A new space brings fresh energy and maybe even a better coffee shop down the street. But let’s be realistic here, it can also get expensive very quickly. Between the moving vans, the new furniture, the lost productivity and the ever mysterious cost of cable installation, your budget can balloon before you’ve unpacked a single stapler.
You don’t have to drain your company’s coffers just to change your address. However, with some planning and a few savvy decisions, you can make the move without making your accountant cry. And yes, there are options like cheap storage that can help to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you’re headed next, without the high cost of taking everything with you right away. Let’s take a look at some practical and budget friendly ways to save money on your office move.

- Photo by Mister Mister:
- Start with a purge. Offices are notorious hoarders. There’s a good chance that you’re storing broken chairs, obsolete technology, and ancient files from 10 years ago. Moving is the perfect time to declutter and purge everything out by donating, recycling, or responsibly disposing of things that no longer serve your team. The less you move, the less it costs, and the less you have. The bonus here is that if you can sell some of the old gear, there’s a few extra pounds back in your budget.
- Move when it’s offseason. Like most things in life, timing is everything. Office removals tend to be more expensive at the end of the month or during peak moving seasons like spring and summer. If you can schedule your office move during a quieter time, you may be able to negotiate lower rates with moving companies. Being flexible with your dates can go a long way when it comes to savings.
- Don’t settle for the first quote. You don’t have to go with the first removal company you find on Google. Reach out to at least three different providers and get quotes in writing. Being specific about what you need and not being afraid to ask questions or negotiate will help you when it comes to managing your budget better. Some companies may even throw in some extras like packing materials or basic insurance if you ask nicely, or at least, confidently.
- DIY what you can. Hiring the professionals to handle your move can be a great investment, especially for larger offices. If you’re a smaller team, consider what you can manage in house. Pack the non essential items yourself, move things like office plants or personal belongings in employee cars, and then list the team to help organise and label boxes. Just make sure that you’re not risking any injuries. Lifting a printer is nobody’s idea of a team building exercise, so call the experts for that one.
- Go cheap with your packing materials. Boxes, bubble wrap and tape can add up quickly, so before buying a ton of packing supplies, check if you can get them second hand. Ask your local supermarkets, book shops or warehouses if they’ve got any spare boxes to give away. Online community groups often have people giving away moving boxes after their own moves. Reuse where you can because it’s cheaper and better for the planet.
- Don’t move everything at once. If you’re transitioning into a new space gradually or renovating before you fully move in, consider moving in stages. You can put things in storage as you go. Desks, computers and the essentials can move with you right away, and the rest can be stored until you’re ready. By using cheap storage solutions, you can avoid paying for a massive moving crew all at once.
- Plan for the tech setup ahead of time. Tech headaches are a top cause of delays and business can go badly when this happens. You shall put on a Monday expecting business to be as usual, only to discover your phones don’t work, the internet’s down, and someone took the modem home accidentally. Avoid those last minute panics by coordinating your tech transition in advance. Work alongside your IT provider or internal team to ensure that everything from Wi-Fi to printers is ready to go.
Saving money on your office move should be a priority for you, and now you know 7 tips to help you get there.