Office moving checklist for small businesses

An office move is a project with a deadline and a budget, and downtime costs money. Whether you're moving a five-desk suite or a full floor, the same steps apply: plan early, assign owners, pack in a clear system and protect your IT.

2–3 months out

Name a move lead and set a budget.
Review the new lease for move-in rules, hours and insurance requirements.
Measure the new space and draft a floor plan with desk assignments.
Book movers or arrange your own crew and truck.
Inventory furniture and equipment; decide what moves, sells or gets recycled.

6–8 weeks out

Schedule internet and phone installation at the new space — this often has the longest lead time.
Plan IT: who disconnects, moves and reconnects servers, network gear and workstations.
Order new signage, business cards and stationery with the new address.
Reserve elevators and loading docks at both buildings.

4 weeks out

Announce the move to staff with a timeline and their responsibilities.
Notify clients, vendors and your bank of the new address and date.
Update your address on your website, Google Business Profile and directories.
Order packing equipment and plan delivery a week before packing starts.

Packing system

Give every employee containers for their own desk with their name and new desk number.
Pack shared areas (kitchen, supply room, files) by department with a single owner each.
Keep file order intact — pack files in the order they sit in the cabinet and label the range.
Back up all data before any equipment is unplugged.
Bag and label cables by workstation.

Move day

Have the floor plan posted at the new entrance and on each room.
Put IT reconnection first so people can work the next morning.
Do a final walk-through of the old space for anything left behind.

After the move

Collect feedback on anything missing or broken.
Return keys and access cards for the old space.
Confirm mail forwarding is working.

Why reusable totes suit office moves

Identical lidded totes stack securely on dollies, protect files from dust and spills, and need no assembly — useful when everyone is packing their own desk. Afterward there's no pile of cardboard to break down at the new office.

STORVA offers commercial tote packages for offices across DFW. We drop off empty totes and dollies and pick up the empties; your team or your movers handle the packing and moving.

Budgeting the office move

Build a simple budget with lines for movers or truck rental, packing equipment, IT labor, new furniture, signage, cleaning at the old space, and a contingency for surprises. Ask every vendor for written quotes and confirm what is and isn't included before you sign.

Communicating with your team

Most office moves go wrong because of unclear expectations, not heavy lifting. Share a one-page plan with the move date, what each person packs, the labeling system, the floor plan and who to ask with questions. Send reminders a week and a day before.

Tell staff what to take home before the move — personal items, laptops, chargers and anything they need to work remotely if the new space isn't ready on day one. Set expectations about when phones, internet and shared printers will be working at the new office.

Protecting records and equipment

Sensitive records should be packed by a responsible person, sealed, and kept in sight during the move. Shred documents you're no longer required to keep before packing so you aren't moving paper you don't need. Photograph the back of every server rack and network cabinet before disconnecting.

Rent totes · Use the tote calculator

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should we plan an office move?

Two to three months for most small offices, with internet and phone installation scheduled as early as possible.

Does STORVA move offices?

No. STORVA rents empty reusable totes and dollies for office moves, dropped off and picked up empty. Your team or your movers do the packing and moving.

Where can I see commercial packages?

See the commercial page for office tote packages and to request help sizing a larger move.