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Moving or relocating in general can seem like a daunting task to most. Whether it's a business small or large, there are a lot of challenges you plan in advance for, but some are unforeseen and then you're stuck with on-the-spot thinking on how to get around the problem or issue facing you. We've all heard the horror stories about relocating residential homes. It does not matter how far or near the relocation is, but imagine all of the issues of moving homes times 10! I've witnessed close ones around me moving and experienced moving myself more so than ever over this past year (thank you 2020) and realize how challenging it really can be.
A company can and will go through many changes and growth during its life time, which will ultimately be a cause for relocation. This is a good thing! As we as a company just recently experienced this, I want to share some things with you to arm yourself with to assure the smoothest transition possible so that way none of the dust travels with you!
Relocating Without Professional Help
Unfortunately, this mistake is made far more often than what it should be. It happens more so with small to medium (BCS Facilities Group) size businesses trying to cut financial corners, and this could lead to further financial, PR and legal problems down the road. Think of a situation where you're moving and one of YOUR employees gets hurt while doing so. Guess who would be responsible for that said employees' care? You!
Timing the Move Right
Let's be honest, during the initial moving period there will be some down time for your business. You will face a time when your computers, laptops, keyboards, printers, phones, etc. will be getting packed away and moved to the new location. It will be very difficult to complete tasks during this period even when the move is essentially completed and your equipment is still getting fully set up.
I've seen far too often people and businesses waiting until the very end to move EVERYTHING out leaving very little margin for error. Chances of something going wrong are going to be high (i.e., traffic, weather, parking spots unavailable, etc.), and the longer your stuff remains on the road, the more risk for possible damage. Do not rush on this process because ultimately you will be spending more and putting in more time and effort into the process.
Communicating the Move
As you are preparing to move your business, it is important to have a digital presence along with a system on informing your customers and the community about the move. We are in the digital age and it is very important to have and keep updated an online presence. It can be easy to forget this aspect of the business and not quite on the forefront of your mind given everything going on with the big move.
Not only does conflicting addresses look unprofessional and unreliable, but it will help you break into a new market! With the new location comes new possible business, so you want people to know you're here! This also helps search engine optimization and other technical aspects to spread the word as well to help promote the new business in town. You also do not want current customers or suppliers showing up at your old location to find it abandoned or something totally different.
Moving your business can be a roller coaster of emotions. It is filled with excitement, stress, angst, anger, frustration etc. I can go on but you get the point. Having just experienced this hopefully some of these tips and pointers will help for you when/if the time comes for you to move.