How to Move Your Business With Maximum Efficiency


Beginning the process of moving your business can be an exciting period. You’re moving on to bigger and better ventures! However, it can also be catastrophic if the right steps aren’t taken. So, here are a few ways to maximize the efficiency of your move.

Give Yourself Time

The most important factor in any sizable move is time. You need a lot of it! Businesses tend to underestimate how much time a move will take. This will be a long-winded and complicated process. If something goes wrong, which it almost inevitably will, you need a workable period to fix it without exploding from stress.

Plan a Budget

Any business owner’s worst nightmare is causing their company’s downfall. If said downfall happens during an expensive move, the outcome won’t be pretty. Therefore, it’s essential to plan a detailed budget for your move. Make a spreadsheet and share it with everyone involved in expenses. This will limit the risk of monetary mistakes by anyone else. Research the equipment you may need and factor it in. For instance, if you need to rent a dumpster, look up dumpster rental cost Opens in a new tab. before doing so. You’ll be able to find a reliable rental company that fits your price range. An inventory build-up should also be considered. Accidents and delays could cause an inability to stock up during the move. You don’t want to be unable to continue business during this time.

Have Open Communication

Communication is key! This rings true for most things, and that includes major business changes. Both your employees and your loyal customer base deserve to know what’s happening. Leaving anyone in the dark is likely to create either accidents or drama. Be sure to let your customers know where you’re moving to. Engage in a friendly conversation about how the consumer can continue to enjoy your products. This will decrease the possibility of losing your client base. You should also sit your employees down and discuss the necessary information. There will likely be worried about lay-offs or other changes, so be honest and reassuring. Take feedback as well! If it is voiced that a certain office layout will increase productivity, give it serious thought. Inform your employees and customers how this move benefits everyone involved, not just you.

Fill Out the Necessary Paperwork

As expected, there is a lot of paperwork involved in moving a business. Be sure you’ve completed everything you need to do before moving. Otherwise, you could suddenly find your move at a standstill. In particular, you should notify agencies at each level of government and complete a change of address form for the IRS. There may be legal documents for your business that require updating. If your company requires a name-change (likely due to a void location within the name) be sure to complete all the necessary documents involved.

Decide Whether to Buy or Lease

One consideration when choosing a new location is whether to buy or lease the property. This is important for a moving business due to its effect on expenses. If you are a longstanding and sturdy business, then it may be time to buy your own space. However, a young company should consider the safer route and lease. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Make an Airtight Schedule

When moving, remember Murphy’s Law – anything that can go wrong will go wrong. That doesn’t mean you should quiver in fear at every turn, but you should expect some difficulties. This is where a foolproof schedule comes in handy. If you know exactly when and where assignments should be completed, there is less chance of debilitating mistakes. You should also be sure to add in extra time to fix these mistakes. If one task goes wrong and the next depends on its completion, you’ll find yourself stuck or behind schedule. Remember to give yourself ample room and always round up when estimating time periods.

Think About Staggering the Move

A staggered move involves working from both areas during the process. This calls for the employees and inventory to slowly begin moving to the other space. Keeping both spaces allows for a smoother transition for everyone involved. You can continue to profit from your business and your employees have more time to acclimate. It also provides a less frantic schedule. There’s no scramble to begin working fully in the new location.

Do Your Research

Never rely on your instincts during a move! You need to complete a thorough market research processOpens in a new tab. before you begin relocating. Otherwise, you could be blindsided by multiple issues. This applies to every step in the process, including finding a new location. Don’t let an amazing building blind you to the other attributes the area should have. Consider parking space, available transportation, the surrounding businesses and supplier/client locations. Find out what else is in the area. If there’s a similar business in walking distance, you may want to reconsider the space. If your business isn’t essential, figure out what the average disposable income is for the local population. For example, if you sell ice cream you should avoid areas that can’t afford to spend money freely. You should also research the density and traffic of the area. If you rely on substantial foot traffic, then locate somewhere with a high population density.

Pack Your Inventory Safely

An event you’ll want to avoid at all costs is destroying your inventory during the move. This may seem fairly obvious, but it can be tempting to rush the packing process in your excitement. Be sure to invest in sturdy materials and protectors like bubble wrap. If you can afford the assistance of a moving company, either have the movers pack or ask for tips. If your company is moving by itself, find tips online. Boxes are a great storage container as they are easy to stack and transport. Make sure to label each container – you don’t want to spend hours finding your supplies after transport. Ensure that whoever transports your inventory is trustworthy and responsible.

Plan Structural Changes

Your new space is probably a dream come true for your business. However, it’s unlikely to incorporate all of your needs without a few changes. This may include glaring architectural issues, like knocking down a dividing wall. There may also be electrical and network changes needed. Consider your company’s current electronic system and plan how it will be moved. The wiring for your computer and telephone networks may require structural adaptation. In this day and age, a working technological system is paramount for a thriving business.

Get the Word Out

Don’t be shy! Let everyone in your old and new areas know about your move. Make use of the expansive network social media provides. Post exciting updates on the moving process and behind-the-scenes videos. Keep your customers informed and excited about the relocation. You can even put up posters and hand out flyers. Have a well-advertised grand opening to attract attention. No one can patronize your new location if they don’t know it exists, so be sure that everyone does.

Moving your business is a wonderful opportunity for growth and expansion. It is essential that this process goes as smoothly as possible. By following these guidelines, you are ensuring that everyone involved has an exciting and prosperous experience. Happy moving!

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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