Moving your business to a new location can present a whole new set of problems separate from the standard issues associated with a residential move, there’s likely to be a lot of important and delicate equipment/technology that is integral to the success of the business, so it is vital that these aspects of the move are taken care of appropriately. Below are a few tips to ensure that things with your business continue to go smoothly as you transition to a new location:

1. Inform your clients/customers – It is always vital to inform the people who allow your business to thrive that you will be going through a period of transition, this way they are aware and can take this into consideration should there be any unforeseen problems with your service.
2. Set up your internet/phone lines and all other lines of communication prior to moving your business – This may seem like a no brainer, but it can sometimes be difficult trying to transition and have access to your lines of communication in both your old and new locations. It is integral that you are fully equipped to resume business as soon as you arrive at the office, so make sure you take the necessary steps to prepare for this.
3. Update your contact information early – It’s important that there isn’t any confusion with your clients with regards to where you are located, make sure to update all necessary business cards, letterheads and websites so that your clients are certain of your new location.
4. Move over the weekend – Some business may be operational on the weekend but it’s still best to avoid standard business hours as much possible, this will provide you and your staff with ample time to get set up and running for the coming business week.
5. Market your move – this is a bit of a different one, when moving, announce it proudly to your business associates, clients, customers and partners, if marketed correctly, the event can mark a resurgence in your business and can be seen as a whole new rebirth, so rather than trying to hide your move, announce it as an important next step for the company
6. Introduce the staff to the new digs– If possible it’s a good idea to introduce your staff to a floor plan of the new building, or even take a tour so that they will know where everything will be located, this will give them peace of mind that the move will go smoothly and will be a less jarring experience for everyone involved.
7. Pack and label important items effectively – We’ve all experienced the trouble of mislabelling with a residential move, but it is particularly important to your business that you label and categorize all of your equipment in a smart way, this will make the packing and reorganizing process a lot easier, colour coding boxes by type of equipment is a good idea!
8. Assess how much packaging you need – If you are consulting a moving company, it is important to specify the type of equipment you have. Packing delicate equipment effectively can make or break your move, and if technology is packed insufficiently, it can seriously hurt your business, so it is important that all delicate/important items are appropriately taken into consideration when considering box size/type and type/amount of padding necessary.

Moving your office doesn’t have to be a period of anxiety for you or your co-workers, in fact with a little bit of careful planning, it can be a stress free event which can revitalize your business, so it is incredibly important that you plan ahead and make smart moves to ensure that your business thrives in it’s new location. For more helpful tips check out the other blog posts on the Viktoria Blog!