Some schools take pride in having extensive or historic campuses; the thought of relocating is utterly unthinkable. But other schools may welcome the opportunity to change scenery, perhaps to accommodate an influx of students or to expand their facilities. While relocating an educational facility can yield many benefits, there are some logistical hurdles to clear first.
Simply put, a campus move can be disruptive to everyone, from students to faculty to administrators. But with the right planning and strategic partnerships, you can make your relocation as frictionless as can be.
Choose the Right Vendor
First and foremost, it matters that you select the right moving partner.
Keep in mind that most residential moving companies simply don’t have the expertise needed to organize a large-scale, multi-pronged relocation, nor do they have the right skills to safely transport things like lab equipment and delicate IT setups.
It’s important to find a commercial relocation company that specializes in these kinds of projects, including campus-to-campus moves.
Get the Timing Right
For a vast majority of educational institutions, the best time to relocate is during the summer. While this may entail some disruption to summer classes, it’s sure to be more convenient than moving during the middle of the fall or spring semester!
Keep in mind that, if you plan on moving during the summer, you’ll need to start the planning process much earlier. Reach out to your commercial relocation vendor at least five or six months in advance, allowing plenty of time to organize the move and ensure an expedient timeline.
Involve Teachers
Teachers and professors are undoubtedly going to feel anxious about the thought of their classrooms being boxed up and transported to a new campus.
The best way to alleviate these nerves is by involving teachers in the planning process. Not only is it important to keep them in the loop about timeline, but also provide them with an opportunity to voice their own needs or concerns with regard to packing and organization. Also be up front in communicating the steps you’re taking to get new classroom spaces up and running as quickly as possible.
Take Inventory
Hopefully, your school will find that a lot of your old stuff, including furniture and computers, will work just fine in the new space. Don’t take this for granted, though. It’s important to take inventory, and to have a good sense of any new purchases you’ll need to make before the new space is operational.
A skilled commercial relocation provider will be able to provide you with some ways to optimize the use of your old furniture in the new space.
Focus on Student Experience
The most critical thing is to ensure that your new campus provides an optimal environment for learners. There are a number of considerations here: Safety, accessibility, layout, and IT readiness.
One way to ensure these needs are met is by putting together a relocation team, composed of at least a few teachers as well as administrators, who can work in close tandem with your moving company, ensuring student needs are always put first.
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Learn MoreChoose Corovan for Your Campus to Campus Move
The bottom line: Campus moves are always complicated, but that doesn’t mean they have to be disruptive or inefficient. On the contrary, Corovan has more than 75 years of commercial relocation experience, and we know what it takes to ensure a seamless experience for your entire organization. To talk more about planning a move for your educational facility, reach out to Corovan at your convenience.