Running a small home-based business can be a great way to start entrepreneurship. It can be a low-risk way to test your business idea and see if it is viable. It also allows you to keep your day job while starting your business. And, operating a home-based business can be cheaper than renting commercial space.
However, there may come a time when you need or want to move. Maybe your family is relocating for a new job opportunity. Or, perhaps your business has outgrown your home office. Whatever the reason for moving, there are some things you need to do to make sure your business can continue operating smoothly.
When you’re self-employed, moving can be a bit of a headache. Not only do you have to deal with the hassle of packing and relocating your belongings, but you also have to ensure your business is up and running as soon as possible in your new location. Here are a few tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible:
Update your contact information
When you’re self-employed, updating your contact information is important. This includes your mailing address, email address, and phone number. Updating this information with your clients, suppliers, and other business partners is important if you relocate. Otherwise, they may not be able to reach you, and your business could suffer.
Email blast
One effective way to let people know of your new address is to send an email blast to your clients. This will ensure they have your updated contact information and won’t have trouble getting in touch with you. Include your new mailing address, email address, and phone number in your email. You should also include a map of your new location so your clients can easily find you.
Include a small note in your package
If you deliver your products to your customers, it’s a good idea to include a small note about your move in your package. This will let your clients know you’ve relocated and give them your new contact information. You can also include a map of your new location, so they can easily find you.
Put up a poster notice
If you have a brick-and-mortar store, put a poster notice in your old location with your new address and contact information. This way, customers who come looking for you will know where to find you. You can also include a forwarding address so that any mail that comes to your old address will be forwarded to your new address.
Update your business license and insurance
Your old license and insurance may not be valid in your new location. So, it’s important to update them before you move. You can usually do this by contacting your local government, Chamber of Commerce, or business license office. They will be able to provide you with the necessary forms and help you through the process.
Make sure your social media pages reflect your new address
As a small business owner, having an online presence is important. This is especially true if you sell products or services online. Updating your social media pages with your new address is important if you move. Otherwise, customers who try to find you online may get the wrong impression and think that your business is no longer in operation.
Updating your information online may sound like a simple task, and you might attempt to put it off till the last minute. However, it’s important to remember that your social media pages are often the first place potential customers will look for you. So, it’s better to update them early on and ensure that your information is up-to-date and accurate.
Pack up your office carefully
Finally, and this is likely the most tedious task you need to do before moving, you need to pack everything carefully so you can get back to work at your new address as soon as possible. This includes packing your office furniture, computer, files, and other materials. You must be careful with your computer and files since these contain important business data.
As is often the trouble when moving out, sorting important items from ones you no longer need can be difficult. Going through everything you own and deciding what to keep and get rid of can be time-consuming. However, it’s important to do this before packing so that you can pack only the essentials. You can hire house clearance services to help eliminate unwanted items after you’re done sorting. Ensuring you only pack what you need will make unpacking and setting up your new office much easier.
Moving is always a hassle, but with a little planning, you can minimize the disruption to your small home-based business. By updating your contact information, researching the local laws and regulations, and carefully packing up your office, you can ensure your business is up and running again in no time.
