What to Keep In Mind When Moving Your Company to a New Location

company-relocation

Congratulations! It’s time to start a new phase of your business by moving to a new property. Here are some basic tips you’ll need to consider, well before you start packing boxes:

1. Start planning your move at least six months in advance

Let’s face it: You can’t pack up your business or your operations on the fly. It will be tempting to wait until the last minute because there’s always a business issue to address, a deal to close, etc. But you’ll find that the longer you take to organize your move, the more efficiently you’ll be able to execute your move and your daily business operations.

Besides, it’s only fair to your employees to give them notice about the impending move, as soon as possible.

2. Provide your employees a copy of your new floor plan

Another thing that you can do to soothe nerves and create an efficient office move is to provide your employees copies of your new floor plan. If you’re operating a larger office, then at the very least, provide your key employees with copies of the new layout. This will allow employees to picture where they’ll be working, as well as how much space they’ll have to work within.

This will also prove helpful for employees so that they can determine how much to bring to their new working space.

3. Change your mailing address

This should go without saying, but in the midst of moving, this is a step that could be overlooked. If you’re operating a small office, then you might be tempted to use mail forwarding, but why not take the extra step of completing an address change? This will help the post office, and this also allows search engines to properly list your new address, well before you move into the new property.

4. Start tossing paper and equipment waste

One thing that moving does is force everyone to get rid of trash and other waste. Now is the perfect time to purge those bulging file cabinets. If there are time and workforce, then consider purging old computer files that aren’t serving a purpose, either. The reason why you’ll want to purge old computer files is to compress how much data you’ll need to backup before the move. Why transfer old paper or digital files that aren’t needed?

Can you think of a registered charity that could use your old office equipment? Now would be the time to make phone call inquiries. But if your equipment is on their last legs, then calling a junk hauling company is your best bet. The key during this phase is to get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose.

5. Ensure that your moving company offers insurance for commercial moves

It’s crucial to ask your prospective moving company about the type of insurance protection policies they offer. Specifically, Cheap Movers Chicago says you should offer a generous policy that’s designed for commercial moves. Don’t make the mistake of hiring a moving company that doesn’t offer commercial protection, simply because they might be cheaper to hire.

 

6. Make sure your moving company specializes in commercial moves

Speaking of commercial moves, ensure that your prospective movers have a long history of commercial moves under their belts. Do your movers understand how to handle your delicate electronic equipment? Will your equipment require special coverings that are designed to protect them from dust and the elements? How many movers will be at your disposal during the moving day? Can you expect all hands on deck working on your behalf, or will you feel forced to roll up your sleeves and join in with packing up the truck?

There will be more fine details to consider. This is why it’s best for you to start making plans as earlier as possible so that your move can go as smoothly as possible.

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Laws You Should Consider When Starting a Business in IL

business-IL

The process of starting a business in Illinois seems intimidating at first. Numerous state regulations govern how a business must be established. Understanding these requirements is key to making the process manageable. If you are starting a new business in Illinois, take heed of the following business formation laws.

Business Formation Requirements

Every business must have a valid legal structure to be licensed. The state of Illinois recognizes several types of organizational structures. You may choose to register your business as one of the following:

  • Sole proprietorship
  • General partnership
  • Limited partnership
  • Limited Liability Partnership
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Low-profit limited Liability Company
  • Corporation

If you choose to incorporate, you may choose either a C corporation or an S corporation. Under a C corporation, business owners are taxed separately from the business. With an S corporation, the owners are not taxed separately from the business. The income and expenses of an S corporation also flow down to the shareholders. There are several requirements to qualify for S corporation status. This includes obtaining shareholder consent to elect S corporation status and limiting the number of shareholders to 100.

Licensing and Permits

According to the Chicago law firm of Roth Fioretti, all businesses need a license to operate legally within the state. The type of license that is required will largely depend on the functions of the business. Companies dealing with investments will need to seek a license from the Secretary of State’s office. Family care services would need to apply for a license from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Transportation services require a license issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Be aware that local licensing rules also apply. You may have to register your business with the city or county government. You may also have to comply with local zoning laws that dictate how and where your business can operate.

Department of Revenue Registration

Practically every business in the state of Illinois must register with the Department of Revenue (IDOR). This agency handles business-related tax issues such as the granting of tax incentives. Your business may be required to file several forms before beginning operations. Some of the standard documents include the REG-1 or Illinois Business Registration. You will need to contact IDOR directly to determine which forms are necessary.

Immigration Laws

All U.S. employers need to ensure that members of their workforce have the legal right to work in the country. You can check on an employee’s authorization to work by completing an I-9 form. Federal law requires a business to maintain I-9 records for at least three years. It is important to comply with immigration laws to avoid fines and licensing issues.

Worker’s Compensation

Illinois law requires businesses to provide worker’s compensation insurance for employees. This insurance covers workplace injuries and accidental deaths. Premiums for these policies differ depending on the type of business, the number of employees and the company’s loss record. Most companies purchase policies through private insurance agencies. However, you may also obtain a policy through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Unemployment Insurance Contributions

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) requires businesses to pay into the unemployment insurance fund. Even small businesses that pay more than $1,500 in wages per year must contribute. Furthermore, all start-up businesses need to register with IDES within 30 days of the start of business.

Other Considerations

You have many other legal obligations when starting a new business. In addition to the areas addressed above, you will also have to deal with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, wage withholding laws and U. S. Department of Labor regulations. Starting a new business is not an easy task. However, there are several resources available to ensure you are successful in your journey.

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