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Home > Resource Centre > Moving Office "How-to's" > How long should the office move process take?
 

How long should the office move process take?

This guide identifies the key stages of an office move and breaks down how long each of them should take.

 

The Key Stages of an Office Move

1. Identifying & Viewing Office Space

A property consultant’s main function isto 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 office space for you, conducting viewings, advising on the suitability, providing cost analysis of preferred options, negotiating terms, liaising with solicitors, keeping you abreast with progress & monitoring the transaction until completion.

Key People:  Property Consultant   1 - 4 Weeks

 

2. Agreeing Office Lease 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 office lease.  Usually incorporates: rent, rent free period (& other incentives); lease type, length & start date; rent review & break option provisions; services & service charge;  guarantees & rental deposit; obligations etc

Key People:  Property Consultant and Property Solicitor   1 - 2 Weeks

 

3. Conveyancing & Legal Issues

The main role of your solicitor will be to ensure that the office lease 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 legal implications of the detailed lease 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 & delivery of your new office environment will be central to the continued success of your business.  Office 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 management 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 office removal requirements to relocate your business quickly & efficiently, minimising both business interruption & downtime to make sure you are ready to go on that first morning in your new office.

Key People:  Office Removals Company   2 - 4 Weeks

 

Notes and further information

  • 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.
  • 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.
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Planning an Office Move

When planning an office move, you will need to read up and get yourself well-equipped with some essential moving office checklists and guides. Nothing will help you plan your office move better than these free guides.

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Don't move office without them!
 
 

Moving Office Timetable

Don't get left behind

Use this free, interactive and intuitive Moving Office Timetable to keep your office move on track and ensure nothing (and no-one!) gets left behind.

Moving Office Timetable

 
 
 

Moving Office Timetable

How to move office on time

Whilst you can never start the office relocation process early enough, the Moving Office Timetable lays out a recommended timeframe for your office move. It identifies all the major tasks you will need to undertake for your office move and tells you when to do them.

It’s been tried and tested and it’s worked for thousands of businesses who have already moved office.

Moving Office Timetable

 
 

Moving office?

Don't do it alone

Don’t underestimate how much time and money you could waste by trying to manage your office move internally. Working with a professional team of moving experts will ensure a successful office relocation.

The Moving Office Timetable highlights which experts to speak to and at what stages throughout the project, such as:

 
 

Moving Office Checklist

How do you plan an office move?

The short answer is one step at a time! Our step-by-step moving office checklist has been designed to lead you through every stage of an office move.

Get your office relocation off to the right start by using this easy to follow Moving Office Checklist to act as your roadmap for the many tasks involved in an office move.

Moving Office Checklist