Ricardo Gonzalez is a content writer for uShip.com. He recently contacted us with some helpful suggestions for moving your home office.

Preparing your home office for a move

One of the challenges of a Home Office is that when your home moves, your office moves with it. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, you have to take special precautions with your home office that you would not have to otherwise.

Keep or Shred?

The key to any efficient move is to bring only what you need, and trim the fat off. Look through your files and decide what you need to bring, and what you can shred. Make a special pile of documents that you cannot afford to lose: licenses, mortgage papers, birth certificates, passports, et cetera. These documents should go in your briefcase or a special file that you carry with you on the day of the move. Any other documents and files that you would like to bring with you, you can put into a “banker’s box”. These boxes are specifically designed for storing and transporting documents, and should keep your documents safe and organized during your move.

Make sure you shred anything you no longer need. Although it may not be useful to you anymore, it can still contain personal information that you don’t want others to have. You can even use the shredded paper to cushion other belongings as you pack up the rest of your house.

Books, Journals, and Magazines

Books are heavy, bulky, and in most cases, completely unnecessary. Take a look through your office bookshelf, and get rid of any books you haven’t referenced in the past year. Most of your old magazines, journals, and trade publications now have archives online that you can search through much more quickly and efficiently.

Back up your computer files

Your home office would probably not work without your computer. Be sure that, before you pack it up, you back up all of your files to CD or DVD. While it is unlikely that your computer will suffer damage, the information you have on it can be invaluable. Pay special attention to saving your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mails, and financial records.

Time for new furniture?

Some office furniture can be easily disassembled and loaded into a moving truck. However, if you have a large desk or bulky chair, you may want to consider replacing it. Ask yourself if the desk worth the hassle. You probably spend over 200 hours a month at that desk, and you should make sure it is one that suits your needs. If you are unable to invest in a new desk, consider checking craigslist in your area for bargains on a used desk.

Look at packing your office as a great opportunity to make it a more efficient and manageable work space. Organizing and cleaning out your office now, rather than after you move in to your new home, will help you save money your move now, and it is one less thing to worry about while you unpack your house.