Moving your business can be an exciting time: your company's growth may warrant more space or you may want to move to a more visible location. Whatever the reason, there is a lot of work to be done. Here are some things to keep in mind to keep this transition as smooth as possible.
Start Planning Well in Advance
Planning a residential move can take months (selling the property, cleaning and prepping the house, packing, etc.), but you may think that a commercial move will be quicker. That is usually not the case. You should start planning your move at least four to six months in advance—especially since commercial moving companies need reservations to plan out all the logistics. You also need to contact a moving company early so you can work out liability issues and figure out how much coverage you'll need for your inventory.
If you work in a strip mall or building with multiple suites, you may not be allowed to move during business hours, since your move could hinder other companies' business. You may need to plan to move over a weekend or during the evening.
Besides figuring out scheduling, you need months to plan so that your employees aren't caught off guard. If your relocation is fairly far, then you will likely see employee turnover. Employees also need ample time to
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clear their work areas
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toss perishable or remove hazardous items that cannot be relocated
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save data
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notify their clients of changes
Update Your Image by Cleaning House
A business relocation can be a great way to modify your brand, since you have ample time to plan out your office layout and what items you really need. If you are planning on updating any furniture, computers, phones, copy machines, etc., don't pack older items. Moving them to the new location will be a waste of time and labor. Donate any large items you don't need to charity; many libraries and schools need old computers. You can also sell old furniture and use the profits to help pay for updated items.
Let an IT Team Help Direct the Packing of Electronic Equipment
Not everyone is tech-savvy, so having employees throw everything in disarray into boxes is a bad idea. Instead, have IT professionals manage any electronic equipment that needs packing. For instance, they can remove and label specific cables so that they stay with their proper device.
Once the IT team has divvied and organized the equipment, movers can then use bubble wrap and blankets to safely protect monitors before they are put into boxes. When everything is at your new location, the IT team should be the first group of people to set up phones, your network, and other communication needs.
Make Sure You Notify Every one of Your Address Change
You can lose customers during the relocation is you don't give them a head's up well in advance. Besides letting people know of your changes via your website and blog, be sure to contact
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the IRS
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your vendors
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your post office
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your insurance carrier
Once your new address is verified, you can start printing out the appropriate stationary and business cards with your new information. Contact a commercial moving company for more tips on moving.
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