The decision to move your business from one location, city or state to another can be tough enough, but there are a lot of logistics involved in moving a company. Whether you have a small retail company or a larger company, you are likely feeling stressed about moving. You can make the whole process easier on yourself and your employees if you don’t try to do everything at once. Starting early and going one step at a time will ensure that you get everything you need to be accomplished. When you are relocating, develop a timeframe and budget for your move, get details on your lease in your new figured out, keep lines of communication open with your employees and business partners or mortgage figured out, and change important information online and with the post office to make the process easier.
Timeframe and Budget
Before you move think about the length of time and costs involved with moving your business. You want to be financially prepared for the move, especially if you are relocating to a large space. Your costs may include an increase in rent, taxes, and utilities. It is also important to understand the costs of moving supplies and equipment to your new location. Making a plan can allow you to gradually move supplies and equipment over a few weeks or months. Your timeframe, of course, is going to depend on when your lease runs up and your new lease or mortgage begins. If your business is operated out of your home, relocating can be a simpler process, but there are certain considerations you need to make. You want to make sure you have a space where you can work temporarily or permanently, and your Internet is set up before you start in new your new location.
Look into experienced business moving services. They can often help with both the planning and moving process, both of which can be expedited through their services. This should ensure the shortest amount of time your office may be unable to get any work done.
Lease or Mortgage
If you are relocating, you need to think about the amount you can afford for a new lease or mortgage. Look at whether it would be cheaper in the long run to lease or to buy a lot or building. When negotiating a lease, you want to be flexible but not go with the first price set by the owner, if at all possible. Try to come up with a price point that works for both of you. You likely will want to look around at different properties, in one or more areas, before you relocate to determine what would be the best site for your company. You will want to take different factors into consideration, such as how easy it will be for employees to commute to your new location and how well it will attract new customers. If you have a certain demographic in mind, certain locations will work better than others.
Business Communication
Before you relocate, it is important to advise your employees and business partners about the move. They may come along with you, especially if you stay in the same city, but you could find that they don’t wish to move. These conversations should be had early in the process when you are in the initial planning stages of relocating. If your employees and/or partners want to transition with you, include them in decision-making and set up your new space with their best interests in mind. Make sure to keep your employees and partners informed about any delays or changes along the way.
Information Updates
It may seem like a small detail, but changing your address before you move your business can save you a lot of headaches. You will want to go through the United Postal Service to have your address changed. Also, make sure to update your address on your website and social media channels. This will ensure that customers or clients know about your move, especially if you don’t see them on a regular basis. There are other organizations that you will need to advise of your address change, including the IRS, your banking institution, and your insurance agency. While you may have a lot on your mind, you don’t want to wait too long to make your change of address known and risk not getting important mail or packages you need for your company, or risk people not being able to find you. You may also want to drop your customers or clients an email or postcard to let them know that you have moved. This will help you to show that you value them as customers and want to keep them in the loop.
Relocating is a tough decision that involves looking at different elements of both your office and the move itself, including finances. You want to make sure to find a space that fits within your budget and fulfills other needs, such as being ideal for your customers and employees. Before relocating, it is important to come up with a sound plan for how long it will take and how equipment and supplies will be moved. Getting details worked out well ahead of time can ensure the move is easier for you, your family, your employees, and your business partners.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
