Considering a move for your business or office might seem like opening a can of worms. Often, it's the small hiccups that sneak by unnoticed. But don't let them fool you; these little bumps can disrupt your company's daily routine. Folks who have relocated their businesses spotted a few common obstacles. Stay tuned to discover more and avoid the usual traps.
Consider These Easy-to-Miss Factors Before Relocating Your Business:
1) Your best employees may need to be replaced.
Moving an established team from one place to another can mean parting with long-term workers, those who may have helped bring life into the workplace environment and were instrumental in getting the team to where they are now! Factors such as this are not easy by any means (nor should they be). You may not be in any position to offer massive relocation bonuses right now, and for your best employees, setting up camp Downtown could make their regular weekly visits out-of-town undoable. On top of that, it's difficult finding good replacements at short notice – all while training them from scratch.
However, there are other options you can take into consideration such as remote working. This means you won't have to build an office environment from the ground up (a huge plus). The employees will still work on your ongoing projects as usual, and they'll have the option to choose their work schedule online.
It does, of course, have some disadvantages, such as the tendency toward workplace separations. There may be less interaction between employees than when they are all together in one place. However, this is a risk you can take if you feel it's necessary.
2) Both locations must be operational to avoid backlash.
Moving can make it easy to forget that companies like FedEx do not offer forwarding services, so shipments of orders, supplies or other things you are expecting may be routed to your old location instead of your new one. This can lead to missed deadlines, delayed production, and lost clients. You could be losing out on thousands of dollars in sales because your deliveries are being sent to the wrong place.
The good news is that, unlike residential relocations, company relocations are often a lot easier to organize and handle – simply try not to get overwhelmed. Early planning is key. Making a change of address at the last minute can make things more challenging.
3) The price might be higher than what you anticipated.
The costs of movers and office moves (including furniture, equipment, and merchandise) can quickly escalate and are often hard for businesses to commit to. Furthermore, the moving company may hesitate to deliver a business' equipment one thousand miles away within a timeframe of just two days. Yes, moving can be an expensive endeavor, but it doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, by taking on the task of driving the 24-foot truck yourself, you could guarantee delivery within the target date, plus save thousands! This is also a great opportunity for your team to learn more about the new area.
4) Don't make the mistake of forgetting clients who may contact you during the moving period.
Remember to let your clients know you will be out of the office for a few days. If they call, they might hear the company's voicemail, and if not, their message will probably take some time to reach you at the new location. It can be very hard to guarantee that all of your contacts will read an email or Facebook announcement about this change – so don't expect 100% satisfaction.
The use of e-mail and websites as official business communication channels is becoming increasingly prevalent in our era of digital technology, so make sure you take advantage of this and let your clients know this is a great way to reach you. In addition, if someone is making note of voicemails coming in during the busiest moving days, it's much easier to get back to clients right away after settling into the new office (alleviating the need for follow-up emails).
Please note, however, that not all clients have access to this type of support, so some may not be able to reach you in more ways than one. Be sure to share future contact information about your new location instantly after moving, and do your best to make it easy for prospective clients to reach you at your new address.
5) New state operating costs might astonish you.
Find out what tax advantages or disadvantages your desired business location offers. In some places, there are more tax breaks than others which, ultimately, can save you a lot of money. Despite that, taxes aren't the only factor. Employee paychecks, rent, and housing costs in the new region are also factors. Your new location may have a higher cost of living than your old one, so it's essential to take this into account before deciding on a business location.
6) Research your new location's unique habits.
It's also important to consider consumer habits such as shopping days or times, which may vary from state to state. Don't just recognize these variations, but also adjust accordingly. The best way to figure out if an area is perfect for you, your employees, and your business is by studying up! Knowing your target population may help you understand better what potential clients may want and how much of what your company offers would be good for them in that area.
7) Is there a drastic change in travel expenses for your business?
In the world of business, face-to-face meetings cannot be substituted, and understanding what can't be replaced is crucial. As an example, if your company opens a new office overseas or even just meets with somebody abroad with specific expertise, there's nothing like being able to meet them personally. In addition to the monetary cost of flights and accommodations, which might vary based on where you're flying from after moving your business, you'll need to keep in mind the currency exchange rates which might impact how much cash you'll need as well as how your bank account balance might look post-trip.
Final Thoughts
The best way to stay afloat and rise above any difficulties will be to make a habit of planning ahead, doing your research, and learning from others. Of course, this list doesn't contain all of the obstacles you'll face but taking the time to be aware of potential changes that others found difficult puts you at a vast advantage. And while you can't predict what will come up in a year (or five years down the line), you can be prepared to handle whatever comes your way!
FAQ
What should a business consider when relocating?
6 important considerations before moving your business to another city
– Tax consideration. When deciding on a city, county, or town to relocate to, it's important to evaluate the tax position of the new location.
– Overheads.
– Hidden costs.
– Opportunity for growth.
– Impact on customers.
– Logistics.
What are the things to consider before relocating?
Things to consider before moving to a new area
– Are the numbers correct?
– What is the crime rate?
– Is there good access to public transport?
– Are there many local services?
– Is the neighborhood well equipped with schools?
– Is there a lot of fun?
– Are there sports and leisure facilities?
– How is the parking?
What are the 7 steps to choosing a moving company?
How to choose a moving company in 7 simple steps
– Get recommendations. Get started by getting free moving quotes.
– Follow the rule of three.
– Watch out for red flags.
– Make sure the carrier is licensed and insured.
– Check with the Better Business Bureau.
– Find out about professional accreditation.
– Check the address.
What 3 problems you will face on relocation?
Challenges when moving to a new federal state
– Choose a real estate agent.
– Prepare your life.
– You live in a place that you may not have chosen.
– Moving professionals.
– Experiencing culture shock.
– Learn a new transportation system.
– Make new friends.
What are 4 things you should do before you move in?
Moving checklist
– Make an inventory of anything that needs to be moved.
– Order and donate clothes or furniture that you no longer need.
– Host a garage sale or list them online to get rid of unwanted items.
– Gather moving supplies like boxes and newspapers to pack.
– Send a change of address form to your post office.
Where should I move 5 important questions to ask before moving?
5 Important Questions to Ask Before Moving – Moving.com.
– Where should I move? 5 important questions to ask yourself before moving
– Can I afford to live there (comfortably)?
– Do residents enjoy a high quality of life?
– Is the job market strong?
– How is the health care?