Relocating your company is a decision you won’t want to enter into lightly. You’ve probably put a lot of effort into establishing yourself at your current location, so packing everything up and moving can completely change the business.
There are situations, though, where relocation is the best option for the organization moving forward. Moving to a new space might be the only way to reach your long-term goals, despite the short-term pain the process could cause.
Every business has different goals in mind when relocating, but the steps the company will have to take along the way are very similar. This guide will take you through some tips that should make your business relocation a more straightforward process.
Reasons for Relocating Your Company
Moving to a new location is a personal decision that higher-ups within an organization will have to make. Pulling the trigger on the relocation is typically done with three factors in mind.
Need More Space
Many companies change locations because they need additional space their current building can’t provide. These situations typically lead to the organization leasing property with more room to help them expand operations. There are also situations where a firm might look for a smaller space when downsizing.
Better Location
Relocating to a space that’s a better fit could make all the difference for a company. Some organizations benefit greatly from a central downtown position, while others might thrive in a suburban area with additional parking. The perfect location comes down to the type of business and how much foot traffic it needs to generate to be successful.
Lower Costs
Finding a great deal on a lease in a prime area could motivate an organization to move. Businesses paying too much in rent could actively look for properties that cost less, leading to them relocating.
Your reason for moving is dependent on your business model and your current lease situation. It’s always a good idea to consider other options, though, because making a move could be highly beneficial for your company.
Aspects to Consider When Moving to a New Location
Finding an upgraded property for your organization is only half the battle, because you’ll still have to plan and orchestrate the move. Following a few tips can make the process far easier by breaking it down into digestible steps.
1. Develop a Plan
The first thing you’ll need to do is plan the move. This step involves looking at upgrades the new property needs, how many items you have to move, what kind of special care your equipment requires, how much the process will cost, and whether you’ll need assistance. You should also factor any downtime you’ll have into your calculations to ensure your company can withstand the financial impact the move will have.
2. Come Up With a Timeline
Developing a timeline is an essential step when relocating your business. How long will it take to renovate the space, move your equipment, set it up in the new location, and restart your business? Your timeline should be realistic, and maybe even on the conservative side, to ensure you have the resources necessary to withstand a short-term slowdown.
3. Keep Everyone Informed
Let everyone affected by the move know about your relocation plan. Customers, employees, shareholders, landlords, contractors, and other service providers you rely on should all know what’s going on and be aware of your timeline. Transparency is critical – you don’t want to lose customers, staff, or partners because you weren’t upfront with this information.
4. Eliminate Items You Don’t Need
Packing up an entire office is challenging, but there are probably some items you won’t need at your new location. Determine what isn’t essential and sell or donate it before loading it onto a truck. You can often get your buyer to pick these items up from your office, eliminating some work and expense.
5. Label Everything
Put labels on boxes, equipment, and everything else you’re moving. Taking this step makes it far easier to put items in their desired locations once they arrive at your new building. Failing to take this measure could leave you with an unorganized mess as you try to set up your new office, slowing you down considerably.
6. Hire a Moving Company
You might be tempted to handle the move yourself, and it’s entirely possible in some situations. Using a professional mover provides peace of mind, however, and ensures you can focus on managing the relocation process rather than the physical part of the job. Book the moving company early and confirm the dates multiple times before the big day arrives to keep everything operating according to your timeline.
7. Get Insurance
Insurance is an essential part of every relocating process, whether you use a moving company or not. All of your office equipment is probably insured when it’s inside the building, but there’s probably an entirely different policy you’ll need when it’s on a truck or migrating through the lobby of your new property.
8. Update Your Website
Confirm your web team updates your website and social media pages the second your new location opens its doors. Most customers will check online before visiting your building, and it hurts your brand to have them arrive at an empty property because your website is out of date.
These tips are relatively simple, but they help you break your move into smaller steps. The result is an overall more straightforward relocating process as you put your plan into action.
Get the Expert Help You Need
A company relocation is a stressful process because there are so many aspects involved. You’ll have to find the perfect building, negotiate the deal, handle the interior design and renovations, and coordinate the move – all of which are significant jobs that often warrant professional assistance.
The Genau Group offers project management services in the Washington, D.C., region. We can help you locate the ideal property, plan and test the space, design and renovate it, and hire the vendors you’ll need. Our team can also coordinate the relocating process. Contact The Genau Group today for more information on our project management services.
