It's pretty standard.

"In order to serve my clients better..."

Just ask. Some will come with. Some won't. It was actually a surprise to me which clients were really loyal - they weren't always the clients who took so much of my time and energy.

That is good advice. 

You'll also need to tell them why you made the move.  They know it's good for you as well... don't be shy about it. When I moved I told my clients a potential move had to have three elements.

1. Good for my clients

2. Good for me

3. Good for my potential clients - oh, do you have any friends you've told about me?

[quote=bhpnp]So I just transitioned from one firm to another (smaller). How do I explain this to clients so they transition with me?[/quote]

Anyone else think its rather scary that bh didn't think of this before moving?

[quote=Amber_M]Anyone else think its rather scary that bh didn't think of this before moving?[/quote]

lol X2.

How can this not be considered when weighing the pros/cons. My only assumption is that it wasn't an actual decision, thus eliminating the need for consideration. ie, termination or preparing for.

My suggestion is to reassure clients there's going to be little to no change from their perspective. Most people don't care for unplanned change.

at current firm: Mr Client, there may be a time when I’m no longer working for XYZ…
Mr Client: Are you leaving XYZ?!
Advisor: Did I say that? I’m just saying you’re a valuable client of XYZ, and that you may not find me here some day…

At new firm: Hey Mr Client, that day came. I want to tell you why I decided to make the change. Oh, and that packet I gave you with copies of your entire file, bring it to our appointment.