When Your Business is Movin’ On Up

There’s nothing small about it when a small business is moving. The issues and effort are truly disproportionate to the name. While we have relocated companies of all types, this blog is devoted to enterprises of moderate size but big ambition as they move to a new commercial home.

Here are just a few things to consider:

• First and foremost, hire professional movers who are licensed and insured and have experience in commercial moves. Let them take the responsibility and provide the staff, transportation, equipment and everything else it takes to get your business to its new location safely and efficiently.

• A good move is one planned months ahead, if at all possible. This gives you time to inventory your facility, get rid of what you don’t need and maybe even begin moving some of the less essential items. It also gives your staff time to get used to the idea and prepare for the changes ahead.

• Make a “moving agenda,” a to-do list that assures nothing is overlooked. Involve representatives from each area to help and break it down by when tasks should be accomplished. Then make separate lists of each task, if necessary. If you’ve ever planned a wedding, you know the drill. If you haven’t, ask someone who has. Doing something too early or too late should not be an option.

• While understanding that all the necessary planning and implementation can be disruptive to work days, strive to keep people on schedule for the move, to reduce a last-minute rush that can cause stress – and mistakes.

• Avoid putting square pegs in round holes. Make sure your furniture and equipment fits where you want it to be in your new location. Measure; don’t guess. And let each department/person know what they’ll be working as to space.

• As you would in a personal move, box up all the individual items in desks, bookcases, cabinets, etc., purging as you go. Put loose items, such as pens and paper clips, in envelopes before boxing them.

• Look around and clear the walls. You’ve grown used to your surroundings, looking past familiar features, but now’s the time to look at everything with a clear eye.

• Work closely with your moving consultant regarding transfer of personal items and any fragile or sensitive materials. Also collaborate with the moving company on proper labeling or documenting of items as to placement and for items not meant to be moved.

• Let your customers/clients know that you are moving and if there will be any downtime. (To avoid the latter, companies may choose to move over weekends, slower periods or holidays.) Signs for walk-ins, your web site and social media channels can be used to spread the word. If you think proper notification requires correspondence, send a postcard. The extra cost will pay off in goodwill for not letting them show up at an empty storefront. Notify your vendors and service providers as well, of course, assuring sure they have your new billing, delivery and shipping addresses.

• Take advantage of the move to contact former customers, if appropriate. It’s a valid reason to get back in touch and evidence that you’re still going strong.

• Speaking of the Internet, make sure your web site and online profiles are updated, as well as your email signature blocks.

• Even if you’re moving to a larger space, take less with you than you have now, if at all possible. Get rid of what needs to be trashed, shred what needs to be shredded, donate what won’t work in the new space, sell anything you don’t want and give yourself room to breathe – and grow.

Any questions? We’d be happy to answer them.

With a century of experience behind us, we have mastered commercial moving and welcome the opportunity to provide businesses of all sizes with not only our moving services, but also our logistical expertise.

Give Yarnall Moving & Storage Solutions a call if we can help you!