Moving an office is a project, not a weekend chore. Leases, building rules, IT, staff, clients, and furniture all have to come together on the same day. The good news is that most office move problems are avoidable with a clear checklist. Here is the one we share with small businesses in Austin, San Antonio, and the towns in between.
As Soon as You Know You Are Moving
- Confirm your dates. Know when your current lease ends and when you can get into the new space.
- Pick a move lead. One person who knows the floor plan, can make decisions, and is the contact for movers, IT, and building managers.
- Measure the new space. Get a floor plan and check that your furniture fits. Large conference tables and reception desks can be a challenge.
- Decide what is not coming. Old files, broken chairs, and outdated equipment cost time to move. Plan to recycle, donate, or sell them.
- Book your movers. As early as you can. Month-end dates fill first.
Building Rules at Both Locations
Commercial buildings almost always have move rules. Ask both building managers about:
- Allowed moving days and hours, including after-hours or weekend options.
- Loading dock reservations and any dock size limits.
- Freight or service elevator reservations.
- Floor, wall, and elevator protection requirements.
- Parking for the move crew and for your staff on move day.
Send all of this to your mover in writing.
IT and Technology
Technology is usually the hardest part of an office move. Plan it early:
- Back up all computers and servers before move day.
- Schedule internet and phone service at the new space well ahead. Installs can take time.
- Have your IT person or vendor handle disconnecting and reconnecting computers, servers, printers, and phones.
- Label every cable and device with its destination desk or room.
- Plan for Wi-Fi, network equipment, and power outlets in the new space.
Two to Four Weeks Before the Move
- Tell your clients and vendors. Update your address on your website, Google Business Profile, invoices, and email signatures.
- Update your mail. File a change of address with the post office.
- Order supplies. If your team is packing, get boxes, tape, and labels.
- Create a labeling system. Number every desk and room on the new floor plan. Every box and piece of furniture gets a label that matches.
- Brief your team. Tell staff what they need to pack, when, and how to label it.
The Week of the Move
- Have staff pack their desks and label boxes with their desk number.
- Empty and defrost the break room refrigerator.
- Pack shared areas like supply closets, files, and the break room.
- Confirm dock and elevator reservations at both buildings.
- Confirm arrival time and crew plan with your movers.
- Print copies of the new floor plan for move day.
Move Day
- Your move lead meets the crew and walks them through both spaces.
- Tape a copy of the floor plan near the entrance of the new space.
- Keep keys, access cards, and important documents with you, not packed with the move.
- Do a final walk-through of the old space: closets, supply rooms, and the break room.
After the Move
- Check that furniture is in the right place and reassembled.
- Test computers, phones, printers, and internet.
- Unpack shared areas first so the team can work.
- Return keys and access cards for the old space.
- Do a final walk-through with your old landlord if required.
Common Office Moving Mistakes
- Starting too late. Internet installs, building approvals, and mover availability all take time. Start planning as soon as the lease is signed.
- Skipping the floor plan. Without a labeled plan, furniture lands in the wrong rooms and your team spends day one rearranging.
- Moving clutter. Every old file box and broken chair adds time on move day. Purge first.
- Leaving IT to the last minute. Computers, phones, and internet are what make the new office work. Schedule your IT vendor early.
- Not telling clients. Update your address everywhere before the move, not after.
How We Help
Elite Star Movers is a family owned and operated moving company, and we handle office and small business moves across Central Texas. We plan around your hours, protect furniture, floors, and doorways, take apart and reassemble office furniture, and place everything according to your floor plan. Every move starts with a pre-move survey so we can plan the crew and the day, and single items are welcome too. See our commercial moving page, or read about high-rise office moves on our Downtown Austin page.
Quick FAQs
How far ahead should a business plan an office move?
As early as you can. Lease dates, building rules, IT, and staff communication all take time. Book your movers as soon as your date is set.
Can movers work around business hours?
Many can. We plan around your hours, so share when your team needs to be working and we will build the schedule around it.
Who disconnects computers and phones?
Your IT person or vendor should handle disconnecting and reconnecting computers, servers, and phone systems. Movers move the equipment.
Planning a Move? We Can Handle It.
Elite Star Movers is a family owned and operated moving company based in Buda, serving all areas around Austin and down the I-35 corridor to San Antonio. Request a free quote or call (512) 358-7827 (main) or toll-free (855) 358-7827. Our team returns quote calls, and Hector Jr leads the crew on move day.
Serving People & Protecting Furniture, Peace by Piece.
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