Transferring your data center equipment is going to be a stressful process, and you could struggle with some serious problems if you don’t take precautions. Luckily, with a little bit of diligence and a solid plan in place, you will be able to handle any roadblocks that you run into.

Create a Plan with Your IT Department

Weeks before the move occurs, you must sit down with your IT department and come up with a comprehensive plan. At the very least, everyone on the team must have basic information such as when the move is going to happen and who is going to be in charge of which tasks. You will probably want to have multiple IT professionals at both facilities on the day of the move so that everything goes smoothly.

Establish a Moving Manager

Another important step in this process is putting one person in charge of the move. That individual will most likely come from your IT department, but you can pick anyone who is reliable. That individual will organize all of your employees and have the final say if you run into any issues.

Back-Up the Data

Backing up your data might be challenging if you have a lot of files, but it won’t be impossible. Many companies now use cloud servers, and that could be a great option during your move. When you are choosing a cloud storage company, you should only work with a business that has multiple layers of security and redundant servers.

Visit the New Facility in Advance

A few days before the move, you should head to the new facility to make sure that everything is working properly. You don’t want to install all of your data storage equipment only to find out that the AC doesn’t work or there isn’t enough lighting. During your final inspection of the new facility, you can also create a list of any last-minute items that you might need.

Work with a Reliable Moving Company

Working with a reliable appliance delivery company is going to make your life much easier. Trying to move the equipment on your own might seem like a good way to save some money, but you probably aren’t equipped for this type of project. Your commercial moving company will safely load, transport, and unload the equipment so that you can focus on other tasks.

In addition to these few tips, you must also make sure that you have excellent insurance coverage. A solid insurance policy will help you get back on your feet if the equipment is damaged or you can’t conduct any business for a few days.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan