Month: February 2021

Business owners may want to relocate to another state for several reasons. For example, a business located near the state line may receive economic development incentives for moving across the line or find the tax or legal climate there more friendly. Or, the target market for the product has changed, and the new state offers better access. In small or family-owned businesses, the owner may wish to relocate and transfer the company with them.

Here are some things to keep in mind when moving your business to another state.

Establish Yourself Legally

The steps for establishing your business legally in a new state depend upon its legal structure. A sole proprietorship, which is legally considered the same as the owner, just tells the IRS of its new address. The owner then cancels business licenses and permits in one state and obtains ones in the new state.

Businesses that are organized as LLCs or corporations will register in the new state. Depending on the laws of the state, you may have two options. The first is to close the business in one state and open it in the new state. The second is to keep the business open in the original state but register as a foreign company in the new state. Consulting with a tax attorney is essential since liquidating a business may have tax implications.

Tell Employees

Develop a communications plan for telling employees about the move. If you hope some employees will relocate with your business, determine what types of relocation assistance you will offer, including whether you will provide job assistance for the spouse. Provide enough information to allow these employees to make an informed decision about relocating. If employees are not relocating, determine what severance packages you will offer.

Maintain clear communication with employees throughout the process. Announce the move, then also meet with employees individually about their situation. By being proactive, you will minimize potential performance issues.

Tell Clients and Potential Clients

Communicate with clients and potential clients through mass media, as well as one on one. Communicate directly with key clients, stressing your move’s positive aspects and how the relocation will benefit them. Send press releases to the newspapers in all cities where you have key clients and engage them on social media. Redo your marketing collateral and website to include the new address.

Plan and Execute the Physical Move

Plan for services at your new location, including Internet, VoIP, or other phone services. Different carriers will likely operate in your new state.

Plan your new space carefully. Draw a blueprint and determine the basics, such as the location of electrical outlets and phone jacks. If you use an interior designer, be sure they coordinate with IT staff to place cables and other connections.

Consider how to minimize productivity losses during the transition. For example, consider whether employees can work remotely during the move or whether you should schedule the move over a holiday. You’ll pay more for moving companies over holidays, but you might recoup the money spent on increased productivity.

Obtain quotes from several top movers who have experience in interstate office moves. Use discounts, but only for movers on your list anyway.

Office Move

Moving your business to a new state presents many challenges. We can help you navigate those challenges through excellent planning and a moving team like no other. Contact us for a quote today. We can help relocate your business locally or long-distance.

If you’re like most people, there’s a particular part of the house that strikes fear into your heart when it’s time to pack up and move: The garage.

It’s not hard to understand why the garage is so often left until last. After all, it’s packed with stuff that just doesn’t fit in the rest of the house. From oily automotive parts to dirty lawn tools, bulky outdoor equipment, and random items that just don’t get used very often, the garage can definitely present a packing challenge.

But don’t be intimidated. These tips will help you pack your garage like a moving pro.

Editing Down

The first step in a successful garage move involves taking the time to go through your belongings and (most importantly) getting rid of anything you don’t want or need. While we understand the impulse to simply box everything up and worry about it later, you’ll thank your future self for making an effort to edit.

Plus, there’s no good reason for paying to move items you don’t use or want. Start by separating your garage stuff into four categories:

• Keep
• Donate to charity/give away
• Sell
• Trash

Not only does this method means you’ll have less stuff to move, but the recipients of your donations will benefit, too. You can even make a few extra bucks to fund your move by selling items you don’t want anymore.

Review the Rules

Certain materials are classified as “hazardous” by federal safety regulations, so they can’t be transported in a moving truck. Your moving company will let you know what’s on the list.

Many forbidden items are typically stored in garages and may include:

• Paint and thinner
• Aerosols
• Diesel and gasoline
• Propane tanks
• Pesticide and fertilizer
• Charcoal
• Flammable items

Tool Packing Tips

When packing tools, have bubble wrap, tape, and moving blankets on hand. Bundle shovels, rakes, and other garden tools together, wrap in a moving blanket, then tape securely.

If you’ve kept original packaging, that’s a perfect way to pack tools. If not, wrap sharp edges with bubble wrap before placing them in moving boxes. Don’t forget to take batteries out of power tools first. Simply put small hand tools in a secure toolbox.

Outdoor Equipment

Now comes the fun part: Packing standard (and bulky) garage items such as lawnmowers, BBQ grills, and bicycles. Start by draining the gas from your yard equipment before safely securing any sharp edges.

Remember that movers usually can’t move charcoal or propane tanks, so you’ll have to remove those from your BBQ. (Perhaps your neighbor would appreciate them!) Clean your grill before securing it for the move.

Consider taking your bikes apart before moving; it’s usually easy to remove wheels and handlebars. You can also find specialty bike moving boxes for extra protection.

Finally, defrost your garage freezer several days before the move. Give the interior time to dry before loading it onto the moving truck.

When you’re disassembling and packing items, snap pictures before and during the disassembly. This simple step will make it easier to put everything back together again when you reach your new home.

Make Moving Simple 

Moving a garage can seem intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. When you give yourself time to edit and organize the packing process, you’ll enjoy a smooth garage move.

Let us help with your relocation. Contact us for a quote today.