Office Move Checklist: 8-Week Plan for Glasgow Businesses
Most office moves that go wrong were decided too late, not executed badly. The building admin alone — goods lift slots, loading bay dispensations, out-of-hours access, IT lead times — needs four to six weeks in Glasgow, and none of it can be compressed on the day.
This is the sequence we work to with commercial clients. If you want the whole thing project-managed, our office removals team handles planning through to reinstatement.
8 weeks out
- Confirm lease end date and any dilapidations obligations at the outgoing premises
- Get three fixed quotes based on the same workstation count
- Appoint an internal move coordinator with authority to make decisions
- Book a survey of both premises, including lift and loading access
- Price the move properly — see our office move cost guide
6 weeks out
- Book the goods lift at both buildings, with protection if required
- Apply for loading bay dispensation through the council if you are in the city centre
- Confirm out-of-hours building access with landlord or facilities management
- Order any new furniture, allowing for lead times
- Brief your IT provider on the server and network migration sequence
4 weeks out
- Notify broadband, telephony and utility providers — connectivity lead times are the single most common cause of downtime
- Update your registered address with Companies House, HMRC, bank and insurers
- Plan the new floor layout and number every desk position
- Arrange licensed disposal of old furniture and confidential paper
- Confirm whether the Glasgow LEZ affects your vehicles — details here
2 weeks out
- Issue crate labels matched to the new floor plan
- Brief all staff on what they pack themselves and what the crew handles
- Confirm crew size, vehicle size and arrival times in writing
- Arrange building security cover for the move window
- Photograph the outgoing premises for the dilapidations record
Move week and moving day
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Two days before | Staff clear desks into labelled crates. IT backs up and images machines. |
| Day before | Non-essential equipment moved. Signage placed at both buildings. |
| Move day, early | Lift protection fitted, loading bay secured, route walked with crew. |
| Move day, main | Furniture then IT, unloaded direct to numbered positions. |
| Move day, end | IT reconnection and test. Walk-through of the old premises. |
| Next morning | Coordinator on site early to resolve snags before staff arrive. |
The first week in the new premises
- Test every workstation, phone line and printer before staff arrive
- Report any transit damage in writing within 24 hours
- Confirm fire evacuation routes and brief staff
- Update your Google Business Profile and website with the new address
- Return keys and settle dilapidations at the outgoing premises
Who does what on the day
Office moves go wrong when nobody owns a decision. Before the day, agree in writing who holds each of these roles — and make sure the crew knows which person to ask.
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Move coordinator | Single point of contact. Answers access and placement questions on the spot |
| Floor marshal | Stationed at the new premises, directs items to numbered positions |
| IT lead | Sequences decommission and reinstall, tests before sign-off — see IT relocation |
| Facilities contact | Holds lift bookings, building access and out-of-hours permissions |
| Departmental leads | Confirm their area is packed and labelled before the crew arrives |
One coordinator with authority beats three managers with opinions. Crews work measurably faster when there is a single person to ask.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an office move take?
A 10-person office is usually one day. Above 20 workstations it is commonly phased across a weekend to avoid downtime.
Should staff pack their own desks?
Yes for personal items and desk contents. Leave IT, furniture and shared storage to the crew.
What causes most delays?
Connectivity. Broadband and telephony lead times routinely run four to six weeks, so order early.
Do you provide crates?
Yes, delivered in advance and collected after the move.
Moving your Glasgow business? We will build the schedule around your downtime window and manage the building admin for you. Get a free fixed quote or call +44 7424 958288.
Moving in Glasgow?
Free, no-obligation quote — tenements, flats & houses.