Relocating your business to a new location is a major event. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to mean losing customers.
Communication is the key to keeping your business running during a move. Make sure your employees and any outside services you use are aware of the change. You will also want to put up signs and place your new address on letterheads, brochures and business cards.
1. Hire a Moving Service
If you’re relocating your business, hiring a professional is necessary. This will not only save you time but also reduce the stress that comes with moving a business. A quality moving company can pack and transport your items safely, helping you avoid any costly damage or lost products. They will also handle all the contractual paperwork required for the move, saving you time and hassle.
Before you move, make sure you update your online platforms and social media with your new address. You’ll also want to order new marketing materials like brochures and business cards with the correct address. This way, your clients and customers will be able to find you easily.
Another important thing to do is let your employees know about the move. This will help them adjust their schedules so that they can work during the transition period and minimize disruptions to productivity. You can also use social media or the company newsletter to share the news about the move, allowing everyone to get on board early.
While your employees will be busy packing up and preparing for the move, it is vital to keep your customers updated on the progress. Make sure they know you will be opening again at the new location and give them a clear timeline for when that will happen. If you need to close down for a day or two during the move, be sure to let your customers know this as well and provide them with an alternative contact number so they can still reach you if needed.
It’s also a good idea to assign one employee to handle the logistics of the move, including soliciting bids from moving services and keeping employees informed about the process. This will ensure that all aspects of the move are being handled smoothly, so you can focus on running your business during this exciting and challenging time.
2. Plan for Downtime
A commercial move can be a massive disruption for any business. It can stop productivity, cause revenue loss, and damage customer trust. However, if you’re prepared, it’s possible to minimize downtime during the move and keep your business running smoothly. Here are some tips on how to do that.
The first step is to prepare your staff for the move. This involves creating a schedule and letting your team know what to expect. It’s also important to give them plenty of warning about when the move will take place and how long it will last. This will allow them to plan their work around the move and make alternative arrangements if necessary.
Another important step is to back up your systems and data ahead of the move. This will ensure that if any issues occur during the relocation, your data can be restored quickly. You should also set up your IT infrastructure in the new location before the move, so that everything is ready to go as soon as you start working.
If you’re going to be moving your entire office, it might be a good idea to stagger the move. This will reduce downtime and help your employees get settled in the new office more quickly. For example, you could move the sales department first and then migrate other departments over a weekend. This will also allow you to test your IT and telecoms systems and make sure they’re working properly before everyone else arrives at the new office.
You can also ask your employees to work from home if they need to during the move. This will save them having to use PTO time and will still allow them to be productive. If you don’t have the ability to allow your employees to work from home, then try to schedule the move during a slow season when you won’t lose much productivity.
If you’re moving your business to a different location, be sure to inform customers and vendors of the change. This will avoid confusion and maintain customer trust. You can do this by sending emails or calling clients to let them know what’s happening. It’s also a good idea to update your website and online directories with the new information.
3. Organize Employees
When employees are trying to do their jobs during a move, it can create chaos and confusion. In addition, it can lead to lower productivity, if not a complete cessation of work altogether. Having adequate planning and open communication will help to minimize the effects of moving on your business and keep it running smoothly during the transition.
The first step is to get your employees on board by letting them know about the move early on and how it will affect their daily routine. You can do this in a memo or email, or even in a staff meeting. It’s also a good idea to create a timeline for the process and let them know how long they can expect things to take.
Another important aspect of the move is to organize your team members and their belongings. To do this, you can create a map of the current office space and group team members or departments by color code or other indicators. This will help the movers locate belongings and put them where they belong in the new location. It’s also helpful to label boxes with a description of what’s inside.
During the move, it’s also a good idea to notify customers, vendors and suppliers of your new address. This will prevent confusion and delays in shipments. In addition, you should hang a sign in your old location for a few weeks after the move to direct any clients or suppliers that may have been confused by the change of address.
Finally, it’s a good idea to give your employees ample preparation time so they can adjust their project schedules and avoid clashes with the relocation date. You should also ask them to clear their calendars for the day of the move so they can focus on getting things done and don’t end up wasting time.
Lastly, the company leader should assign a move manager to oversee the project and be responsible for communicating with the rest of the staff. This person can meet with the teams to update them on progress, answer questions and seek approval for some of the bigger tasks. They can also ensure that the company’s moving plan is on track to be completed on time and within budget.
4. Keep Your Customers
Relocating a business can be a great way to cut down operating costs, improve accessibility for customers, or even expand into new markets. However, it can also be a huge loss for businesses that have built up a loyal customer base in their previous location. This is why it’s important for companies to take the necessary steps to keep their current customers happy during a move.
One of the best ways to do this is by letting your customers know ahead of time that you’re moving. This can be done through email blasts, social media announcements, or even flyers placed in your storefront. Additionally, it’s a good idea to personally contact your most loyal customers and let them know the move details. This can be especially helpful if there will be any times that your business will be closed during the move.
Finally, it’s important to update your online assets and platforms with your new address as soon as you begin operating at your new location. This includes your website, Google Business, and any other directory listings. Also be sure to update any printed materials that you might have, such as letterheads and brochures.
Although it may seem counterintuitive to make a big change during such an important time for your business, the reality is that it’s actually quite easy to do. By letting your customers know about the move, planning out the transition carefully, and being flexible with your opening hours, you can easily maintain or even grow your customer base during a move. So don’t be afraid to make a change for the better; it could be well worth it in the long run!