Moving your business premises is a major undertaking. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the planning phase through to settling in at your new office.
For an office of 10–20 people, start planning 3–4 months before the move. For 20+ people, 6 months minimum. The critical path items — IT migration, broadband at the new site, business address changes — all have long lead times that can't be compressed.
Appoint a move project manager (single point of accountability) and a small steering committee that includes IT, HR, operations and a senior leader. Define clear responsibilities for each team: HR manages staff communication, IT manages technology, operations manages physical logistics.
IT is almost always the longest lead-time item. Server migration, VoIP porting, broadband installation, network configuration and testing all need to happen before staff arrive at the new site. Run a full test of all systems at the new office the day before staff arrive.
Communicate with staff early and regularly. Share the floor plan of the new office as early as possible — staff who can visualise their new workspace adapt more easily. Address practical questions (parking, lunch options, commute changes) early. Consider a site visit before moving day.
Be on-site yourself. Have the floor plan ready and guide your removal team. Do a final walkthrough of the old office at the end of the day — check every desk, every cupboard, every storage room and the kitchen. Return all access fobs and keys and get a written receipt.