Tips for Moving Your Business to a New Location

Moving your business to a new location can indeed be quite a challenge. Whether it’s a small, home-based business without employees or a large business with numerous employees, relocating means chaos, loss of productivity and disruption. When moving your office, you’re not just moving furniture, but a business as well.

Plan your budget

Before you start looking for a new location, you should decide whether leasing or buying would be a better option. This is among the trickiest decisions many entrepreneurs encounter. Here are a couple of tips that might help you make up your mind:

• Leasing is a much more suitable option if you have a young business with little extra capital. Also, consider leasing if your business grows fast with uncertain and unpredictable future space needs.

• If you run a more established business or one with specific space needs, consider buying. Moreover, purchasing helps your working capital grow, and you don’t have to worry about restrictions and rent increases. 

Make sure your company is able and ready to pay for all moving expenses – a moving company, moving supplies and storage needs. 

Find a new office location

A great location can be hard to find. If your business isn’t home-based, you will need to find a new office location. This is a task your HR department can help you with. You should make sure to accessibility for clients and suppliers, parking, shipping, public transportation and room to grow into consideration. Remember, the needs of your staff and clients should always be your top priority.

Moreover, don’t forget to consider local taxes and infrastructure. Taxes may vary between municipalities, so this is something you should discuss with your commercial real estate agent. 

Inform clients and employees

Failing to communicate the whereabouts of your new business can cause many issues. Whether you run a restaurant, a retail store or an IT business, you depend on your customers. Moreover, you probably get many deliveries from your distributors and partners. You grasp the idea of how them not knowing where you are may be problematic. This applies both if you’re moving across the street or having your business transferred to another state. Since cross-country moves are usually more complex, people tend to underestimate the local ones and thus forget to inform the people their business operations depend on.

Informing everyone about the move timely is essential.

So, avoid surprising your coworkers and employees and let them know about the relocation ahead of time. Give them plenty of notice so they can adjust accordingly. Social media and newsletters can be lifesavers in this situation. Inform them of the benefits of switching your business to a new location, such as extra space or a more convenient area.

Build up your inventory

We advise building up extra inventory. This is just in case – you should always have enough stock on hand. This way, you can prevent unexpected issues and provide uninterrupted supply for your production needs and clients. Also, make a short list of:

-       Things you’re taking

-       Things you’re leaving behind

Update your company’s website and order new business cards

Your company’s marketing material shouldn’t have the old address on it. Be sure to update these as soon as you move. Otherwise, you could both confuse your customers and clients and make your business look frivolous. Don’t forget to keep your online presence and data current and update your company’s website, Google My Business listings and e-mail signatures. 

Notify the IRS

You will need to let the IRS know you’re relocating your business to a new address to ensure you receive all tax refunds or IRS correspondence. Use your new address when filing your tax return, and the IRS will automatically update its records. If you already filed your taxes but failed to include your new address, don’t worry - just fill out Form 8822. 

A quicker way to inform the IRS to file your tax returns using your new address

Prepare your office for the move 

A wise man once said that moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter, so get rid of any old and unnecessary things. Empty the drawers and cabinets and pack the office supplies after acquiring all the necessary packing equipment. More importantly, collect all the vital paperwork and documents and keep them close to you. Prepare the furniture and equipment for packing, disassemble anything if necessary and protect your possessions from getting damaged. Finally, don’t forget to label the boxes. This will make the process of unpacking significantly more manageable. 

Office-moving checklist

• Notify your employees about moving your business to a new location

• Inform your customers, clients, partners and affiliates

• Notify the IRS

• Let your current landlord know (if you have one)

• Get quotes from moving companies such as Heavenly Moving and Storage

• Decide on moving coverage

• Set a budget

• Gather a planning team

• Create a plan for moving

• Distribute responsibilities to team members

• Hire an interior designer

• Order special equipment

• Stack up your inventory

• Make a plan for setting up IT systems, phone and internet installations

• Do thorough research of business insurance options

• Collect all the moving supplies you’ll need

• Transfer utilities

• Update company address listings

• Back up important documents

• Review your moving day schedule

After the move – throw a party!

Celebrating your office move is probably the best way to reveal a new image. You can opt for a big party with your clients, a drink reception for your staff, or even an opening party. Creating a good first impression and building your staff morale is essential. You know what they say - work hard, play hard(er).

After a successful move, make sure to celebrate.

You can do this!

It’s undeniable that moving your business to a new location carries certain risks, but it can be the best thing for your company. According to many relocation experts, the odds are in your favor. However, as with any other change, problems may arise from making some common mistakes. To avoid unpleasant surprises, remember three things: don’t rush the decision, don’t focus too narrowly on a few costs and never ignore quality-of-life factors and environmental concerns. When all the fuss is over, you’ll see that a fresh start with excited customers is indeed worth all the effort.

