METCALF MOVING BLOG
Home Office Harmony: Working From Home During Your Move
The rise of remote work has made maintaining productivity during a household move both more challenging and more critical than ever. Whether you’re a full-time remote employee or someone who frequently works from home, relocating requires careful planning to ensure business continuity while managing the chaos of packing, moving, and settling into your new space.
Create a Mobile Office Strategy
Before packing begins, identify the essential equipment and files you need to maintain productivity at work. Designate a “work survival kit” that includes your laptop, chargers, important documents, and basic office supplies. This portable setup should remain easily accessible throughout the moving process, never packed away in boxes.
Establish backup plans for internet connectivity, as your home internet service may be interrupted during the transition. Research co-working spaces, libraries, or coffee shops with reliable Wi-Fi in both your current and new locations. Consider investing in a mobile hotspot device to ensure you can work from anywhere if needed.
Coordinate Your Move Timeline with Work Demands
Schedule your move during your least demanding work periods if possible. Avoid moving during major project deadlines, quarterly reporting periods, or other high-stress work times. If you can’t control the timing completely, communicate with your supervisor and team about potential availability limitations during the moving process.
Consider taking strategic time off rather than trying to work and move simultaneously. Many people underestimate the mental and physical energy required for moving, and attempting to maintain full work productivity can result in subpar performance in both areas.
Set Up Temporary Workspaces
Identify the last room you’ll pack and the first room you’ll set up as your temporary office space in your new home. This might be a bedroom, dining room, or any quiet area where you can focus on work tasks. Ensure this space has adequate lighting, electrical outlets, and minimal distractions from moving activities.
Invest in basic ergonomic solutions for your temporary setup, even if they’re not as ideal as your permanent office. A supportive chair cushion, laptop stand, and external keyboard can prevent physical strain during the transition period. Remember that you might be working from this temporary space longer than initially planned.
Manage Technology and Data Security
Back up all critical work files before the move begins, storing copies in cloud services or external drives. Ensure your employer’s IT security policies are maintained throughout the transition, particularly regarding Wi-Fi network security and device access. Some companies require VPN connections even for basic internet access while working remotely.
Test all technology thoroughly once you arrive at your new home. Check internet speeds, verify that all software functions properly, and confirm that any company-required security measures are working correctly. Identify and resolve technical issues before you need to be fully productive again.
Communicate Proactively with Colleagues
Keep your team informed about your moving timeline and any potential impact on your availability. Provide alternative contact methods and specify which communication channels will be most reliable during the transition. Consider sharing your moving schedule with close collaborators so they understand when you might be less responsive.
Set realistic expectations about your productivity during the moving period. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver than to commit to unrealistic deadlines while managing a significant life transition. Most colleagues and supervisors appreciate honest communication about temporary limitations.
Design Your New Home Office
Use your move as an opportunity to create a more efficient home office space. Consider factors such as natural light, noise levels, and distance from household distractions when selecting your new workspace location. Even if you don’t have a dedicated room, create clear boundaries between work and living spaces.
Invest in proper ergonomic furniture and equipment for your new setup. Since you’ll likely be spending considerable time in this space, quality chairs, adjustable desks, and appropriate lighting contribute significantly to both productivity and long-term health. Consider ergonomic guidelines when setting up your permanent workspace.
Establish Routines in Your New Environment
Moving disrupts established routines, which can impact work productivity even after the physical transition is complete. Consciously recreate productive work habits in your new environment, from morning routines to end-of-day shutdown rituals. These familiar patterns help signal to your brain that it’s time to focus on work tasks.
Explore your new neighborhood to identify potential backup workspaces, such as libraries, cafes, or co-working spaces. Having alternatives readily available reduces stress when home office issues arise and provides options for when you need a change of scenery to boost creativity or focus.
Keep Your Career on Track!
Don’t let your move disrupt your professional momentum. Our efficient moving services help minimize downtime so you can focus on what matters most – your work and your family. Contact us today to ensure your relocation supports, rather than hinders, your career success.
