Whatever the reason for you needing (or wanting) to relocate your business, the decision to do so was no doubt taken after a lot of careful consideration, as if not planned and executed efficiently, chaos and disruption can easily ensue!
One way to minimize disruption and chaos levels when you relocate your business, is to work with an experienced moving company in Vancouver, but there are other ways, too:
Be proactive
If there’s a clear need for your business to relocate (and that can be anything from costly rental to a lack of space as the business grows), try to act on that need as soon as possible; before you lose anymore money or your employees get too frustrated.
Determine whether you should buy or rent
Although buying a new premises for your business can work out less costly in the long term, if your business is small and money is tight, or growing at a rate that’s hard to predict, renting might be a more viable option,
Set a clear budget
Before you even start looking for a new spot to set up your business and deciding whether to buy or lease, you must scrutinize your budget and determine exactly how much money is available for relocating. From extras such as utilities and maintenance, to the cost of moving and making any necessary renovations, whether you move to a rented space, or buy somewhere new, costs can quickly mount up beyond the initial cost of buying or renting.
Thoroughly research potential locations
Often, your budget will guide you towards potential locations for your business, but wherever you choose, you must think about accessibility, parking, public transport, services that are nearby, zoning issues, and whether there’s enough space to grow. It’s also wise to consult with your existing employees, to ensure the relocation wouldn’t force them to leave their role.
Hire an experienced moving company
Some companies specialise in commercial relocations, which can help make the physical process of moving, a lot less stressful and time consuming. Be sure to research companies well in advance of the moving date, so that you’re not left high and dry when the day comes to relocate.
Set up a timeline
Making the transition from one site to another may take some time, and by working with your employees, you should be able to establish an approximate timeline to help you plan more effectively. Don’t forget to include such things as setting up phone lines and internet, moving assets, buying new equipment or furniture, and marketing your new address. There’s a lot to think about when relocating a business, but a detailed timeline should help you plan the move better.
Add to your inventory
It might be necessary to build up additional inventory before you relocate, so that you’ve got enough stock available and your supply isn’t interrupted, both for your production needs, and the needs of your clients.
Anticipate your timeline being extended
Unfortunately, it’s rare that relocating ever goes entirely to plan, or as quickly as you would like, so it’s best to be prepared for some delays and hiccups along the way. Allow for your timeline to be extended, and try to be patient if problems arise, otherwise the move will get even more chaotic and stressful.
Think about staggering the move
If possible, you may want to consider keeping both your existing and your new premises functioning alongside one another for a short while, to give you a chance to make the transition slowly and in a staggered manner, so as not to disrupt productivity any more than necessary
Keep lines of communication open
Throughout the entire relocation, be sure to maintain good levels of communication with everyone involved, so that nobody is left in the dark about what is going to happen, and when.
Some degree of disruption is difficult to avoid when relocating a business, but by working with an experienced movers in Vancouver, and following the tips mentioned above, you can make the whole process as painless as it can possible be.