Moving office with minimal downtime

Schedule the shift over a weekend or a quiet period so the business loses as few working hours as possible, and appoint one coordinator per department to own their team’s packing, labelling and reassembly. A simple floor plan of the new office lets the crew place desks and cabinets directly, with no second shuffle.

Tell staff, clients and suppliers the moving dates in advance, arrange internet and phone lines to be live at the new site before you arrive, and confirm building access, lifts and loading times at both ends so nothing stalls on the day.

Back up systems before anything is unplugged, photograph cable setups so machines reconnect quickly, and pack computers and screens in proper padding. Have someone accountable for servers, network gear and any cash or sensitive equipment throughout the move.

Keep confidential files in sealed, numbered boxes with a chain of custody, and colour-code boxes by department so they land in the right room straight away. Unpack the IT and reception areas first so the office can function while the rest is still being set up.