Moving Your Small Business: iMoving’s Pro Guide

Moving your small business that sometimes feels like your entire world involves plenty of planning and smart coordination between loyal partners to minimize disruption to the company’s day to day and ensure a stress-free transition for employees, customers, and business operations.

Here’s an iMoving step-by-step guide on how to move your small business like a pro:

• Assess Needs: Determine the reasons for the move (company expansion, savings, relocation, better location) and establish goals for the new space.
• Make the reasons known to the entire company so that they cooperate in the move.
• Budget: Create a proper planning budget that includes moving costs, lease or other expenses for the new location, and any renovations or upgrades needed.
• Timeline: Establish a relevant timeline for the move, considering critical dates such as lease end dates or important business events. Make sure that the dates make sense for company operations. Sometimes moving on a Friday is smart so that the owner can arrange things over the weekend and the new week can begin more organized with fewer disruptions.

• Location Is Everything: Consider all the main factors such as proximity to customers, suppliers, and employees, as well as accessibility and amenities. Think about employee food options in the area and pay particular attention to parking issues.
• Lease or Buy: Decide whether to lease or buy the new office space based on financial considerations and long-term business plans. Many times it makes more sense to buy then customize your own office space. You can also consider coworking spaces that close off certain areas for your company.

• Notify Employees: Inform employees about the move as early as possible, giving them details such as the new location, moving timeline, and any changes to operations or schedules. 
• Make the employees aware but also have them feel comfortable to be a part of the decision-making process so they can too feel proud of the new space
• Delegate: Choose the employees that make the most sense to delegate major moving tasks and give them an owner. 
• Inform Customers and Suppliers: Notify customers and suppliers about the move as early on as possible, providing updated contact information and any changes to business operations and hours.

• Create a Moving Plan: Create a detailed moving plan that outlines tasks, responsibilities, and practical timelines for each phase of the move. Have employees review it and offer suggestions.
• Hire Professional Movers: Research and hire reputable commercial movers experienced in business relocations to handle the logistics. Make sure you book the option where they handle the packing, transporting, and setting up of your office equipment and furniture. Don’t make the mistake of putting this task on your employees. 
• Book early on: To get the best rates on the best movers, don't wait to book. Go to iMoving now to lock down some of the best commercial movers in your area.

• Design Layout: Plan the layout of the new space to optimize workflow and functionality, and think about your existing office furniture, equipment placement, and employee workstations. Consider any new pieces that need to be bought as well as old pieces of furniture that should be gotten rid of.
• IT Infrastructure: Arrange for the installation of necessary IT infrastructure, including internet connectivity, phone lines, and IT systems setup days before your employees return to work. Double-check that everything works before bringing back your workers. Work-from-home days are better than non-productive office days with no internet. 
• Have your employees take home all their personal items from the office at least one week before the move.

• Inventory: Take inventory of office equipment, furniture, and supplies to determine what needs to be moved and what can be replaced or upgraded. You can delegate this task to your office manager. 
• Pack: Label boxes clearly and organize items according to departments to make unpacking and setup at the new location simple. We highly recommend to use a professional packing service as they will best be able to disconnect and reconnect everything professionally.

• Transfer Utilities: Arrange for disconnection of all utilities at the current office and activation of services at the new location, including electricity, water, internet, and phone services.
• Double-check check everything basic is working before employees return.

• Update Contact Information: Update business addresses, phone numbers, and other contact information on your website, Google Maps, marketing materials, and online.

• Test Systems Again: Ensure IT systems, phones, and other essential work equipment are operational before bringing back your workers and resuming business operations at the new office.
• Employee Welcome: Give time for employees to familiarize themselves with the new space, procedures, and any changes in workflow. Go easy on them and make the process fun with a nice happy hour after the move.

• Review: Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the move, and keep feedback from employees and customers to identify areas for improvement in case you move again.
• Adjust as Needed: Make adjustments to processes, layout, or operations based on feedback and lessons learned.

Moving your small business requires the right team and attitude to ensure a successful transition for everyone involved. By following the steps in our guide and adjusting them to your specific business needs, you can minimize disruption to your company and enjoy your first corporate move. Best of luck from iMoving!