How to Transition Your Home Office When Moving

Moving your home office is easy when you don’t rely on your home for your workspace. However, it’s a different matter if you run a home-based business. First, you need an effective transition plan.

Trying to meet client needs while you prepare for the move is tricky. But it’s not impossible. So follow these tips to keep your business running smoothly.

Take Time to Transition

Moving takes time. You wouldn’t plan significant events in the process of moving your home. Similarly, it’s a good idea to limit your business activities to have the space to transition.

Give yourself at least a couple of months to complete the transition. Include some time to get adjusted to your new space.

If you need to scale back on your services for a few weeks, consider it a good investment. It’s better to keep your business going at a manageable level than over-commit.

Organize Your Files

One of the first things you should do before packing is organize your files. It’s easy to lose track of orders or customer data when your brain focuses on other things. So you need to have everything right where you need it.

Get your electronic files in a place where you can find everything you need, preferably from one device. Learn how to back up your data and get a second copy, just in case.

Put printed files in one place and plan to take this box with you. If you can, invest the time to locate everything to avoid having to sort it when you arrive.

Notify Clients

If your business has a regular client base, now is an excellent time to let them know you’re relocating. A simple email is probably all you need. However, putting something at the top of your website and social media accounts is also good.

If your move includes a change of business phone number or contact information, update it in all the relevant places. That way, customers aren’t sending inquiries to a dead email address or calling the wrong number.

Fill Orders Early

It’s tempting to put off orders while you work on packing, but it can backfire. So instead, you might try to fill orders as early as you can.

Clearing orders off your plate has a couple of benefits. First, you’re making it easier to get money for your work. Second, you don’t have to pack, organize or load the inventory for those orders.

Don’t feel you have to address every open order before moving. Keep in mind that the more you can manage, the better off you’ll be.

Stage Your Inventory

If your business relies on a regular inventory of supplies, you’ll need to manage them throughout the relocation. This might involve finding a staging place for them.

If you decide to rent a storage unit to hold your inventory, do some research in advance. Goods that need a conditioned environment might need a particular unit. Moving your business isn’t easy, but there are ways to smooth out the transition. To schedule professional moving services, contact us for a quote.