How to Choose a New Business Location

Choosing a new business location is an important decision, and the right place can help you succeed. Companies consider several factors, including the type of operations, the costs, and local ordinances when choosing a site. Here are some tips on choosing the best new location for your company move.

Types of Businesses

Business locations are of five primary types, each of which has different requirements. The first is home-based businesses that need extra space. In this case, you may be able to obtain the room by adding to your home, moving to a larger home, or arranging to rent storage space or conference space when needed.

Retail

For many retail operations, a critical success factor is how close the store is to its customers or potential customers. If you know your target demographics, you can access Census data to help you determine where your potential customers live.

Foot traffic also is essential for many retail businesses, so you’ll want to locate in a high-traffic area with good visibility. Once you’ve narrowed down potential sites, monitor the traffic at different times of the day and week to find one that has the volume you need. Of course, you’ll also need adequate parking for customers and employees.

Online sales are becoming increasingly important for retailers, so consider the availability of nearby courier services to help you ship your product.

Professional Services

Professional services firms may not necessarily require a high volume of traffic. While proximity to customers is still a factor, potential customers will generally travel further to consult with their attorney, accountant, or management consultant than they will to buy everyday items. Often professional services firms benefit from locations with purpose-built space, well-landscaped exteriors, and high security, such as office buildings and business parks.

When evaluating potential space, ask whether the exterior doors are locked at a particular time and, if so, can you have keys? Make sure the neighborhood is safe and that the parking lot has adequate space and lighting. Being near lunch spots and banks will make employees happy. A good technology infrastructure also is critically important.

Personal Services

Personal service businesses such as hair salons, dentists, and physicians will also want to locate relatively close to population centers and target customers. However, many people will drive a little further to visit a dentist than to buy their groceries. Research how far people will travel in your industry to be sure you aren’t too far away. Also, make sure you’re not locating too close to competitors.

Adequate parking, or in some cities, good access to public transportation also is essential.

Manufacturing or Warehouses

Critical factors in a relocation often include being near major transportation routes and a potential labor force for manufacturing businesses. As a result, some localities will offer incentives such as training grants or tax holidays to acquire manufacturing employers. 

On the other hand, some communities might restrict some industrial employers to certain industrial parks.

Cost

Regardless of the type of business, the cost will be a significant factor in your location choice. One-time costs, such as remodeling and ongoing costs like taxes, rent, insurance, and utilities, are all part of the equation.

Ordinances

Laws and zoning also will impact where you can locate a business. So be sure to check these laws carefully before signing a lease.

Ready for Your Business Move

As you prepare for your upcoming business relocation, let us help. Contact us today for a free estimate. We can make your office move more manageable.

Keeping Track of Moving Parts: Your Moving Timeline

Managing a move can be chaotic, from submitting your change of address forms to reserving a moving company, bringing home packing supplies, and setting up utilities. Keeping track of what to do and when to do it can feel overwhelming.

While every move is different, one thing is for sure — the earlier you start planning the moving process, the better. Creating a timeline helps you stay on track throughout your move, so nothing slips through the cracks.

This moving timeline will help you stay organized and reduce stress.

Two Months Before You Move

  • Organize: Create a folder, file, or online spreadsheet to keep all of your moving information in one (easily accessible) place.
  • Research moving companies; ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations and check online review sites. Get at least three written estimates.
  • Declutter your home: Sort through all your belongings and categorize everything as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” or “Trash/Recycle.” Remember: You don’t want to pay to move things you don’t want or need.
  • Plan how you’ll move fragile, valuable, or large/unusually shaped items. Some items may require special attention; if you need a specialty household mover, secure services now.

Six Weeks Ahead of Your Move

  • Gather packing supplies — giving yourself plenty of time to gather boxes and packing paper.
  • Sell unwanted items at a yard sale or online. Donate whatever’s left to a charitable organization.
  • Notify schools: If you have children, notify their current schools of the move and research the new schools’ registration procedure.
  • Request copies of medical and dental records from your health care providers. You may need to visit in person to collect them, so it’s best to do this before moving.
  • Book your moving company.

One Month Before the Move

  • Start packing: Begin with non-essential items and rooms that you don’t use as often, such as extra bedrooms, attics, and basements.
  • Create a “first open box” list that includes the items you’ll need first after arriving in your new home.
  • Notify utility, phone, cable, internet companies, and other service providers of your move and schedule set-ups in your new home. You’ll also want to cancel memberships and subscriptions associated with your old address.
  • Give your landlord notice if you’re renting.

Three Weeks Out from the Move

  • Keep packing! Fortunately, you’ve given yourself plenty of time to pack carefully and keep it all organized.
  • Change your address and have your mail forwarded through USPS.
  • Make a plan to use up perishable food. Start cooking and eating out of your freezer and pantry to minimize food waste.

One Week Pre-Move

  • Give away or safely dispose of hazardous chemicals or items that cannot be moved, such as propane, solvents, fuels, and more.
  • Confirm your reservation with your movers and provide them with any information about parking, stairs, narrow hallways, or other potential issues.
  • Clear food from cabinets, pantries, and the fridge/freezer.
  • Clean your home. You’ve already packed almost everything, so this step should be easier.
  • Finish packing.

Moving Day

When moving day arrives, don’t stress. You’ve followed the timeline and checked off your tasks; now it’s time to let the movers do the heavy lifting. Contact us for a free quote.