Managing a business and guiding it into an efficient, flowing operation takes foresight and careful preparation. Now your company is ready for relocation and the same forethought used to build the business should apply for the moving strategy. Here are a few points to consider for a smooth relocation process.
Determine Which Contents to Move
Significant planning and resources built your equipment, machinery, office machines, even the desks currently in use. Hard decisions are necessary to decide what to keep, which to sell and finally, what items will move with your business. Current inventory is another consideration. Selling current products at a discount might be easier than hauling it along.
Entrepreneur Magazine makes a point with suggesting the move be an opportunity to update equipment and procedures. Faster machines and increased efficiency methods offset reduced productivity during the move. Use the move to start using new operating models and put improved service procedures into practice.
Carefully Consider Where to Move
Jumping headlong into a move for reduced leasing costs appears attractive on the surface. After all, rent or leasing costs are high in many areas. The savings and incentives offered by the neighborhood across town looks perfect for the company’s bottom line. Right up to the point where your employees refuse to commute over an hour to work and you discover regulatory issues and levies adverse to your business.
Quality of life matters to your employees and your customers. Enquire about local business taxes, environmental problems or issues and any incentives available for business relocation. Planning for future growth is always a prudent consideration for a growing company.
Prepare the New Location
Coordinate moving computer equipment, servers and phone lines with your IT people as well as the new building management. Arrange to transport files, desks and any equipment or inventory to keep well in advance of the move date. Reserve moving company services, like those from Bekins Van Lines Inc, and prepare for multiple trips if moving locally. Create a schedule to stagger employees moving to the new location. This will allow your IT folks advance set up time and let assigned people move desks and equipment to practical locations.
Arrange utility and telephone services to begin before the move. Prepare your current location for de-installation of essential equipment. Review your current lease for requirements pertaining to giving notice of your move, restoring and cleaning the current business space.
Prepare Your Clients for the Move
Notify your clients early and often of moving intentions. Maintain essential operations to minimize any client impact or fallout during your move. Order new signs with your company name and have them installed before relocating. This serves a dual purpose to attract new customers and remind current clients of your new location.
Send information by mail to your current clients notifying them of your new address. Any changes in your telephone numbers should be included as well. Keep your clients’ needs a priority in all of your decisions during your business relocation. Remind your employees of the necessity and courtesy of doing the same.
Preparation and planning will minimize business losses during the stages of the relocation process. A successful move into a new environment can be a great opportunity to grow your business and improve quality of life and the workplace for your employees.
