Moving to a new home can be challenging. It becomes even more complicated when you work from a home office. A home office move not only involve moving your personal possessions, but it also disrupts your work life at the same time. How can you make it work better? Here are five steps to follow.

1. Make an Inventory

Before you do any packing or transporting, start by taking inventory of what you have in the office. Some home offices are simple and involve relatively few records or equipment. Others may have grown disorganized over time. Whatever the state of your office, an inventory of what you have to move helps organize and protect your stuff. It also helps you purge anything you don't need to take. 

2. Categorize items by Usage

As you inventory your office tools and equipment, create a category system to prioritize what you need most and least — both before and after the move. These categories help you prioritize what might be packed earlier or later, what needs to be assembled right away, and what you may need to transport with you instead of on a moving truck (such as sensitive data). 

3. Protect Your Equipment

Office equipment can be fragile, and it can be expensive. Whenever possible, the best way to pack equipment is in the original packaging. Certain fragile or unusual items may also benefit from custom packaging molded to their specific dimensions. If using standard packing materials, be sure to use sturdy containers. Keep all accessories, cables, and peripherals together and label items well. 

4. Pack the Office Last

The home office is probably one of the last rooms you should pack up. If it's not possible to wait to pack everything at the last moment, use your inventory and category system to identify what could be packed early and what you need to keep handy. Many people also pack an essentials box (or boxes) that they will keep with them to handle business emergencies on the road. 

5. Hire Professional Movers

Did you know that moving your home office may be a deductible business expense? This can help offset the cost of a wise investment: professional movers. By letting someone else do the work of packing, transporting, and unpacking, you can stay focused on maintaining your work continuity. Even if you can't hire movers for the whole house, consider doing so for the office itself. 

If you put into practice these few steps, your home office relocation will be as successful as possible. Your work will benefit, and your move will be less stressful. Learn more by meeting with experienced movers in your area today.