There’s a moment in every business—usually after seeing one too many rent increases or daydreaming about a better work-life balance—when the question flashes: “Should we move the company?” Maybe you’ve got your eye on a city with a hipper vibe. Maybe it’s all about the numbers. Or maybe, secretly, you’re just ready for a new pizza place for Friday lunches. Whatever’s behind it, moving your headquarters is a big, big step. If you’re tossing the idea around, here’s what no one puts on the brochure but every business owner should chew over.
Count All the Pennies, Not Just the Obvious Ones
Moving somewhere “cheaper” sounds great until you realize it costs more in sneaky ways. Maybe office space is a steal, but what about triple the utility bills? How about new city or state taxes, or the fun little fees you never heard of? And don’t even get me started on insurance. Call a local CPA or business group before you commit, and grill them like you’re picking your kid’s daycare—no detail is too small.
Your Team’s Reality Check
Your people make your company what it is. Relocating is huge for them, too—not everyone can pick up and start over. Who’s got aging parents nearby? Who’s locked into a lease or determined to stay for their kid’s school? Even your best culture cheerleader might balk at a big move. Ask early, don’t assume, and remember new hires in your new city won’t come with your company’s history and quirks (which is half the fun, honestly).
Customers, Clients & the Local Scene
Will moving get you closer to your customers or just further away from your regulars? If you run on local foot traffic, a new HQ could mean starting from scratch. But if your business is built on shipping or remote work, this might be your chance to get closer to hustling new markets (or get out of a competitive shark tank). Scope out the competition, too—sometimes being the new kid is a big advantage, and sometimes it means nobody gives you the time of day for a year.
Does the City Actually Fit?
You can’t run a business on cheap rent and nice weather alone. Spend some real time in the new city—eat where the locals eat, hang around at school pickup time, chat in a coffee shop. Is this a place where you and your employees can actually live and feel at home? Are you excited to be here? Trust your gut.
Red Tape That’ll Drive You Bonkers
Every city and state has its own maze of permits, rules, and, yes, paperwork that will eventually land on your desk. Are you up for it? Talk to a business relocation whiz or lawyer before you fall for the skyline—what looks easy can get complicated fast.
Planning to Sell Your Business Someday?
If you’ve got “sell your business” lurking in your five-year plan, make sure your new city isn’t just good for you now, but appealing to future buyers, too. Where you’re based can make a big difference in who comes knocking.
In the end, a headquarters move is like any grand adventure: stressful, surprising, and pretty exciting if you do it for the right reasons (and yeah, for the pizza, too). Good luck—and don’t forget to celebrate when the last box is unpacked.
