Moving OUT of your London office? This 10 point checklist will get you started

Once you’ve secured your new office, much of your focus will be on moving into your new premises. Understandable of course; your new space represents the future of your business and many of us are naturally excited by new things!

However in the rush to embrace the new, it is vital you don’t forget about tying up all the loose ends in your existing office before you move out – unexciting as that may seem.

In the rush to embrace the new, it is vital you don’t forget about tying up all the loose ends in your existing office before you move out.

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Writing a thorough moving out checklist is a very effective way to remember everything you need to do. We’re big fans of checklists in general here at Find a London Office. Of course, the list below isn’t all-inclusive and you may find not all the items are relevant to your circumstances, but I think you’ll find these 10 points to be a useful starting point. And you can of course make additions to the list as new ideas occur to you.

1. Removals and IT Relocation
   Select a reputable removal company. When it comes to IT, don’t try to move this yourselves as that is asking for trouble!
2. Supplier contracts
   Terminate all these in time. If you want to keep the equipment, be careful; some suppliers insist on relocating their own equipment – at a cost of course!
3. Dilapidations
   Redecorating and reinstatement of the office at the end of a lease can take quite some time, so sort out dilapidations early. Ideally this needs to be done before your lease actually ends. Getting advice from a specialist surveyor will save you time and money.
4. Landlord relationship
   During your stay, they may not have become your best friend, but during your move, update them regularly. Keep them sweet as you may need a reference!
5. Managing agents
   Make contact with them and resolve any issues such as keys, security etc. Ask them what else they may want from you.
6. Service charge
   Discuss this with the managing agent if not already resolved by your solicitor. Bills may only be estimates at this point; there may be a later sum due at the end of the service charge year.
7. Utilities
   Cancel all of these and submit your meter readings.
8. Rating
   Contact the rating authority and close your bill. If your lease hasn’t expired, get expert advice on rating.
9. Insurance
   Contact your insurance brokers to make the necessary arrangements concerning your move.
10. Change of Address
    Advise all the relevant people (clients, suppliers etc) of your new address and don’t forget your bank! Even with online banking, your physical address is a vital part of their KYC process. (No I didn’t know what that stood for until the quite recent publicity. “Know Your Client” is the translation)