So you've signed the lease for new office space and are now embarking upon the move of your business for the first time. Chances are you are feeling very nervous about having it all come together with no surprises and no business interruption. The following are steps you can take to ensure success!

1. Have your technology well planned. This includes the positioning of data and electrical jacks, cabling, audio/visual needs, the phone system move or installation of a new one, arranging data lines, and the move and installation of all equipment. If you do not have a dedicated IT department to handle this, it is money well spent to hire a company who specializes in this.

2. Decide on a seating chart and the need for additional furniture three months prior to the move as it takes at least two months for most furniture to be ordered and delivered.

3. Change your address. Prepare announcement and change of address cards to be sent to clients, vendors and banks. Change your address on pre-printed materials such as checks, business cards, letterhead, labels, envelopes and marketing materials. Notify the post office by completing a change of address card approximately two weeks before the move.

4. Get bids from movers. Talk to other business colleagues to get recommendations. Don't necessarily go with the cheapest as this is not an area where you want to skimp.

5. Arrange for utilities to be taken out of your name in the old space and put into your name in the new space.

6. Analyze your insurance needs based upon your new contents and lease requirements and make adjustments with your agent accordingly.

7. Relay in writing to your employees their responsibility in the move such as boxing up items in their workspace, disconnecting their computer equipment, labeling and moving their own personal items.

8. Notify governmental entities such as the city and state for payroll and occupational considerations.

9. Have keys made for each employee and arrange for employees to turn in old keys. Order appropriate signage.

10. Choreograph the move date down to every detail. Develop checklists, assign accountability and conduct brainstorming sessions to ensure that your business will be up and running with the least amount of down time.

Taking the time to plan a well thought out move is crucial. Follow the plan while at the same time understanding that you will need to be flexible for contingencies. Get a move team in place who is enthusiastic and ready to tackle the project. Don't do it alone!

Jane Schulte is a Business Strategist and founder of PRISM Consulting located in Greater Cincinnati. She is also the Author of WORK SMART, Not Hard!, Organizational Tips and Tools That Will Change Your Life! and BOLD Leadership, A Holistic Approach to Business Success. Please visit http://www.PRISMsuccess.com and http://www.stop-struggling.com.