Moving a Small Business Office?

Whether relocating across the city or down the block, going through the process of moving a small business office to a new location can be stressful and complicated. With commercial moving Washington DC, businesses overcomes unexpected challenges that can delay or increase the cost of the move. When it comes to moving a business office, those challenges and delays can mean a loss of revenue or customers.

The most commonly asked moving questions surrounding any office move usually deal with planning and communication. The more time allowed for planning, packing, moving, unpacking, and resuming normal business operations, the smoother the move will be and happier customers and employees will be. Keeping the lines of communication open and informing all affected parties with updates and changes to the timeline will reduce the chances of things going wrong.

Start Planning Early, Create Move Timeline

Giving ample time to organize a well-thought out plan and timeline helps make a business office move run smoothly and safeguards against missed or forgotten elements of the move. The establishment of a timeline of what and when will help to keep the move on track throughout the process. 

Once dates have been confirmed, conduct a thorough evaluation of what will need to be moved and what can be donated or disposed of. Charities that accept used furniture may or may not have the ability to properly coordinate pick up times to coincide with the established timeline.

Employees and affected vendors should be made aware of the impending move, how it will affect their job and performance, as well as any updates or changes.

Purge Old Data, Recycle Electronics

Old computers, laptops, and mobile phones that will not be utilized in the new office location need to be properly and safely purged, disposed of, or recycled. Purging data and getting rid of old electronics should be disposed of in the safest manner to protect the company’s security, and prevent causing environmental damage. Never sell or donate devices until they have been completely wiped clean of all information and data.

Cover Business During Move

Depending on the size and type of business, and the kinds of products and services offered, closing business down any period of time during an office move is not practical or wise. With proper planning and help, business should be able to continue as usual. If any kind of shutdown is required to transfer information or materials, the shorter time the doors are shut the better. Assigning one employee the designated emergency client contact during the move will help put both the business and its customers at ease during the transition.

Move Non-Essentials First

After a complete listing and analysis of everything in the current office space, all items moving to the new space should be documented and classified as either essential or non-essential to the operation of the business. Moving non-essential items first will reduce downtime of systems and employees. All equipment and materials needed to run the daily operations of the business should be the last things moved when the time comes.

Phone, Internet, and Mail Services

Missed phone calls and mail could result in the kind of communication problems that cost customers or business. A new business office location should be able to be up and running with all needed services from the first day in the new location. As soon as move dates and timelines are established, phone, Internet, and mail delivery companies should be contacted to make sure all services are transferred over without missing a beat.

The smooth operation of computer systems is a crucial element of business operations of all sizes in the digital age. Planning and properly setting up the digital subscriber line (DSL) is essential to daily operations of any small business. Wiring and electronics installation for the new location should have its own checklist and timeline, with ample time built in for testing and adjustments needed before the move is completed.

Optimize Storage

Whether downsizing to a smaller office or moving into a bigger office is to accommodate present and future growth, moving into a new business office space is an ideal opportunity to evaluate and optimize spaces for storing equipment, furniture, and other items. Storage units can help organize space optimization efforts, even if only for the short term.

Update Website and Digital Contact Information

It is important to let everyone know when a business office has moved. Clients, vendors, employees, and contractors need to know where business will be conducted. Contact information should be updated on all physical and digital resources. From company letterhead to the website, all information should be updated from the first day in the new office.

Digital information is at least as important as updating business cards and return envelope addresses. Information updates need to be implemented on Google My Business, Yelp, Yellow Pages, City Search, Local.com, Acxiom, and many other online business directories and resources. Google Map Maker can also be used to update information for Google Maps.

A small business office move can be used to advertise the new space and reintroduce the company to the community. Once the move is complete, emails to customers and prospects will serve to inform them of the new location and a reminder of your products and services. Press releases to local newspapers and other outlets notifying them of the move can bring valuable attention to the company.

Moving is Never Fun, Though It Can be Made Easier

Moving is neither fun nor easy. Ever. Whether moving out of an apartment or moving an entire warehouse across the city, the goal is always to get it over as quickly and painlessly as possible. Relocations for small business offices go a lot smoother by creating and following a detailed, organized plan of action timeline. If you need help with your commercial move, contact Best Movers today!