You have decided it’s finally time to relocate your business and now you’ll have to do some planning to carry that out with the least amount of disruption to your business. You may need a larger space, a different kind of infrastructure, or a more convenient location. For whatever reason, you have made the decision that a move to a new location is in the best interest of your business.
It’s Never Too Early to Plan
A meeting with your employees should be the first step. Everyone should be on the same page and all input needs to be considered and weighed. Distribute different assignments and make sure everyone knows what part of the work is theirs.
Have all employees and departments take inventory of what needs to be moved and what can be sold or updated. Some movers charge by weight and it could end up costing you more to move a desk or chair that has seen better days than to replace them with newer ones.
Moving a business, just like moving your living space, provides a great opportunity to get rid of clutter. This can begin early and shouldn’t be put off until after the primary items are moved.
Create a Timeline
Make a realistic timeline, again, consulting everyone involved, including the movers.
Choose a date, if possible, when your business is in a down period to make the move. Or, if that’s not possible, then orchestrate a down-period for your move date.
Give your suppliers and customers time to adjust their needs by giving them enough advance notice.
Storage Unit
In fact, you may want to contact the storage unit facility early, since they often have movers they know and work with that are reputable. Many, like Spare Foot in the Denver area, also offer portable units and moving supplies like boxes and dollies, and where you can get a 5×5 storage unit for as little as $45!
A storage unit allows you to make a step-by-step move rather than rushing in all at once. This gives you an opportunity to fix any problems that may arise as they happen.
Update Printed Materials
Order exterior signs for your new location early since they may take time to get produced.
Contact your website designer early too, so they can put you on their schedule and won’t get put behind other clients.
All your print and online materials need to be updated with your new address and phone number. This is for both your marketing and housekeeping materials.
You can update your own invoicing documents with an invoice template that will allow you to create professional-looking invoices that suit your brand and include your logo easily, timely, and cost-effectively.
Check Your Business Structure Status
Each state has its own specific regulations regarding LLC or Corporation structure. Check the requirements first if you’re moving to a new state. When registering your LLC, use a formation service or take care of it yourself after researching your new location’s requirements.
Hire a Pro for Your New Branding and Marketing
Angela Miles of Branding Creatively is a marketing manager, creator, and communicator for small businesses that do not have their own marketing department or larger corporations that need to outsource special projects. Contact her to help you with your branding, social media, website, and more.
Stay Legal
It’s important to let the IRS know that your business has moved to a new location, as well as the local zoning office and any local tax collector.
Notify your insurance company and allow them time to evaluate your new location to create a new plan and update your policy.
Start planning early, create a timeline, and begin assigning tasks to employees. Find a storage unit near you if you need to temporarily hold your inventory until you’re ready to safely and efficiently move to your new location. Get your marketing and housekeeping materials updated, including your website. And speak to a professional about updating your branding and marketing to maximize your growth. Having everything planned ahead of time should allow you to move with little to no business disruption.
Photo by Anna Shvets
