Even though research has shown larger businesses are more likely to relocate than smaller businesses, a smaller organization may still find the need to relocate at some point. If your small business is facing the potential of relocation, good planning can be essential. Here is a look at a few major blunders to avoid that could detrimentally affect your small business during a move.
Blunder 1: Not announcing the relocation far enough in advance.
Relocating a business affects more than just the business owner; the change affects the business’s employees, the customer base, and the community. For these reasons, be sure to announce your relocation well in advance. You want employees to know what to expect, and you need your customer base to know about the relocation, so your change of address does not mean a drastic change in sales or clients. Make a point to pin down a moving date early, create a schedule for the transition, and inform the people that matter most to your operation.
Blunder 2: Not taking inventory before the move.
Taking inventory offers several benefits for small businesses, such as reducing loss and evaluating how the product moves through sales—taking inventory before the move helps you better keep tabs on what you have and is just as important. By creating an all-encompassing list of goods, equipment, fixtures, and otherwise, you have a good idea of how you need to handle everything. However, you also face fewer risks of loss during the relocation process. For example, if you know you have a certain amount of merchandise before the move, you will see what you should have once you arrive.
Blunder 3: Trying to move everything instead of only the necessary.
One benefit of doing a thorough inventory before the move is to gauge what you really need to take and what would be best, either liquidated or left behind. The less you have to contend with during the move, the lower expenses will be, and the transition quicker. Some items may be worth eliminating from the move, such as:
- Out-of-date or seasonal goods in a retail store
- Outdated office equipment in need of replacement
- Commercial kitchen equipment in disrepair
Look at everything within your business with a discerning eye, decide what is worth moving and what should be left behind, thrown away, or otherwise eliminated.
Blunder 4: Not enlisting the help of an experienced moving company.
When moving your business, working with professional movers experienced with moving a business is always beneficial. These pros understand concerns unique to a company, such as:
- Time and schedule constraints
- Additional service needs, such as packing or disassembly
- Organized unloading
- Risks to customers or employees
Source a moving company you know has experience with working with business owners like yourself.
Preparing for Your Small Business Move? Get the Help You Need
Relocating a business could be one of the most significant changes that a company ever makes, no matter the size of the operation. If you are in the planning phases of relocating your small business, be sure to reach out to us for a free moving quote. From planning the move to reopening your business — the right help during the transition will positively impact.