Moving Public School and University Facilities

Selecting the Best Moving Company for Moving Public School and University Facilities

A Comprehensive Guide and Sample Timeline

Relocating an academic facility, whether it’s a school or a university, is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. The task becomes even more challenging when the move involves multiple types of facilities such as classrooms, libraries, labs, cafeterias, and other common rooms. This blog post aims to provide two critical pieces of information; a step-by-step process to help you choose the best moving company for your job, and a sample timeline so that once you find the right mover, you can time it in a way that makes the move proceed as smoothly as possible.

Part 1 – How to Select the Best Moving Company for Your Job

Step 1: Do Thorough Research

Look for moving companies that specialize in academic facility relocation. If you’re working with a real estate agent, they can also provide valuable recommendations.

Step 2: Obtain Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Instead, ask at least three different companies to give you an in-person estimate. This allows you to compare prices and services in order to choose the one that best suits your needs. Also, check for the details. A professional moving company will provide a detailed quote that includes all costs associated with your move.

Step 3: Check Licensing

Ensure that the moving company is properly licensed. For interstate movers, a U.S. DOT number is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For in-state moves, check with your local consumer affairs agency.

Step 4: Check Their Insurance Coverage

Ensure that the moving company provides adequate insurance coverage to protect your items. If additional coverage is needed, contact your institution’s risk management department.

Step 5: Check Reviews and The Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Research the moving company’s track record with the BBB. Stick with moving companies that are BBB accredited or at least have a good rating. If the moving company isn’t listed with the BBB, consider looking for one that is.

Online reviews can also be a handy tool to find out if a moving company is reputable.

• Online Review Sites: Websites like Yelp and Google Reviews provide customer reviews for various businesses, including moving companies. These reviews can give you a sense of the company’s reliability and customer service.
• The Company’s Website: Reputable companies often display customer testimonials on their websites. While these are generally positive, they can give you an idea of the experiences previous customers have had.
• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can be useful for finding reviews and feedback about the moving company. You can also see if the company responds to complaints or issues raised by customers, which can give you an idea of their customer service (this is applicable for Google reviews also).

Remember, while reviews can be helpful, they are subjective and should be just one factor in your decision-making process. Always do your own research and trust your instincts.

Step 6: Ask for References

If you’re considering a specific moving company, ask them for references from previous customers. This can provide firsthand accounts of their experiences.

Step 7: Check Their Professional Accreditation

Trade associations evaluate companies before giving them a membership or approved seal. Look for a moving company carrying the American Moving and Storage Association’s ProMover seal. Companies will often display the logos of the trade associations they belong to on their websites. If they are not visible, ask.

Step 8: Verify the Address

It may seem obvious, but make sure the moving company’s address is listed and registered under the company name(s). Be wary of any address listed under a residential name.

Step 9: Watch Out for Red Flags

Be wary of companies that ask for a deposit upfront or offer suspiciously low prices. These could be signs of a scam. Also, a professional company will own its equipment and will not require payment before moving.

Selecting the best moving company for moving public school and university facilities involves a lot of careful consideration, encompassing a number of factors. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can avoid the scams and pitfalls of many unprofessional and downright fraudulent operators and ensure a successful and efficient move for everyone involved.

A Sample Timeline

Now that you know how to find the right company for your move, it is important to be aware of the adequate timing needed to make the move proceed as smoothly as possible. Moving university and public school facilities are complex jobs requiring careful planning and coordination. While your project will have its own considerations that affect timing, the timeline below covers a host of considerations:

1. Planning (6-12 months before the move): This phase involves forming a project team, defining the scope of the move, and developing a detailed move plan. This includes identifying the resources needed, setting a budget, and establishing a timeline for the move. It’s important to communicate with everyone affected during this phase to ensure all stakeholders are aware of the upcoming changes.
2. Design Phase (4-6 months before the move): This phase involves designing the new space to meet the needs of the students and staff. This includes determining the layout of classrooms, offices, and other facilities, as well as deciding on the furniture and equipment needed. It’s also important to consider the IT infrastructure during this phase, including the placement of computers, servers, and other technology.
3. Preparation Phase (2-4 months before the move): This phase involves preparing for the physical move. This includes packing up classrooms and offices, labeling boxes, and coordinating with the moving company. It’s also important to update all records and systems with the new address during this phase.
4. Move Phase (1-2 months before the move): This phase involves the physical moving of furniture, equipment, and other items to the new location. It’s important to have a detailed schedule during this phase to ensure everything is done in an organized and efficient manner.
5. Post-Move Phase (1-2 months after the move): This phase involves settling into the new location and addressing any issues that arise. This includes unpacking and setting up classrooms and offices, testing the IT infrastructure, and addressing any issues or concerns from students and staff. It’s also important to update all signage and maps during this phase to reflect the new location.

It’s important to note that the timeline and steps will vary depending on the size and complexity of the move. It’s also crucial to maintain open and regular communication with all stakeholders throughout the move to ensure everyone is informed and any issues are addressed promptly.

At Sterling Corporation, we take freight transportation seriously. Our goal is to provide our customers with secure, reliable shipping of your high value items with the best customer service in the industry. We strive to deliver every item in the condition it is received, on time and on budget. Our systems are designed make sure that our customers are fully protected in the rare event of an accident or loss.

Let Sterling Help With your School or University Moving Job

In 1994, Sterling created the Commercial Moving Services Division. With over 25 years of experience, our movers have become the largest and most-respected provider of academic moving services in New England.

We have some of the most experienced moving crews in New England with a wide range of skills covering all your moving needs. From start to finish, they will provide you with a comprehensive moving solution. When you work with us, you’ll receive a complete range of benefits, such as:

• A Single Source for all Moving Services
• Competitive Rates
• Environmentally Focused Practices
• Flexible Scheduling
• Timeframe Sensitive
• No Job too Large or too Small
• No Temp Labor
• Careful Handling of High-Value Items

Learn more about what we can do for you. Give us a call today or simply fill out our online form to schedule a free, on-site consultation.