There are a lot of reasons why your business might need to move to a new space. Whatever the reason, it’s a big undertaking. Maybe your home business is expanding and you need a bigger workspace for your craft. Or the building where you currently rent space might be raising their prices and you need to find a new studio or office. There are a lot of factors to consider, from the logistics of the move itself to how the new space will affect operations. In this blog post are five things your business needs to do in order to make a smooth transition to new offices.
1. Plan Ahead
The first and most important thing you need to do when moving offices is to plan ahead. This means giving yourself plenty of time to research potential new office spaces, compare costs, and develop a detailed moving timeline. Trying to rush through the process will only lead to problems and stress. Instead, start planning your move as soon as possible so you can take your time and do it right.
Lists, Lists, and More Lists
As someone who has a lot of experience moving, I have to say lists have been my best friend. It’s worth it to create a detailed inventory list of everything you have to move. I like to make a spreadsheet for everything, adding a column for which box or container they get packed in and numbering my boxes. That way, I don’t waste a lot of time making a mess as I dig through every box until I find what I need.
The other reason it’s good to have an inventory list is in case something happens during the move. Things sometimes get lost, damaged, or—unfortunately—stolen during the moving process. Having a list comes in handy if you need to make an insurance claim or file a complaint.
2. Notify Your Customers And Clients
If your customers and clients can visit your business, let them know about your move! Give them adequate time to update their records and make any necessary changes on their end. Be upfront about any delays in responsiveness the move might cause. Good communication is key.
Could Running A Sale Help You Move Your Business?
For some businesses, it might make sense to have a sale on ready-to-ship products ahead of the move. You can cut down on the number of things you have to pack and move (which could save you money). It can also help your marketing efforts. A sale can help new customers find you while raising awareness for your new location. Maybe the new location also means you’ll have a new audience to introduce yourself to!
3. Hire A Professional Moving Company
Trying to move your office or workspace on your own is a recipe for disaster. There’s simply too much stuff to try and move. Not to mention doing it all yourself increases your risk of injury. Hiring a reputable, experienced moving company will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. They’ll handle all the heavy lifting and make sure everything arrives at your new office safely and on schedule.
Depending on where you’re moving, there are different places you can check to make sure your stuff is in good hands. For example, people in North America can check with the Better Business Bureau for moving companies. Those in Australia might search for an AFRA accredited removalist. Dedicate a good chunk of time to researching anyone before you hire them and ask for EVERYTHING in writing.
4. Update Your Contact Information
Don’t forget to update your contact information once you’ve moved your business! This includes updating your website, social media profiles, email signature, business cards, and anything else that displays your old address or phone number. You don’t want potential customers or clients getting lost trying to find your new location, as this could lead to a decrease in business.
Also, make sure you update your billing and delivery addresses if you need to! You wouldn’t want to get settled in your new workspace only to find out your materials are still being delivered to the old one.
5. Schedule Some Downtime
Moving an office is a big job, so it’s important to schedule some downtime after you move your business. Once everything has been moved and set up in the new space, take some time to relax and adjust. This is especially important if you have employees who need to adapt to the change, too. This will help everyone get acclimated more quickly and avoid burnout down the road. You could consider scheduling a Friday afternoon social for the team to celebrate the move and welcome everyone to the new space.
Final Thoughts on Moving Your Business
Moving offices can be daunting for any business, but it doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re prepared. There’s a lot to do leading up to the move, and then there’s an adjustment period afterward. Don’t make it harder on yourself and your business than it needs to be. Give future you the gift of a painless move.