For any business, relocation is inevitable. Sometimes, moving from one place to another will be beneficial for the company’s growth and development. However, commercial relocation is different from residential moving.
There are a lot of steps that go into commercial relocation. Many of which are far more complicated than just packing and transporting the contents of one building to another. When moving to another office space, there is a need to eliminate or at least minimize business interruption. More so, jurisdiction and applicable laws change.
For this reason, moving plans are necessary. Knowing the specific criteria might help your company identify the finest choices.
Notify Your Employees
Before starting any plans on your relocation project, talk to your employees. It is important to let them know about your decision to move.
It’s also possible for some employees to look for other jobs. This issue goes for those who can’t commute to your new office location. Thus, letting them know ahead will provide enough time for them to work out their personal choices.
More so, getting your employees’ insights will help you see the relocation project from a different perspective. This method is necessary to know if you’re making the best decision for your firm.
Manage Your Timeline
Setting sail to a new location means you’ll need to schedule time properly. Suppose your firm normally operates on a weekday. In that case, it is wise to set your relocation over the weekend. Doing so will avoid delays and downtime in your operation.
For the majority of businesses, moving takes place after hours. However, labor expenses for this time are higher than they will be.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance is an important consideration that we often overlook during the hectic moving process.
During relocation, accidents can occur. These include on-road injuries, items breaking while in transit, and storage concerns from natural disasters. So checking to see if your insurance is up to date is crucial, among other things.
Create an Inventory List
You should keep track of all the items in your workplace that you intend to transfer to your new location. Even if you work with professional movers, it is still necessary to ensure that you won’t leave any items in your previous office space. It will help to make a digital list and a printed copy for your business records.
Move Your Equipment
Do you have office equipment that you cannot transfer to your new office location? While certain goods need the use of specialized moving equipment, you can easily transport almost any object from one company location to another.
Many professional movers take unusual jobs, depending on your request. Some use cranes to lift and relocate materials into place. All you need to do is look for moving companies that can embark on your relocation project.
Delegate Tasks
Assigning each staff member specific tasks is important. It allows a proper flow of action and provides boundaries for every duty. This method is also beneficial to set responsibilities for each individual.
Prep Your New Office Location
If you want to smoothen your move-in process, the last thing you want to do is disrupt your rhythm. Prior to your move, visit the new workplace to identify and repair any potential issues.
If you must, deep cleaning your new office space will help. It will also help to store basic tools ahead, such as floor mops and sweeping materials. Among others, microfiber cloths are essential to get rid of dust that your items will accumulate during transport.
Secure Your Documents
Keeping tabs on the necessary documents before your relocation will ease your transition. This includes changing your office address and work permits. Every state has different licenses and requirements that you must obtain before conducting your business. Doing business without the necessary permission might result in penalties and legal issues.
Additionally, you also need to make sure that your customers and business partners will still be able to locate you.
The Secret to a Successful Relocation Project
Without proper planning, things can rapidly go out of control. Things like these might make the relocation longer and more difficult. Thus, don’t let stress take over your moving plans.
It takes much time and preparation to have a successful relocation project. Often, your strategy should begin at least eight weeks before the relocation date. The earlier you formulate your plan, the more steps you can take.
Doing so will help you in knowing precisely what to expect. Remember, preparation is your key to success in every situation.