1. Start with an inventory: Create a thorough physical survey of the origin and destination. Your inventory should include the types, sizes and quantities of items to be moved; a calculation of the truck load factors; a listing of necessary materials; required manpower and vehicles; proper building protection; and mechanical equipment. Determine which items will be moved, and which sold, stored, donated and/or discarded.

2. Organize the logistics: The logistics comprise transportation and accessibility factors, including elevator size, speed, capacities and availabilities; loading dock issues; other events taking place in the city where you are relocating; and special Department of Transportation loading and unloading restrictions and parking issues.

3. Establish a project schedule: Create a time frame and plans for phases of activity by location, floor and department. Coordinate with technical support to manage the relocation of computer, telecommunications and other systems so essential business activities can continue as long as possible at the old location, and to prevent any down time at the new location. Assess special labor needs to handle mechanical work and carpentry, and coordinate the schedules of these specialists in the most cost-effective manner possible.

4. Create a budget: As the survey and logistics are developed, simultaneously assemble a project budget incorporating all anticipated expenditures. The logistics and budget then become the basis for the bidding process, or formal request for proposal (RFP).

5. Elicit uniform bids: Make sure you are comparing apples to apples among contractors by spelling out the bidder requirements in as much detail as possible. Lead vendors on a walk-through of the origin and destination. The RFP should discuss the move plan and request an itemized list of costs, information on key personnel and relevant experience, equipment and materials, references, etc. Also ask the vendor about other projects it has scheduled at the time of your move - the most qualified mover is not the right choice if the firm is overbooked.

6. Oversee implementation: The mover will work with the facilities manager to color code and tag the items to be moved; help inform employees about move procedures; promote a purge campaign; and systematically organize items and eliminate others to prepare for the job.

7. Ensure the blueprint is implemented as planned: On the day of the move, monitor time sheets and make sure you know how many workers are on the job. After the relocation, the project team should work with contractors to address clean up immediately. Nothing cases budget disaster like the failure to comply with a lease when vacating.

8. Review all invoices for accuracy: Vendors should provide detailed time sheets signed by and authorized representative. Extras must be approved by the facilities manager and submitted on a separate invoice.