You have found a more strategic location, or your business is growing and you need more space. You are excited about your move and the new opportunities that await you. But where do you get started? You already have a business running and can’t just wake up one day and leave. It requires careful planning when moving your office, especially if you already have clients or customers who are used to your old office. This article highlights eight key things you should do before moving to a new office.
Update Your Customers and Suppliers
As soon as you make the decision, inform your customers and suppliers that you intend to move. Give them your new location address and the exact date you will be moving. If you will be closed for a couple of days during the move, let them know so they can plan accordingly. When you don’t inform your customers, you will end up losing some business. Also, it would be impolite to move without informing the very people who support your business. Informing the suppliers will save them the inconvenience of driving to the wrong location. Sending the supplies to the wrong location can slow your operations and cost your business money.
Make Plans to Update Your Addresses
The old address on your website, local listings, stationery, and marketing materials should be updated as soon as possible to avoid sending customers to the wrong address. Also, don’t forget to change your shipping address on all retail stores you buy from.
Plan for Business Continuity
Come up with a plan showing how you will serve your customers during the moving days. Your continuity plan can include setting up a temporary location where customers can pick products before you settle into your new office and ensuring that you have someone online at all times to respond to queries and emails. Taking such measures is essential to avoid inconveniencing customers who may require your products before the new office becomes operational. It also keeps you from losing customers.
Ensure that Everything in the New Premises Is in Order
Check on the new premises before you set a date for moving to ensure everything is in order. Check on the electricity, water, internet, security, and insurance. If it is a rental, finalize the deal with the owner before you move in. Checking on things in advance is essential to ensure you get settled in as soon as possible. Getting to the new premises and realizing you have no internet access will increase the number of days your business remains closed. This means you lose more sales.
Order the New Stuff You Need in Advance
If you need new office furniture, computers, and supplies, order in advance. This too will reduce the amount of time you take to settle in your new office. Use the new address if you want the items delivered to your new office.
Find a Moving Company Early
Don’t wait until the last day to find a moving company. You may end up disappointed when you find that most movers in your area are booked. Do your homework early. Look for commercial removal companies such as Phillips Moving that are qualified in office moving (they’ve been in operation since 1923!) and compare their services and cost. The movers can pack for you if you don’t have the time or have too much to pack. Professional movers have the experience and skills to pack quickly, and also well, to ensure your items are not damaged along the way. Also, when movers do the packing, they will come with their tools and supplies and that will be one less thing you have to worry about. However, you will have to pay extra for the parking services and supplies.
Get Rid of Things You Won’t Need in Your New Office
Plan how you will sell or give away all the stuff that you won’t be using in your new office. If you bought new furniture for the new office, get someone to buy the items you are using currently or give them to a start-up that will appreciate them. Moving with items you don’t need anymore will only clutter your office and make it disorganized. A disorganized office not only gives customers a bad impression but it can also affect productivity.
Create a Plan
Finally, have a moving plan. Set the date and processes to be followed and assign specific roles for every person. Also, meet up with the movers to discuss how things will be done. With a good plan, you can avoid confusion and delays.
As far as the moving date is concerned, try to go for a time when things are not so busy at the office. And once you are in your new office, don’t forget to thank and appreciate your team for helping with the move.
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