6 ways being an event planner makes you a better mover
MOVING DAY! Two words that fill you with excitement and dread at the same time. I like to consider myself a professional at this point. In my 20s I moved seven times, lived in four different states and even managed a cross country move. What I have discovered is that a big move is basically an event and like events, a good planner makes or breaks the experience.
My apparent need to move all the time has rubbed off on our team as this summer three of us packed up our lives and left one space for another. In between the boxes, internet outages and surprises, here are a few of our takeaways:
Put a label on it
All the boxes and furniture have been moved in and you’re ready to call it a night before unpacking the next day. Someone has generously gifted you a bottle of wine. All you want to do is sit back and relax. But where is your wine opener? This is why we always label our boxes! (We also could not think of something more important than a bottle of wine.) Funny enough, we have the same mentality for our internal operations. What's a great email without a good subject line? Or a drive that doesn’t let you know what’s inside? Bottom line: put a label on it.
Hit the forward button
USPS makes it easy to forward your mail. As professionals, we all know that while hitting “reply all” might be a mistake, forwarding information is always appreciated! Unfortunately you can’t leave it all to USPS, don’t forget to update your mailing information with any important accounts. (PS: Save the USPS!)
Measure measure measure!
If you’re moving with furniture you will want to get two main questions answered. Will it fit through the door? And will it fit in the room? Taking measurements of furniture and doorways in advance will save you so much time in the long run. Always remember that the furniture needs to fit in the room, but the people using it have to live there too! Same goes for a tradeshow floor. Advance preparations to make sure your setup looks one of a kind but still allows space for you and your clients is key.
Think about the little things
What are the immediate things you need to start living in your new space? If you didn’t immediately picture some toilet paper and cleaning supplies, think again! Sometimes the least sexy things can be the most important. People generally prefer using their own bathroom for #2, so don’t kick things off on the wrong toilet! The little things can also make or break an event. Have you ever showed up to an event without proper waste removal? Believe me, it isn’t fun!
Hire when you can, feed them when you can’t
Having movers is ideal, but if you’re managing costs by moving with friends, we definitely recommend making sure those friends get a delicious meal! Often events require volunteers and the best way to keep a volunteer happy, is to keep them fed. Honestly, the best way to keep most people happy is to give them delicious food.
Move your utilities with you
Showing up to your new home without power, water, or (dare I even say it) internet, is a nightmare you won’t want to face after dealing with heavy boxes and furniture all day. Some utilities are set, but for the ones that aren’t, now is the time to see if you can negotiate a better deal. For event planners, this is where our years of negotiating contracts and researching competitors comes in handy.
We would love to chat about working on an event with you, but are also happy to discuss moving best practices. Either way, drop us a line.