-related things.

We are a professional commercial moving company and can tackle any office relocation regardless of its size. Contact us today to receive a quote!

Posted in Moving Tips | Tagged commercial moving company, expert relocation systems, Moving, Office relocation | Comments Off

Create Multifunctional Office Spaces to Get the Job Done

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

Savvy business owners know that the space where work takes place can have a huge impact on the volume and quality of the output. Office space is more than just the location where employees perform duties. It is the environment in which creativity, production and innovation are born and nurtured. When the available space is used to its greatest advantage, the end result is better for everyone within the company, from the top to the bottom. Business owners and managers should take the time to assess their current office configuration and look for opportunities to create multifunctional office spaces.

Create More From Less

The primary purpose of a multifunctional office space is to maximize the return on your existing investment. It should come as no surprise that the interior space within a commercial office setting is often not ideal for the purposes of the business. Most of these spaces were built by a developer who was looking for a one-size-fits-all solution or were previously finished out for a former client with different needs. Many offices have areas that are currently not being used, or that are not being utilized to their greatest potential. This is essentially “lost” square footage. Turning these areas into multifunctional office space is a wise investment of time and effort.

What to Do With “Found” Square Footage?

At the core of multifunctional design is the goal of creating a space that can be used for several different purposes. In an office setting, this can come together in myriad ways. A space can be converted to create an environment for meetings, whether in groups or one-on-one. Integrating clever and appealing storage can make the same space serve as a holding area for files or supplies. Adding a whiteboard or projection equipment can make that same area a place for holding training sessions.

A great deal of research suggests that workers who feel overstressed are less productive and more likely to be ill than those who feel that their health and happiness are important to their company’s management staff. With that in mind, consider reconfiguring office space to carve out space for relaxation. It could go a long way toward showing employees that they are valued and that their wellbeing is a priority. This can be accomplished by converting unused office space into an area where workers can sit down and recharge.

A good way to differentiate this space from the rest of the office is to select dimmer lighting or perhaps lighting that is warmer and more directional than the conventional overhead florescent bulbs. It is also important to have seating options that differ from the primary working space. Giving employees a different atmosphere can trigger the brain to relax, which provides a more effective downtime experience than the traditional break room environment.

Where to Begin?

Unsure how to adjust your current office space to integrate multifunctional design? Call Expert Relocation Systems today to discuss your needs. Our company focuses exclusively on commercial moving and reconfiguration, and we have completed hundreds of projects for clients of all sizes. We can work with your team to set up your existing office space in a way that maximizes productivity and appeal. Consultations are available, and we can provide an estimate for the cost of any job.

Posted in General | Tagged multifunctional space, office, Office Organization | Comments Off

Choose the Right Flooring for Your New Office

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

Your office space is where your employees get all of their work done, field client phone calls, grow your business and come up with innovative ideas. If the decor is drab and dark, it can dampen their mood. On the other hand, if the decor is bright and cheery it can enhance their mood making for a more productive and happier day. If your employees have been staring at the same office carpet or floor for years, it’s time to consider upgrading your flooring.

Why Flooring Matters

High traffic floors are beaten and abused daily. You stomp on them with boots, sneakers and high heel shoes, drag furniture across them and drop food and other messes on them. Office furniture provides heavy wear and tear. If you wear them down and after years of this kind of use and abuse, your floors will show their age.

Hardwood vs. Carpet

When choosing the right flooring consider your needs and preferences. Hardwood floors are a popular choice, but larger, more open office spaces might benefit from carpet for noise control. For second-floor offices, a hardwood floor may fair better because heat rising from the bottom floor will help keep the floor warm. But if your office temperature typically runs cold, you may want to consider installing carpet instead. The thick carpet pad and carpet itself will keep your employees’ feet warmer.

Different Types of Flooring

Wood Flooring

There are different types of wood flooring to consider such as bamboo, hardwood and engineered hardwood:

Solid hardwood floors made of real wood are beautiful and classic. Scratches buff out easily, and they can also be sanded down and stained different hues
Bamboo floors are a great sustainable product to use in your office, however, office chairs can cause visible wear and tear on the most heavily used areas
Engineered hardwood is a versatile flooring product made from real wood boards compressed together. This type of flooring comes in almost any color ranging from very dark pigments to lighter hues. It also comes in different styles and looks. Engineered hardwood does not scrape or damage as easily as solid wood or bamboo floors

Carpet

Carpet is a softer, noise-reducing flooring material that helps with room insulation, making it great for offices in colder areas and where there is more talking, such as in open areas where many people could be talking at once. Carpet comes in many different styles, colors and Stainmaster treatment levels. Choose a carpet that fits your lifestyle. A stain resistant, sturdier carpet works best if you have a high traffic office. Carpet squares offer flexibility if you know certain areas will show wear much faster than others. You can remove and replace any that are badly worn or stained with little trouble.

