No two data center moves are alike. They can range from highly complex to relatively straightforward—but all require careful planning and coordination.

When it comes to starting the planning process, many IT leaders turn to online resources. A simple Google search for “data center moving checklist” returns over two million results. But sorting through conflicting advice can be time-consuming and even counterproductive.

Meanwhile, data center professionals are under constant pressure—juggling tight timelines, limited resources, and mission-critical uptime requirements.

At Electronic Transport, we’ve moved hundreds of data centers. And we’ve learned that successful projects begin with strong fundamentals and the right team.

Step 1: Identify and Engage Your Key Stakeholders

A successful data center relocation depends on identifying everyone who has a stake in the outcome. These typically include:

• Internal IT Staff – managing applications and operating systems
  
• Facilities Teams – overseeing power, cooling, and physical infrastructure
  
• Data Center Operations – managing the move and system uptime
  
• Business Units – ensuring business continuity and service availability
  

Planning often happens after hours or over weekends. Your existing staff still have to maintain daily operations. Asking them to handle a complex move on top of their usual responsibilities is a recipe for:

• Missed deadlines
  
• Burnout
  
• Conflicts or communication breakdowns
  

Step 2: Augment Your Internal Team

The key is strategic supplementation. Use your internal team where their expertise matters most, and bring in outside professionals to handle logistics, transport, or equipment disassembly and setup.

This is where ETC comes in. You may only move a data center once in your career—but we move data centers every day.

Step 3: Invest Time in a Smart Plan

Success starts with you. It begins by investing time upfront to understand what’s required:

• Inventory and asset tracking
  
• Timing and scheduling
  
• Risk management
  
• Vendor coordination
  

No move goes off without a hitch. But preparation gives you the power to minimize risk, avoid delays, and protect your organization from costly downtime.

Need Help Moving Your Data Center?

Contact Electronic Transport today to learn how our experienced team can simplify your next data center relocation—safely, efficiently, and on time.