Enjoy this week’s guest post by Abby Drexler, writer and media specialist, with the ultimate small business moving guide!
Operating a small business comes with its share of challenges. Although it’s an exciting moment for the business owner within the initial stages, it can also be daunting, especially when choosing to move to a new location.
Sometimes, moving is inevitable. You may want to move for various reasons, such as looking for better business opportunities, new markets, or change in the environment. Even though you might think that moving to a new location will be useful, the results could be the opposite of what you expected.
Therefore, before you start packing, ensure that you know what to do to achieve business success in your new location. This guide will show you how to move your business to avoid disruptions and productivity loss.
Be Proactive
When you decide to move, you need to make quick decisions so that your employees can settle down as quickly as possible. Waiting too long can distract them. If you’re planning to have a new product line in the new location, start thinking of how you’ll implement it.
Set Your Budget
Decide how much you want to spend on the relocation costs. One of the best ways to know this is by narrowing down to different moving companies so that you get an overview of how much you’ll pay. If you plan to lease or rent in your new location, ensure you reserve money to cater for the cost.
Decide Whether You Want to Buy or Lease
Choose your preferences between leasing and buying the property in your new location. It would be best if you decided before you search for the place.
Since you run a small business, you may want to consider an option that fits your budget. For instance, leasing can be a good option if you’re unsure of future space needs. On the other hand, buying is often less costly and is a good option for an established business.
Research Locations
Now is the time to determine where you want to move to. Ensure that your new location gives you quick access to your customers, suppliers, and all your business stakeholders. Consider the distance from your old place, including shipping costs. You may want to get input from your employees about the best locations.
Set a Timeline
Let your employees help you set a transitioning timeline. Remember to include the time when you expect to complete renovations, how long it will take you to move your belongings, and when you think you’ll be done with the new office set-up.
Communicate
Now that you have everything in order, it’s time to inform everyone connected to your business. Since you’ve kept your employees involved in the transition, you now need to inform your customers and suppliers.
The best way is by communicating using an official platform to help you appear professional. Don’t forget to communicate officially with your staff. Be open to feedback so that you get more insights that could be helpful.
How Do You Pick the Right Moving Company?
There are multiple moving companies today. But the bottom line is getting a professional mover. You want to be sure that the move is less distractive and as professional as possible to avoid losing your items or incurring damages. Here is what to look out for.
Get Referrals
Ask around from your family, friends, and colleagues for moving companies that they may have used before. You can also check on several online platforms for the highly-rated movers.
Licenses and Insurance
Hire a mover that has a license and insurance. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that the move will be successful and secure.
Right Accreditation
A professional mover has the necessary accreditation from BBB. This indicates that the person can offer services with a high level of professionalism and integrity.
Work Experience
Hire a moving company that has proof of doing the same job successfully. Request to see their clientele and find out how well they did the job.
Verify the Address
Avoid hiring any random moving company. Do due diligence to verify their physical location. You can access the information from the companies’ site or request for a business card. Find out if the mover’s company address is listed. If not, that could be a red flag, and you need to continue with the search.
How do You Transition Your Employees?
Your workers are the first point of contact for your business. For a smooth transmission, follow the steps below.
- Retain the most productive employees whom you think are valuable to your business.
- If you choose to let go of some of your workers, ensure you help them search for other job options as the best way to thank them.
- Let your employees decide whether they want to move or not. It could be because of their families or other things.
- Give your employees time to get accommodation in the new location. That’s why you need to start planning earlier.
The Bottom Line
Try as much as possible to remain focused until you move to your new location according to your plan. Your primary focus should be moving within the shortest time possible so that you settle down on time and continue with your business operations.
Abby Drexler is a contributing writer and media specialist on behalf of North American Van Lines. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a major in Public Relations.