Have no time for relocation? Learn more about our commercial removals service.
How to Move a Server Room During Office Relocation
- Published: May 29/2019
- Last update: May 12/2023
- 4min read
- Views: 5,368
Moving house is one thing, but relocating a whole business is certainly far more difficult. The reason behind this is that a lot of specifics need to be taken into consideration when moving IT equipment and there are a lot of preparations that need to be made beforehand.
Generally, the IT team is responsible for making a server relocation plan and completing the relocation. Also, after the move is completed, it’s their job to test the servers.
In this article, we are going to discuss the topic of how to move a server from one location to another correctly. You can find everything from planning the move to helpful tips compressed into this small guide. But first…
Some of the major challenges when moving a server:
Have no time for relocation? Learn more about our commercial removals service.
One of the most important factors in moving a server successfully is the way you plan the whole procedure.
Take into consideration the following recommendations:
You may also like: How to Move an Office – Office Relocation Checklist
Now that you’ve completed this planning process, proceed with the actual transportation of the servers. Theoretically, following your plan would result in a problem-free server relocation but in reality, the scenario is a bit different.
There are plenty of things that can go wrong and you should be prepared before initiating the IT hardware relocation.
Even perfectly secured and properly transported servers may refuse to operate after the relocation. After all, this is highly sensitive equipment that can get decalibrated during transportation.
Run recovery tests before the move as training for emergency situations. In case of data loss during the server relocation, you may have to complete recovery on the day of the move.
Contact your suppliers, they should know that you are about to relocate your servers. This way they will have time to react if your equipment needs emergency repairs or you’re short of something at the new location.
Make sure that the data migration from the servers is fully completed, run all necessary tests.
Carefully prepare for the execution of the data protection protocol in your company.
Pack each server station in and label it accordingly. It’s also a good idea to add numerical labels with the exact order in which each station was packed. You can later unpack in reverse order for maximum efficiency.
Label all cables and electronics for faster unpacking and installation at the new address.
Keeping all hardware completely stable during the relocation will minimize the chances of errors.
Transport physical data storage hardware in a vehicle different from the moving vans for additional security.
Don’t think you can handle the server move on your own? Contact us and we will set up everything for you.
When planning to move your entire server racks, take into consideration the fact that most models are supported by small legs instead of casters. This is not an issue if the whole weight constantly lies on all four legs. However, if you have to tilt the entire rack, you risk damaging the server. This makes almost all types of server racks unsuitable for transportation and relocation.
Modern server racks have better mobility properties but are often hard to relocate, too. Also, having multiple static objects in a server room hinders the process of moving a server rack from one place to another. Transportation of loaded server racks is the main reason behind damaged hardware and data loss.
Plus, this equipment could be a bit on the heavy side and cost you a good fine if you don’t pay attention. Overloading your van can result in vehicle gross weight fine.
One of the most comprehensive ways to install new server equipment after the relocation is to set up new racks.
***
Do you have any interesting ideas on how relocating server equipment can happen easier and faster? We would like to hear them in the comment section below.
Image source: depositphotos / dlpm
The only home improvement newsletter you will ever need!
We will never spam you. Pinky promise!
For more information, check out our privacy policy.