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Misconceptions of Vertigo

Every year almost 15 to 20 percent of people do experience dizziness and vertigo effects. As per studies, stats say that the count of vertigo problems in women is two to three times higher than in men. Vertigo problem commonly increases with age. 

MJphysio offers Vestibular rehabilitation in Vancouver, Surrey, and in Fleetwood locations where they provide BPPV diagnosis and treatment.

Vertigo is a symptom where a person experiences an imbalance that varies from mild spinning to intense one. The problem is noticed due to inner ear issues. However, it is not assured that the problem will be only due to inner ear issues.  But sometimes the vertigo symptom might be due to disorders of the brain or other symptoms in the body. If you’re also the one experiencing vertigo issues, you might be well aware of how dreadful the sensation of imbalance is.

Sometimes vertigo could be so dreadful that it affects daily activities too. It also could hamper once psychological and emotional stress. People will often lose their ability of multitasking. People also end up being anxious and depressed.

In today’s internet era, there is ample information available all over the internet. However, they are some misconceptions that are also found among people. Although dizziness is a commonly experienced symptom most of them are still unaware of vertigo. 

Read the infographic below to know more about the facts and misconceptions of Vertigo.

Click to see larger image

Women in Law: Creating a Culture of Diversity

Businesses are gradually understanding and valuing the importance of diversity in workforce management. The appeal for greater diversity has been heard a lot in politics, business, and the entertainment industry. However, these are not the only industries that are facing societal challenges. The legal profession also has to catch up in the play.

Image:stockvault.net

Legal offices have never been considered a place for diversity. White males dominate the profession, especially in management positions. Due to this discrimination, the industry has received a lot of attention among the masses and has been trolled on social media for the unfair process. Various initiatives have been taken to change the infrastructure and provide more and better opportunities to women and minority attorneys.

Is Initiating Gender Diversity at Law Offices Enough?

Although there has been immense progress in the legal industry, gender diversity has always been slower than other industries. In 2016, the legal industry showed a change by accepting more women lawyers. However, the number increased only by 1%. The issue is problematic at the top level, where only 20 percent of partners are females. This clearly shows biases against women in legal firms.

Many women attorneys face challenges during their internships. They have to bear with those to remain in their specialized legal field. Whether it is balancing decent family life and a professional career, competition for equity partnership, or better positions in law firms, women must undergo unique challenges and scrutiny.

Sometimes the hardship is so extreme that females are forced to leave their profession at the attorney level worldwide and later they’re tagged to be weak and incapable of the profession.

Even though female attorneys are more qualified than males, it is difficult to get a decent job at a Law office. Some female attorneys say, “ Even if you’re a woman, if you want to excel in your career, you will have to work hard, keep a sense of humor, not crush the bridge, and take advantage of opportunities. Learn new skills and excel in various areas to increase the chances of advancement.

Bridge the Gap in Legal Field for Women

The legal field has various opportunities for women as well. The domain can give lots of hope and set an example for diversity in society. Here are few tips that can help on bridging the gap-

Reduce Biases

Research shows that the recruitment process is tarnished by sexism, racism, and ageism. If the CEO of a law office is a man, the board members unconsciously hire more men than women. To avoid discrimination, the hiring team should build a strategy to include at least two women and minorities in any field. The job description should use gender-neutral language, and a blind recruitment policy should be taken into account.

Create Inclusive Culture

Creating an inclusive culture along with diversity should be the primary goal of a business. The leaders should develop a system where the employees feel safe while speaking in any environment within the office; they are heard, get opportunities to propose ideas, and open to feedback. The best way is, to begin with, a confidential employee survey where employees can speak their minds without being monitored by others. A no-tolerance policy for disrespectful behavior should be applied to all employees at any level.

Transparency with Employees

Building a healthy relationship with employees, male or female, can also help in inclusion and diversity. As a business owner or stakeholder, one can monitor the outcomes of different strategies used to maintain equality in offices. They can encourage conversations and ideas that help in a change in society. The motive should be to bring everyone together to create a healthy environment for every individual, irrespective of age, sex, caste, and gender. They should develop programs and provide opportunities to work together and develop a strong relationship.

Women come out with creative ways of doing things, wouldn’t it be great if men could also innovate and lessen the gender gaps in the legal industry?

Maxim Smith Family Law PLLC has always considered women as our pillar of success. Our founders Allsion Maxim and Tara Smith have resolved the toughest family law disputes till date and are committed to helping you get back on solid ground, rebuild your life, and lay the groundwork for a better and brighter future.