1. The word is out that YOU ARE MOVING.

You begin to get hundreds of phone calls from every type of service imaginable; from movers to fax machine salespeople.

You aren't prepared to talk to these people, but the calls keep coming. You assign someone to take the calls and request information.

2. The "move file" has grown very large and now it's time to get bids.

You begin to sort through everything and call 3 to 4 vendors from each category (movers, installers, cablers, long distance carriers, designers, space planners, furniture dealers, etc.).

You call the vendors and set up visits, walkthroughs, and interviews, even though you're not quite sure how to communicate your needs and wishes, or in some cases what those needs and wishes are.

The bids come back, unfortunately none of them are the same. One is over the exceeded cost cap, another is an estimate, and another is a flat bid.

The estimate is the least costly, but it isn't clear what is included or what their interpretation of your needs and wishes are.

They all want you to take responsibility for building access, elevator service, floor plans, etc. If you overlook one thing it could cost your company a substantial amount of money.

3. It's time to select the vendor.

How do you decide who will do the best job for your company?

You make your selections; movers, installers, cablers, designers, etc. Now it's time to get everybody scheduled.

Suddenly,it is very clear you have been working with commission sales people in each case and they are already busy making the same promises and commitments to other prospective customers. They give you just enough information to keep you going, but it becomes very obvious that if the coordination is going to get done, you are going to have to do it yourself.

4. The move is coming closer.

You are busy with the construction company, employee questions, telephone service arrangements and change of address announcements.

5. Out of nowhere, a worker's union issue arises.

Unfortunately no one said a word about this or how to handle it. What now?

You begin to bring all of the services together. This takes up a lot of your time because each vendor is working autonomously, not as a team, and therefore can only speak for themselves regarding schedules and responsibilities.

6. Move day arrives.

You are going in ten different directions; the phones are being installed, your new copier has just arrived, employees are packing, there are a lot of last minute questions. Then the mover shows up. Your sales person is nowhere to be found and the first thing the move supervisor says is that a UPS truck is blocking the dock. The movers are now on your clock and are waiting on you to do something about the UPS driver who could be anywhere within the 10 story building

7. The move begins.

You are busier than ever. There is still last minute packing and labeling to be done. When the movers get to the destination, it is discovered that the installers are still installing the new furniture. They are running behind because of unforeseen construction delays. This is not a major problem, but could cause a work bottleneck from cluttered workspace, the need to share the elevator, etc.

8. Finally, the move is over.

Now it's time to unpack and settle in. There are a lot of questions and requests from employees; everything from "my desk return isn't attached" to "my drawer doesn't operate properly" to "one of my boxes is missing." Keep in mind that the mover never said anything about leveling furniture, missing hardware or drawer adjustments. THEY JUST MOVE IT!

9. The bill from the mover comes via the mail.

It reminds you of the estimated amount and then states that due to the dock delay at origin and the installers at destination, it took an additional 1.5 hours to accomplish your move. Your bill is now an additional $953.25. You aren't thrilled, but what can you do about it? Remember, the mover used the proposal to put the responsibility of free and clear access on YOUR back.

10. Now you have some claims to file with the mover.

It's nothing major, but it happens to be the boss' desk that has a scratch on it, and a very visible table in the reception area is damaged. You really are tired of all of this and don't have time to deal with it, but you can't rest until it is done.

Approximately 30 days later everything is fixed and you can put the move behind you.