A successful move doesn’t start on moving day. It starts in the days and weeks before, as you prepare for the big day. We discussed last week on preparing for your move (packing, labeling, sterilizing, moving). Today I’m discussing what to do with your lab equipment when you arrive at destination.
Communicate to your mover
I cannot stress this enough – communicate, communicate, communicate. Your mover would rather you over communicate than not tell them a critical piece of information. For example, your lab manager ordered new equipment and failed to tell the mover. You may be stuck with extra charges for a scope of services change – to relocate the existing equipment to accommodate the new.
Get to know your new lab space.
One of the biggest challenges in moving a laboratory is fully understanding the destination space. Preview the new space before the move. This way you can identify any shared equipment and ensure that the proper mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixtures are in place. For instance, you could be relocating a cryogenic freezer with critical research in it. Something as small as the length of a refrigerator or freezer cord could be the difference between successfully relocating the specimens and losing years of data.
Arriving at your new location
Despite all the best preparation and precautions, signs and labels may have fallen or misplaced in transit. Plan to have a knowledgeable point of contact on-site to answer questions about rooms, locations, and equipment … so your moving teams can keep moving.
Your mover may require having a member of your team personally plug in all pieces of refrigerated equipment at your new location and to verify that each is receiving power and working properly. This is a common-sense step to ensure that your valuable samples and materials have been kept at a consistent temperature and will be secure in the new location.
Don’t Forget the Basics
Your relocation partner will be managing your equipment and materials that may be worth thousands or millions of dollars, and represent years of investment and intellectual energy. So in addition to all the specialized concerns above, make sure your lab mover:
- Has employees that are vetted, continually trained, and thoroughly background-checked
- Owns their own trucks, storage facilities, and equipment
- Is financially strong and stable for the long term
- Offers creative and customized solutions to meet your needs
- Have the resources to meet your needs now and in the future.
Ultimately, your satisfaction and the safety and security of your valuable materials and equipment are what matters most. If you have an upcoming lab move, like more information on JK Moving Services’ capabilities, or to ask questions, we’re here to help.