Business First Family Business, Accounting, Finance, Investing, Marketing And Management
Relocating a business can be an overwhelming process. Between handling employees, figuring out logistics and the physical moving process, you probably have a lot on your plate. However, it is important that you keep others informed about your new location. Below, we have listed some of the most important groups to notify when changing your business address.
The Government
When switching locations for your business, the first and most important groups to notify are your federal and state governments. Be sure to fill out the 8822-B form with the IRS to keep them informed. This will help to save you a lot of trouble around the 1099 deadline and confusion in the future. Before you make the move, double check to make sure that your government has the correct information.
Service Providers
With so many service providers, it can be easy to let them slip when you are focused on moving locations. Let your POS provider know your knew details to keep accepting payments. However, it is essential that you make them all aware of your new business address. Even if you are cancelling your phone service or vendor deliveries, they need to know that your old location is no longer in operation. If you skip this group, you could end up being charged for services to your old business address, so be sure that you make a thorough list of all your business services and make your new location known.
The Post Office
Even if you notify your state government, you will still have to inform the post office separately. This is especially important because they can help to forward mail to your new location. Some postal services even allow you to make these changes online, so see if that is an available option to save yourself the hassle of visiting in person.
Insurance Providers
Insurance providers should be a top priority when it comes to changing your business address. This will help to provide you with coverage on your new property in the event that something happens before you actually have a chance to move. Additionally, you may be able to find a good deal on mover’s insurance when you move office locations to ensure that you are completely protected throughout the whole process.
Clients And Customers
Notifying your clients and customers is essential for a smooth transition between business addresses. Whether you run a shop that has loyal patrons, or a law firm that brings in clients for consultations, everyone involved needs to know that your address has changed. Make it clear in the weeks leading up to your move that you will have a new address. You should also update your Google Local Listing, if you have one. Additionally, consider including this information in a newsletter or email blast just in case someone misses the memo.
Social Media
Last but not least, social media is another group you should notify. Updating your Twitter, Facebook and Website information will help to ensure consistency throughout your online profiles and maintain a professional standard. Be sure to update any directories or small business forums too. Having correct, up-to-date information can significantly improve your business’s online reputation. Be sure to make these changes prior to the big move.
Using Your Home Address
One thing to consider when changing your business address is whether or not to use your home address as the contact info for your business. Lots of small business owners use their home address as their business address. Just be sure to consider zoning restrictions and your own privacy concerns when deciding whether or not this is the right choice for your business. You should also keep in mind lease agreements or homeowner association restrictions if you live in an apartment or condo complex. Using your home address as your business address may or may not be the right decision for you. However, it is certainly an idea to consider.
Changing your business address requires much more than a moving truck and new TV providers. Notifying service providers, clients and the government are all necessary to a proper transition. Be sure to notify these groups above when you change your business address.
Image from http://www.reviewtrackers.com/business-multiple-locations-heres-manage-online-reviews-reputation/
