How to plan an office move with minimal disruption
Moving office doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right planning, advice, and timeframes, you can make your move smooth and disruption-free. But how to plan an office move with minimal disruption comes down to the details – and getting ahead of them.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the key steps to help your business relocate efficiently while keeping day-to-day operations on track.
Review your current lease before you move
Before you leave your current space, it’s crucial to understand your legal obligations. Speak to your agent, solicitor, or building surveyor to:
- Review your lease for clauses around redecoration or reinstating any alterations.
- Clarify what condition the office must be returned in.
- Understand timelines and costs for any required work.
Early advice here helps avoid last-minute surprises and unnecessary expense.
Strategic planning before your office move
About three months before you begin actively searching, take time to reflect on your future office needs. This is a great moment to:
- Rethink how you use your space.
- Clarify size, location, and budget priorities.
- Engage an experienced office agent to help define your search parameters.
A good agent will also help identify whether you need other professional support. For example:
- Serviced offices: Usually just an agent and a solicitor.
- Leased offices: You’ll also need a solicitor, fit-out contractor, and potentially a building surveyor. IT suppliers should also be looped in early to ensure a seamless transition.
Give yourself enough time to plan an office move properly
Planning your move according to office type is essential:
- Serviced office: Allow up to 3 months to search, negotiate, and sign.
- Leased office (fitted and furnished): Allocate at least 6–7 months from search to move-in.
- Leased office (requiring full fit-out): Plan for around 9 months – 6 months to secure the office, 3 months to fit it out.
Building these timelines into your planning avoids rushed decisions and downtime.
Check internet and mobile connectivity early
As soon as you identify a potential new office:
- Confirm if it’s internet-ready. Professional landlords will have infrastructure in place.
- If not, check broadband lead times and any legal agreements required for installation.
- Test mobile phone coverage using your actual devices – some offices can be blackspots.
Tech readiness is often overlooked until it causes real problems. Get ahead of it.
Final thought – plan an office move with the right support
Want to know how to plan an office move with minimal disruption? It comes down to giving yourself time, involving the right professionals, and working through each stage methodically.
This is just one piece of the puzzle. We’re constantly answering the most important office search questions. See what else we’ve covered and what’s coming next.
For more essential tips and advice, have a look at The Knowledge - and for answers to your questions about London office space, check out our FAQs.
Ian Kitchener
Ian has advised Central London office occupiers for over 20 years - fighting their corner and making sure they get a great office on the best terms. He has a diverse client following, often working with creative companies.