Moving a business to a new location is not easy. If anything, it can be more challenging than a domestic move. You have a lot of business equipment to pack, not to mention the stock which needs to be moved delicately. Luckily, you can do a few things to ensure the relocation is smooth and as seamless as possible. When you plan accordingly, you don’t necessarily have to shut down your business operations. Collaborating with the right people and clear communication can save you many hurdles that come with relocating a business. Here are a few tips to consider.
Plan early
As soon as you figure out that you need to relocate your business, start planning. Let your employees know early to prepare them both psychologically and physically. Sit down with them and plan how you will get things moving during the moving day. Additionally, have a blueprint that shows the new business premises’ layout and indicates where everything will go. You need some months to develop the perfect arrangement of your new business space, so ensure you start planning early. In addition to that, set your moving budget and know how much you are willing to spend.
Select a moving manager
To make things easier, elect a moving manager from outside or among your employees who will oversee that everything runs well. Ask him/her to designate different tasks for each employee so that everyone has a role to play. That way, you know who to blame if anything goes wrong.
Hire a moving company
Moving a business is not easy, so you need to research moving companies before you hire. Experts advise getting quotes from at least three moving companies before you finally make your decision. Check out the different services moving companies offer, compare quotes, and decide what kind of services you need. For instance, you can choose to do all the packing on your own and hire a moving company to load, transport, and unload. Again, you can decide to hire the full services of a moving company.
Nevertheless, find a reputable moving company such as AVM Storage and call ahead of time, for instance, two months earlier. Ask for proof of insurance and ask for everything you need to know. Such discussions should happen one on one, so you can have a representative come over and see the scope of work involved.
Follow the specifics for moving certain electronics.
Equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, etc., are sensitive, and you should handle them with care when moving them. If you are packing the things yourself, follow the moving company’s specific instructions for moving such items. Note that the moving company may not accept liability for any damage during transit if they didn’t pack the items, so, be careful.
Make a checklist
Having a checklist is one of the ways of ensuring nothing is forgotten and avoiding mistakes. Have a checklist of the tasks to be carried out, supplies to be made, a packing and unpacking plan, etc. Generally, write down your moving plans and stick to your checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Move nonessentials first
If you can, move the nonessentials early on your own to make the work easier. That way, your moving company will only facilitate moving the most critical items.
The takeaway
If you would like to relocate your business, the best thing is to start planning early. Again, factor in extra time in case there are delays or when some tasks don’t go as planned.
