How long should the office move process take?

1. Identifying & Viewing Properties

A property solicitor’s main functions are to find you the most suitable property and then negotiate the best financial terms on your behalf. Their role is likely to involve: identifying the right property for you, conducting viewings, advising on the suitability, providing cost analysis of preferred options, negotiating terms, liaising with solicitors, keeping you abreast with progress and monitoring the transaction until completion.

Key People:  Property Consultant  1 - 4 Weeks

2. Agreeing Terms

This is the summary of the agreement between the parties (you and the landlord) and will be used to instruct Solicitors to produce the formal lease.  Usually incorporates: rent, rent free period (and other incentives); lease type, length and start date; rent review and break option provisions; services and service charge;  guarantees and rental deposit; obligations etc

Key People:  Property Consultant and Solicitor   1 - 2 Weeks

3. Legal Advice

The main role of your solicitor will be to ensure that the terms which you or your agent have negotiated are reflected in the final lease.  Importantly, they will negotiate the detail of the lease documentation to minimise your exposure to potential liabilities, and subsequently, to advise you on the implications of the detailed terms in the final documents to ensure you are aware of your ongoing responsibilities.

Key People:  Property Solicitor   4 - 8 Weeks

4. Office Design & Fit-Out

The design and delivery of your new office environment will be central to the continued success of your business.  Fit-out encompasses everything from the space planning, interior design, project management, fitting out & furnishing of your new office.

Key People: Office Design & Fit-Out Partner   4 - 8 Weeks

5. IT & Telecoms

The special handling of your IT equipment and business phone systems are integral to the continuity of your business operations throughout the office relocation project. More importantly, ordering of new equipment, phone and ISDN lines require careful planning and pre-ordering well in advance of the move date.

Key People: IT & Telecoms Consultants  4-6 Weeks

6. The Physical Move

You should use a professional office removals company to handle your removal requirements to relocate your business quickly & efficiently, minimising both business interruption & downtime to make sure you are ready to go on that first Monday morning in your new office.

Key People:  Office Removals Company   2 - 4 Weeks

NB

Please note that these time frames are all approximate as they can vary dependent on your specific circumstances.

There's a lot to do and you are recommended to start the process as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.  However, if you have the RIGHT professional team on board then it is possible to get the moving office process completed successfully in 4-6 months.

Remember that working with the RIGHT professional team for the component parts of your office move is THE single most important MUST DO for a successful office move.

For a more detailed breakdown see Moving Office - Timeline & Actions