How Long Will an Office Move Take? A Timeline and Strategy Guide
By the Business Moving Group Team – Experts in Commercial Relocation
Planning an office relocation? One of the most common questions we hear at Business Moving Group is: “How long will our office move take?” The answer depends on a few key factors—but with the right plan and professional help, your business can minimize disruption and stay on track.
In this guide, we’ll break down the typical office move timeline and share essential planning tips to help you stay ahead.
What Affects the Timeline of an Office Move?
Several factors can influence how long your move will take:
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Finding and Securing a New Office: This phase alone can take weeks or months depending on your requirements and market conditions.
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IT Infrastructure Complexity: The more servers, computers, and security systems you have, the more planning your move will require.
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Furniture & File Volume: A larger inventory of desks, chairs, files, and storage adds to the logistics load.
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New Office Layout: Finalizing the layout, getting permits (if needed), and setting up furniture takes time and coordination.
Key Considerations for a Smooth Relocation
1. Budget Smartly
Set a comprehensive budget that includes not just movers, but also:
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New furniture and equipment
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Potential downtime or temporary workspace
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Updates to business signage and stationery
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Storage or freight costs
2. Choose the Right Timing
Schedule your move during off-peak seasons or after business hours when possible. This can:
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Minimize workflow interruptions
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Reduce moving costs (some movers offer discounted off-hour rates)
3. Involve Your Team
Form a relocation committee and assign a project manager to oversee timelines, vendor coordination, and internal communication.
Office Relocation Timeline: Actionable Steps
Here’s a proven schedule we use at Business Moving Group to guide our clients:
6–12 Months Before Move
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Begin searching for new office space
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Finalize square footage and location requirements
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Start planning your ideal layout with department input
3–6 Months Before Move
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Order new furniture, cabling, or equipment
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Hire a licensed commercial mover (like Business Moving Group)
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Consult with IT experts on infrastructure relocation
1–2 Months Before Move
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Communicate the plan to employees
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Begin packing non-essential items
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Finalize move-day logistics with vendors
1 Week Before Move
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Pack up remaining items
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Coordinate with your IT team for network shutdown and reactivation
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Prepare the new office for furniture delivery and layout setup
Advantages of Moving After Business Hours
When feasible, after-hours moves offer these benefits:
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No Downtime: Your staff can keep working during the day
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Focused Crew: Movers work without traffic or in-building interruptions
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Flexible Scheduling: Easier access to elevators and loading docks
Why Choose a Professional Mover?
Partnering with a licensed and insured commercial mover like Business Moving Group brings peace of mind and efficiency.
You get:
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Expert Handling: We transport servers, furniture, and sensitive materials safely
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Secure Storage Options: Temporary or long-term storage solutions
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Faster Relocation: We handle logistics so your team can stay productive
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End-to-End Support: From packing and labeling to final setup
Ready to Simplify Your Business Move?
Contact Business Moving Group today for a free consultation!
Visit us at Business Moving Group for helpful resources and to learn more about our services.