Moves

To start a move request, an AiM Work Order request needs to be submitted. Someone from planning will reach out to you to discuss what you would like done. 

Simple office move:

• Re-arrange items within a room
• Would like one or two items moved to a new location
• Move an office or two to another space (a space change notification should be entered prior to the move request)

Larger moves: 

Note that a larger move may require a CPSR request due to its size and scope.

• Several offices moved to another space  (a space change notification should be entered prior to the move request)
• Whole department moving
• College moving to another building

Note that the hiring of a mover will be needed for many of the moves. Facilities Planning will hire the movers and assist with the move, but the cost of the move is the responsibility of the requesting department (or project funding). Facilities Planning does not pay for other department moving expenses.

What does the requesting department need to do before a move?

Before a move, go through and “purge” anything you do not need. Put in an AiM request if you need additional trash and/or recycling containers temporarily brought over to your space. 

To purge furniture or equipment, submit an AiM request. Facilities Planning is the contact for the Dearborn Campus. We must follow UM Property Disposition guidelines. Before any furniture can be disposed of, Planning will need to submit a request to Property Disposition for an Authorization to Scrap for any furniture that is no longer in usable condition.

All packing should be completed prior to the actual start of the move. Note that if these items are not complete and need to be done during the move, the cost of your move may increase. 

*For large moves, moving and packing instructions will be given to you by the project manager. Requirements will be based on the project needs. The project manager will request the packing supplies (boxes and tape) and those will be chard to the move.

The furniture pieces and boxes that are moving may need to be tagged prior to moving. This is to help expedite the move and to confirm we are accounting for all furniture to be moved. If there are only a few items, this may not need to be done.

For any labs, the lab manager will be responsible for any equipment and decommissioning.

The requesting department should have a representative available during the move to help with any unforeseen questions and concerns.

Packing instructions

Desks, File Cabinets*, Bookcases, Supply or Storage Cabinets, Coat Racks or Lockers, must be emptied. Box up all items from desks, bookcases, file cabinets, supply or storage cabinets, coat racks or lockers, or any other piece of furniture with items stored in or on them. 

*Note that a small two drawer file cabinet can be typically moved with items in them if the drawers are locked and the unit is not excessively heavy.

Small office machines (computers, scanners, printers, etc.) do not need to be packed. Leave them on top of a desk or stand. All components must be disconnected prior to the move and the cords stored in a zipped bag or carton.  Label the zipped bag or carton and the computer and monitors with the user’s name so that the components stay together. 

Contact the ITS Help Desk if you need help with disconnecting the items. Disconnection should be completed the day before a move. For large moves, the project manager will coordinate this with ITS and the department or individuals moving.

Remember to pack your trash and recycling containers, and your phones.

Refrigerators should be unplugged, and the door left open the day before the move. Make sure the refrigerator is empty of food and containers and the shelves have been cleaned. Be aware of frost in freezers, and have a plan to prevent spills from melting ice.

Pictures, maps, and bulletin boards need to be removed from the walls prior to the move. Small items should be consolidated in boxes with newspaper or similar items between empty spaces to protect the items.

Special and large equipment may need to be serviced and/or moved by the vendor’s trained personnel. If services requiring electricians, plumbers or machinists are needed to disconnect equipment, please notify your Facilities Project Manager so that proper arrangements may be made. Warranties may be voided if not performed by the proper personnel. For department copiers and printers, contact ITS.

High-security files must be locked prior to and during the move. If security regulations require an escort, arrangements should be made by the file owner prior to the move. 

Personal items are not to be moved by the movers. Employees are responsible for moving their own personal items. The University's insurance policy does not cover personal belongings, and therefore, will not be covered in the event of loss or damage during a move.

Living plants can be moved but the movers and Facilities Operations will not be held responsible if the plant is damaged. For best results, employees should handle moving their own plants.

• Unpack your boxes as quickly as possible.
• Contact the ITS Help Desk if you need assistance setting up your computers and printers. For large moves, this will be done by the project manager.
• If you haven’t already, contact Mail Services to have your mail sent to the new location. 
• If you haven’t already done so, work with your Department Access Coordinator to request keys to your new space. You will also need to return keys that are no longer needed. 
• As you unpack, remove the tape, and flatten the boxes. Collect the flattened boxes in one location. When there is a substantial amount, put in an AiM request for pickup.
• Large equipment may need to be recalibrated. Contact your department representative for assistance.
• Lab managers are responsible for all lab equipment. Any recalibration or commissioning will be handled by the manager.

The cost of a move is the responsibility of the requesting department. Facilities Planning will contact the moving company to request an estimate and be there to help facilitate the move.