Other Office Flooring Solutions

Cement, linoleum, tile and vinyl are easy to keep clean and suffer less wear and tear than hardwood or carpet. Here’s what environment each is best suited for:

Cement is a modern option that will open up your space and holds up well under heavy traffic
Linoleum is better suited for kitchen areas and lower traffic areas
Tile and vinyl are easy to replace in a pinch when sections of a room are damaged

Flooring is the highlight of your office. Beautiful flooring compliments the elegance and decor of the rest of the office. After you have your new floor installed, call Expert Relocation Systems to install your new furniture and office system.

Posted in General | Tagged carpet. hardwood, floors, office | Comments Off

Starting a Carpool at Work Has Many Benefits

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Expert Relocation Systems

When you hear the word “carpool,” your thoughts likely turn to soccer moms transporting their children and their friends to and from practice and other activities. But for many people carpooling is a part of their everyday lives. There are many benefits involved with sharing a ride to work, school, social events and more. Feeling left in the dark about carpooling? Here are the top benefits of riding with others.

More Convenient

Leaving the driving to someone else means you have less stress during your commute. Whether you fill that time with listening to relaxing music via your headphones or you take this opportunity to catch up on the latest news with your companions, you will arrive at your destination more relaxed and ready to jump into the next planned activity.

It’s Safer

It is no secret that many of the roads across America are congested by too many vehicles trying to get where they need to go at the same time. With the increased number of vehicles on the road, the chances of an accident occurring also rise as well. By forming a carpool with you and a few friends, you have the potential to reduce the number of vehicles on the road several times over.

You Might Have Your Own Lane

In order to encourage carpooling, many municipalities throughout the United States have roads with lanes that are dedicated to those people who are driving in a carpool. Not only are these lanes — often referred to as High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes — safer, but you might also reach your destination more quickly because there are fewer vehicles in them. You might be able to avoid backups and other slow downs that stymie drivers that are not carpooling.

Better for the Environment

With fewer cars on the road due to carpooling, the emissions from vehicles are reduced significantly. This directly affects the air quality of the region that you are traveling. In addition, studies have shown that adding HOV lanes has a positive effect on the air quality as well.

Saves Money

Of course, you would save money on fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle if you used a carpool. But did you know that you might also qualify for a savings on your insurance, too? In many cases, insurance providers offer their clients a reduced policy rate if they drive fewer miles than the average person. Check with your insurance agent for details.

Now that you know the benefits of a carpool, what are you waiting for? Starting one is not difficult. Simply touch base with your friends, family and coworkers who are going to the same destinations as you are and determine if you can carpool to benefit everyone and the earth.

Posted in General | Tagged carpool, commute, local movers, Moving, traffic | Comments Off

The Best Ways To Decorate Your Cubicle For The Holidays

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Expert Relocation Systems

The 2015 holiday season is here, and as much as you want to get out there and shop, decorate and party 24/7, you still need to work. Instead of looking at your work time as a dreary time suck, take the opportunity to let your holiday spirit, charm and personality shine. Here are some of the best ways to decorate your cubicle for the holidays.

Add a Tree

Even if you have the smallest cubicle in the office, you can probably still find room for a holiday tree. While you might have room for a scaled-down version of the real thing, if you are crunched for space, consider a modern take on the old classic. Look into striking geometric designs that have a slim profile so they take up less room while still delivering a powerful festive punch.

Light Things Up

Lights always brighten things up — both literally and figuratively. Whether you are partial to colorful lights that blink so brightly that you can see them from afar or you prefer the more classic look of clear holiday lights, you can utilize them nearly anywhere. Even if you have a small space, you can drape them over the doorway, along your desktop screen or along the top of the divider between you and your neighbor.

Make that Cup of Coffee Festive

Splurge on an extra-large and festive holiday themed coffee cup to help power you through the weeks of the holiday season. Not only will the extra large size help infuse you with the energy necessary to get your work done, the cheery holiday design will bring a smile to your face each time you see it at your desk.

Add an Olfactory Aid

Most of the suggestions already noted have been for the visually inclined. If you find yourself being taken back to a time or place in the past with the whiff of a special scent, you are not alone. Many people associate particular smells with the holidays and you can take advantage of this to add a bit of cheer to your work space. Pick up several different holiday-themed scents that remind you of your favorite holiday and watch your office mates meander over to enjoy the delicious aroma.

Craft Up Some Decorations

Making decorations these days is as simple as finding a great pattern, printing out the instructions and setting to work with scissors, tape and a bit of glue. Paper ornaments are easy to make and put up. The best thing is that they can be found in large and small sizes so they suit your cubicle to a T.

Posted in General | Tagged cubicle, cubicle decorating contest, holidays, local movers, Moving | Comments Off