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February 13th, 2024

5 Tips When Moving Commercial Business in Australia

While any move of a premises has the potential to be very stressful, commercial and business moving has its own set of challenges to be addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

From government departments simply moving floors in the same building, to businesses of all sizes moving suburbs or even interstate, organisation and speed are essential. For any business moving even a small distance, a professional packing and removals company can be a valuable and commercially viable business partner.

Careful Planning & Risk Mitigation

Business continuity and risk management procedures and processes will come into their own at this time, and anything that disrupts an organisation’s core daily business requires careful planning and risk mitigation. Some fundamental issues include:

• timing, timing, timing! Needless to say, end of financial year should be considered a definite ‘NO’
• choosing a reputable moving company which offers a range of packing options and has comprehensive insurance coverage will give you peace of mind
• as well as ensuring that your customers, clients, and stakeholders receive relocation information as soon as possible, incorporated businesses are required to notify ASIC, ATO, and ABR within 28 days (or risk a late fine)
• regular communication with staff to provide real time information updates is critical. If an organisation is large enough, it’s likely that the most ideal moving time chosen will not be ideal for everyone – working with all staff collaboratively can minimise individual concerns.

Tips for a Smooth Moving Experience

Of course the top tip for a business move is excellent planning and organisation, and here are some tips on drilling down on this broad issue.

1. Unless your business is very small, creating a planning team – preferably from those staff with more flexible work schedules – is a great idea, and also a democratic one. Ideally, a planning team would draw volunteers from all aspects of a business, and would invite suggestions and ideas from all personnel.
2. Create a user-friendly plan. This can be quite straightforward, and should be a ‘living’ document subject to regular updating (version control is important here! Keep it simple – a date in the footer that automatically updates when a new version is created). This should be an ‘end to end’ document, incorporating all steps of the move and ending in tasks to be undertaken at the new location. It’s also a good idea to incorporate a table to serve as an action plan, nominating who is responsible and ensuring actions are followed up, reviewed if necessary, and completed.
3. As using a professional moving company – particular if moving interstate – is the sensible option, do your research early! Flexibility, experience, good testimonials, and willingness to visit your business premises to give a comprehensive quote are all important considerations. An interstate packing and removals company may offer the most comprehensive service, even if you are only planning a local move.
4. Ensure that you remain alert to employee concerns and issues. Just as in a family there are those who don’t cope as well as others with major change, this is also very likely to be the same in any business – even the smaller ones. Of course, communication is the answer, but make sure it’s relevant and consistent. Sitting in on weekly staff meetings is a good idea, particularly for senior personnel who may only attend higher level meetings on a regular basis.
5. Targeted communication. Not only staff will benefit from relevant collaborative communication, but your customers and clients, and any stakeholders or industry partners your business may have will too. Make sure that your communication is regular and appropriate, and also respectful of any staff confidentiality – they don’t need to know if any staff members are struggling with the move.

Moving to a Swift Conclusion

Just as communication separates the humdrum from the highly successful businesses, it will be a key component of your moving strategy.

While your staff, clients, customers, and stakeholders are of paramount importance, communication with your chosen professional removalists is a great idea – if you provide them with a brief plan or checklist, which incorporates elements of risk, business continuity, and business confidentiality, they will become a valuable business and commercial partner and ensure that your move is successful.