Relocating Your Business? Top 5 Legal Tips

Are you relocating your business, or thinking about it? If so, then you're going to need a few legal tips before you make your move.
There are many reasons why small business owners make the decision to move. Maybe you're looking to expand, or maybe it's simply because your lease has expired and you've found a nicer space in a more ideal location.
Whatever your reasons may be, you'll want to keep this legal checklist handy before you relocate your business. Here are the five practical tips you'll want to consider:
- Communicate with your team. Make sure that your managers and employees are in the know about the relocation process. Often, your employees will have more insight and information about specific logistical factors and their potential impact on your small business.
- Update your business plan. Your finances, marketing strategy, and other crucial business considerations may be affected by your move. It's best to ensure that you have an up-to-date business plan, both for the sake of organization and professionalism.
- Look over your commercial lease. As a small business owner, the commercial lease that you sign for your new business location is one of the most crucial documents you'll have. Before entering into a locked contract with your new commercial landlord, make sure that you look over your lease carefully and ensure that all the important clauses are there.
- Take advantage of social media. Make sure to use your social media outlets to inform customers about your relocation. Your business' social media presence is often the first place that many of your customers and prospective customers will turn to. Something as basic but fundamental as your business' address and phone number being inaccurate can be costly.
- Find an experienced lawyer. Not only can an experienced attorney save you time and money with her expertise, but a lawyer may be necessary in certain situations. For example, an attorney can ensure that your business is complying with local municipal codes, among other crucial requirements.
Aside from outright hiring a lawyer, you may also want to consider signing up for a personal legal plan like those offered by LegalStreet. LegalStreet lawyers can review your business and real estate contracts (up to 10 pages), and offer on-call assistance for a wide range of legal issues; plans start at less than $13 a month.
So remember, while moving is always tough work, being legally prepared can make your business' relocation much easier.
(Disclosure: LegalStreet and FindLaw.com are owned by the same company.)
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Related Resources:
- Six Tips For A Stress-Free Startup Relocation (Forbes)
- Commercial Property Lease Agreement (FindLaw)
- Before You Rent Office Space: 5 Legal Tips (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Before You Buy Office Space: 5 Legal Tips (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)