Efficiency and effectiveness are at the core of every successful business. There is no reason why they shouldn’t mark a successful business relocation, too. It is just another project to handle, and the same rules apply. There’s no secret. Find a good location, create a moving plan, define schedules, and hire experts for commercial relocation.

Business relocation: a new project

Whatever the reason for your business relocation, you should follow the same rules. Carefully considering every aspect of the move will save you an incredible amount of time and energy. You might decide to move your office with your co-workers or ask for professional moving assistance.  Almost every business relocation involves moving

• inventory,

• equipment, and

• staff.

Should you opt for a DIY relocation, take special care to prevent office accidents and injuries. If you deem that your business relocation is a big bite, you can hire a moving manager. That way, everybody can do what they do best.

Develop a moving plan

Knowing exactly how much help you’ll need when moving is one of the first steps. Besides, it is in a tight connection with determining the moving budget. To get a better estimate, ask for a free moving quote from several moving companies. Once you know how much it would cost you to relocate, you can work on how to save.

Bear in mind that the longer it takes you to move your company, the less productive you will be. A realistic action plan is vital. Not only as a base for a successful relocation. It will significantly affect your revenue and clients’ and employees’ satisfaction. Your moving plan should assure minimal disturbance to your regular business activities.

Determine what to move

Business relocation is the perfect opportunity to dispose of obsolete equipment and old office furniture. You’d want to make your business relocation cost-efficient as much as possible. Therefore, you should make an inventory and decide what is sensible to move. You can donate old electronics and office chairs for a tax reduction, if possible, or sell them.

Moreover, you can order new, modern equipment directly to your new office. Also, relocation can be an opportunity to improve your office decor. Refreshed working space will boost your employees’ motivation.

The best time for business relocation

There is no specific moving season for commercial relocation. Indeed, it would be easier to move during the vacation season if that time doesn’t coincide with the peak. If the size of the business and new building rules allow it, relocate during the weekend or holiday.

Additionally, arrange relocation in a way that there is an overlap. If possible, start moving your inventory to the new office while you still use the old one. If your new office space is ready, you should move equipment that is the least essential for your daily working routine. You should move your network and communication systems last.

Note that relocation can take a while and depends on the size and complexity of your inventory. Preparing a small business relocation can take three or more months. Larger business relocations would take significantly longer, from six to nine months. Account for possible delays!

Staff relocation

If you’re moving your business long-distance, you should prepare a budget for the relocation of your employees, too. If you don’t, and they would need to relocate on their own, inform your colleagues of the move as early as possible. Each one of them can use mastermovingguide.com to find the moving company that suits them best.

Packing and labeling

Quality packing material will prove to be cost-efficient. If you’re moving your business on your own, avoid newspaper, magazines or used office paper to wrap your office inventory. The tint from the print-outs will likely leave smudges and induce cleaning expenses. Use moving blankets for furniture, and heavy-duty boxes for fragile items. Also, it is better to pack many smaller and medium boxes than a few large ones. If you keep the original packaging of your electronics, this would be the perfect time to use it. Furthermore, label every box and list its contents in detail. To make packing and unpacking easier and faster, you can color-code your boxes and list your inventory in a spreadsheet.

Prepare the new location for your arrival

If your old business location was holding your business back, relocation should boost it. To take the most out of it, improve everything you can in your new office space before you move. Acquiring floor plans of your new workspace will give you an insight where potential problems may arise. Is your storage area smaller than before? Should you downsize or repurpose the reception area? Knowing your current workspace and identifying its downfalls will help you fix those issues in your new office.

Before your business relocation, make a clear picture of your new office layout and hire carpenters, electricians or other professionals on time. You will need the system installers for security and card entry systems, as well as IT specialists to reconnect your company network. Finally, check in advance if the building you’re relocating to has any special rules regarding moving in, use of freight elevators or parking.

Inform the public of your business relocation

One of the usual reasons for business relocation is better access to clients, so make sure they know where and when you’re moving. If you have a contact list of your associates, suppliers, and clients, inform them of your relocation well in advance. Create a banner for your website with the message for your customers, and inform them of working hours during the move or downtime, if you can’t avoid it. Furthermore, you should put signs on both your old and new location informing your current and future customers of your relocation. Use your visibility on social media platforms to notify the public. Also, don’t forget to contact the postal service and update your business address.

To sum up, making and following an action plan is crucial for successful business relocation. Starting preparations well in advance will assure you don’t miss anything even if you’re moving your business for the first time.