How long to plan an office move?
Find out how long it takes to plan an office move and how long each part of the office move process takes.
How Long does it take to Plan an Office Move?
There are 2 parts to this question and a successful office move will require an understanding of both.
1. How far in advance should you start planning your office move?
As soon as your company has made the decision to move office, the first item on your TO DO list should be to find out the position on your existing office lease. You’ll need to show it to a Property Solicitor to find out what the terms and timeframes required to give notice to your landlord. A Property Solicitor will be able to provide you with the necessary advice as to how you can “exit” your existing office property in accordance with the provisions of your office lease.
The next step will be to determine your office space requirements for the new office. Speak to a local Property Consultant who can help you look at your property and business requirements in order to weigh up and then outline the options.
Best practice suggests that businesses should start reviewing their options 9 to18 months before the expiration of their current office lease - irrespective of whether the company is thinking about renewing/renegotiating the existing lease or relocating to a new office. It is vital that you allow enough lead-time to have as many options open to you as possible - as this will allow you to make the right financial and operational decision for your business.
Once you have established that you are in a position to move office then you can get started on planning your office relocation.
2. How long does each part of the office move process take?
The general rule of thumb for the moving office process can be broken down as follows:
- Identifying & Viewing Office Properties (1 - 4 Weeks)
- Agreeing Terms on your chosen Properties (1 - 2 Weeks)
- Lease Negotiations (4 - 8 Weeks)
- Space Planning, Office Design & Fit-Out (4 - 8 Weeks)
- Office Removals (2 - 4 Weeks)
A successful office move is going to require input and expertise from a wide-ranging team of internal and external people.
In order to keep your office move project on time refer to the interactive Moving Office Timetable which identifies the key stages of an office move and tells you what needs to be done and what time.
