You have decided to move into a new place, which is exciting and scary on its own. But you’ve also decided to start a business at the same time. It sounded like a good idea at the time, but now you’re getting worried. While it’s normal to feel anxious about two major changes, there are ways to get through both unscathed, and the professionals at Zumvu want to show you how.
Whether you’re moving in town or across the country, there will be adjustments. Instead of getting overwhelmed, make a list of what you need to address and what the priority level is. Are there repairs you need to have completed before you can move in? If yes, work with a contractor to establish a timeline. It’s easier to keep your life and business running smoothly without wondering if the water will be off or the buzz saw will be going.
Do you have kids that will need to get enrolled in new schools? Unless it’s the beginning of summer, this will take high priority. Moving can be challenging for kids, so you’ll want to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Once you know which big issues need to be addressed and when, then get to the packing and business organization aspects of the move.
Buying a home can be a great investment if you can afford it. Plus, it will give you the ability to customize the space for your business needs. Start out by assessing your credit and getting preapproved for a mortgage. Then you’ll need to connect with a real estate agent to help guide you through the remainder of the process.
Decide which features are most important for you. Consider future business needs, too, if this is a home you hope to remain in for a while. Will you need extra garage space for product storage? Or perhaps a separate side entrance or even a back house to meet with clients? And remember your personal needs, too. School districts, distance to city hubs, and proximity to family and neighbors should all be factored into your decision.
Before diving headlong into your business idea, it’s best to make sure that your idea addresses your customers’ needs and pain points. In other words, you’re asking whether your product or service is really needed and if it addresses a clear problem with a viable solution. In addition, it can be helpful to research your competition to help you identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Once you feel confident in your business idea, you must take a few steps to set things in motion: create a business plan, select a name, design a logo, create a website, and identify your marketing strategies. Look online for guides to help get you started so that you don’t miss steps. You may also choose to work with a formation service to ensure all of the right state-specific paperwork gets filed.
You’ve been boxing up your belongings for weeks now. You’ve been careful to separate the business items from the home items, and leave the essentials to move yourself (just in case). Now it’s time to make the final moving arrangements. While you can gather some friends and family to take on the move yourself, why not hire someone to remove one big stress? Search online for “nearby furniture movers” and read the reviews to find a couple of reliable companies. In the weeks before the move, have them come out and give you a written estimate. But make your decision quickly to secure your ideal moving date.
Depending on how far you’re moving, you may need to delegate some tasks to a few competent employees, if you have hired additional people at this stage. According to Better Up, delegating tasks can actually increase confidence and buy in with your employees. Short term delegation can also help determine if someone is ready for a raise or promotion, or if some job coaching needs to happen for growth.
You’re finally moved and getting settled into your new work and home routine. Now it’s time to assess your processes and set-up to increase functionality. Double-check that you have all of the physical equipment you need to succeed, including computers, printers, and any other industry-specific equipment you might require.
Then, assess your digital resources. Does your invoicing software make sense for your needs? Do you need a better CRM system set up to track and communicate with your customers? Now is the time to get the right systems in place to ensure smooth functioning later on in your businesses growth.
Finally, take an honest look at your marketing efforts. Marketing is how people learn about your business, products, and services. With the rise in social media and digital platforms, digital marketing is even more important. Consider working with Zumvu to develop your marketing and scheduling system to drive up your sales.
Moving can be a challenging time, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid starting your business around the same time. Set up a schedule for each, and follow your plans for purchasing your new home and starting your business, and soon you’ll be enjoying your new home office and everything that comes with it.
