4 Things You Should Know About Relocating Your Business

Nearly every business will eventually encounter the need to relocate. Whether it’s a need to upgrade, expand, or simply get better access to a target market, most firms will have to pull up stakes and re-establish operations in another place. The process requires effective management of several key steps in order to be successful and to have the best possible chance to avoid delays in resumption of normal operation.

Proper Movement of Technology

Unlike residential phones, business communications systems must be properly dismantled and then properly reinstalled. Prior to that stage, the new location must be checked for proper capabilities and equipment to ensure that the phones are ready for normal operation as soon as they are installed. In addition, the new location will likely need expanded networking capabilities for new employees and/or functional spaces.

Updating Shipping Data

Every office manager should already know to send in forwarding information to the US Postal Service, but there are additional steps necessary in today’s business environment. The advent of simple, click-and-ship purchase of shipping for various private carriers as well as the USPS has made it necessary to update online accounts with these shippers. Failure to do so could cause pickup and delivery errors, as well as mistakes in cost calculations.

Insurance Changes

A host of issues come into play with insurance when a company relocates. Everything from fire insurance classifications to flood plain data can figure into premium calculations, and new personnel must be correctly enrolled in worker’s compensation coverage, surety bonds, and errors and omissions policies. Office management staff should verify correct information with all carriers during the relocation process.

Physical Plant Considerations

Whether a company is going into a new building or an existing structure, the building and its related systems will need to be fully understood by all maintenance and custodial personnel. They should be trained on maintenance schedules for HVAC units, refrigeration systems, and other heavy appliances. They also need to know the building’s electrical and plumbing layout so that they can be prepared to act quickly in the event of a malfunction, leak, or breakdown. This training should be coordinated with the contractor, property manager, or previous owner to make the transition seamless.

An effective business move involves careful orchestration of a variety of players. Company staff, moving contractors, NJ telephone systems installers, and many others must coordinate their work to minimize the interruption of normal business activities during a transitional time that can prove very complex and challenging.