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Important factors businesses always forget to consider when relocating

Relocation can be a tricky business, especially if you’ve never taken on such a large moving project before. Regardless of the size of your business, there’s always more physical stuff to shift than you’d expect (whether it’s all useful or not is another question entirely…). And that’s without even taking into consideration the less physical, more pencil-pushing demands of a relocation too.

With that in mind, here are some important factors businesses forget on the reg when it comes to relocation.

It’s not like moving home

Moving business premises is not the same as moving home; so, don’t think that just because you’ve done one, you can do the other.

Sure, there are similarities between both: you’ve got cardboard boxes and cellotape and more packing peanuts than you know what to do with.

Except, when a business is involved, you’ve also got staff members relying on you to get things done well—and most importantly, efficiently—so they can get to work and don’t lose a day’s pay!

So no, you can’t just rope in friends to lug printers and monitors halfway across town. (Well, you could, but it would be a terrible idea.)

Instead, to make sure things go smoothly, calling in the experts comes highly recommended. Over at buzzmove, for example, you can compare a ton of removals companies, many of which specialise in office moves! What could be easier?

**You need to tell people about the move **

It might seem like an obvious point, but you’d be surprised how many businesses forget to keep their staff members and clients abreast of office relocations.

As hinted at above, people rely on your business to pay their rent and put food in the fridge. Therefore, if anyone deserves to know of upcoming big changes and potential disruption to their working routines and commutes, it’s them.

And then you’ve got the clients. While it’s unlikely that a relocation would directly affect them, it’s only professional to let them know. Otherwise they might pay an impromptu visit to the wrong office block!

Basically, don’t keep something like a relocation on the DL.

Change your address

Not literally, obviously. You’re already doing that.

But you need the paperwork and online presence to match. It might be tedious, but you’ll have to notify anyone and everyone who sends you post (yes, it still exists), that you’re moving. That way, you don’t risk missing any big bills or important notifications. Alternatively, you could (very easily) take the opportunity to go green if you haven’t already, by switching your paper bills and correspondence to digital statements and emails.

This can usually be done super quickly online, too.

You’ll also need to update the address on your own website and social media pages, as well as with Google Maps and other such services.

Hot (but unethical) tip: you could ‘forget’ to tell the annoying junk mail providers that you’ve moved though…we won’t judge. Or tell anyone.

Safety regulations are a thing

This may well be arranged by the building or office block you’re moving to. However, you still need to double and triple check that safety regulations are in place in your new office. And by safety regulations, we mean Fire Escape signs, escape route plans, earthquake procedure (if applicable).

Why does this matter? Well, apart from the fact that you don’t want to endanger your staff through negligence if an emergency situation arises…you could get fined for not doing so. (We know, money talks.)

**Take a moment to rebrand **

Again, you might have already thought of this, you smartypants you. But moving premises is the ideal time to rebrand, shake up the image of your business and perhaps even invest in a new logo and promotional material or two.

Moving is the sign of a fresh start, a mark of (probable) expansion and an indication that things are generally on the up for you. That’s marketable shit.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of it.

**Finally, clean up after yourself **

Imagine you’d moved into your new office only to find it filthy from the previous occupants. We don’t think you’d be thrilled.

Well, the same applies for the people who’ll be moving into your former workspace. And even if you have a building manager that will take the reins when it comes to cleaning, it’s just common courtesy to run a hoover over the place. (For the uninitiated, here are some office cleaning tips.)

How many of these things had you forgotten about? Are there any other points potential movers need to know about? Let us know in the comments.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Buzzmove .