An average American will move about 11 times in their lifetime. That’s almost three times more than Europeans, who only move about four times in their life! No wonder the U.S. is one of the world’s most geographically-mobile countries.
Americans move for a variety of reasons, although the most common is housing-related. In 2017, 43% of movers cited new or better housing as the reason for their move. 18.5% said it was due to employment.
Business owners rely on business relocation movers for almost the same reasons. After all, improved offices and facilities translate to better workforce productivity and output. There’s also the change of scenery, more space, and a bigger target market.
But as exciting as relocating your business is, moving can be stressful. You need to prepare at least a few months before the big day.
Don’t worry though. The tips below can make your move as painless and stress-free as possible!
Review Your Business Finances
In 2017, the direct asking price for high-rise office space in the U.S. averaged $43.79 per square feet. It’s pricier in Fairfield County, San Francisco, and New York — the top three most expensive places to set up shop in the U.S.
But wherever you plan to move to, rent or lease will be one of your biggest expenses. So, be sure to check your business’ finances to determine if it can afford such a huge cost.
It’s also a good idea to hire a real estate lawyer, as they can help you understand your rent or lease. They’ll help ensure you don’t sign a contract with unfavorable terms.
Don’t forget other space-related costs, including down payment or lease deposits. Furnishing a new office is much like furnishing a new home, so add that to your moving expense list too. New telephone and Internet service may also have connection fees.
You need to have all these set up and paid before the big move, so your finances should be enough to cover them.
Set up an Employee Relocation Program
Moving office doesn’t mean you’ll start from scratch – your existing staff will move with you. Or at least, that’s what you want. Especially since it’s more expensive to hire new employees than keep current talents.
Unless you’re the best and most-loved manager or boss, you can’t expect your people to just agree to a move. You have to offer a good employee relocation program, or you run the risk of losing your top talents.
Luckily, you’ll find employee relocation services, such as those offered by WHR Group. These solutions range from renter’s/mortgage assistance to temporary housing. They also have services for moving personal stuff and pets!
What’s important is to offer benefits to your employees that would make them agree to a move. This way, your business can start operations at the new location right away, with little to no downtime.
Plan the Layout of the New Office
Once you’ve signed the dotted line on the new office space, plan how you’ll furnish and set it up. Take as many photos of the new place, as this will make interior design planning easier.
A layout will help you decide which current equipment and furniture you can take and which ones to leave. It’ll also give you an idea on the needed renovations or improvements, like carpeting and such. Plus, you can come up with the best arrangement of cubicles and other office furniture.
Hire Business Relocation Movers
With all the office desks, chairs, tables, and computers you have, you need all the manpower you can get. But carrying, loading, and unloading these items require specialized skills. Especially electronics, which have sensitive components that even the smallest bump can damage.
There’s also a proper way to lift heavy objects, as incorrect methods can lead to muscle strains. There’s also the danger of dropping these items, resulting in injury-causing accidents.
That said, hiring professional movers should be on your moving checklist. These relocation services are the quickest and safest way to moving office equipment. They can even help with packing, further ensuring safety, particularly of fragile items.
But make sure you contact them at least a couple of months before your scheduled moving day. This gives you time to compare your options and ensure their availability on the big day. Some moving companies can be fully booked months in advance, so it’s best to call them early.
Know What’s Okay for Moving and Transport
Many moving companies won’t handle certain items, such as specialized equipment. There are also permits for moving hazardous chemicals and dangerous items (like firearms). Standard movers often don’t move items of significant value too.
So, make a list of your business’ properties and assets before hiring a moving company. If you need to transport any of the above, be sure to ask the mover if they offer moving solutions for them. The last thing you want is for the big day to arrive only to have no way to transport these items.
Remove Contents from Furniture and Appliances
Hiring movers to help with the packing means they’ll pack what you ask them to right away. Their job doesn’t include removing the contents of cabinets, shelves, or the fridge.
So, a few days before the move, pack what’s inside these storage containers in separate boxes. Be sure to label these boxes so you can easily remember which cabinet or shelf they came from. This’ll make organization of your new office easier as well.
Enjoy the Scene to Your New Office
Moving a business doesn’t have to be a painful and very stressful event. But you need to plan for it early to reduce the potential of disasters striking before or during the move. And make sure you don’t skimp on help — hire expert business relocation movers!
Need tips specifically for moving animals or pets? Then check out this animal transport and moving guide we have!
