Moving into a new office: what you actually need to sort

You've signed the paperwork and have a move-in date. Now comes the part that often gets overlooked: making sure your team can actually get on with their work.

The jobs on your to-do list will depend on the type of office agreement you've signed. Here's what to get sorted before moving day.

Serviced office

This is generally the simplest option. Serviced offices are usually ready for your team to move straight in, sometimes with very little notice.

Internet, printing, cleaning and utilities are often included in a single monthly fee.

There can be exceptions, so check the details of your agreement before assuming everything is covered. If the essentials are in place, your team should be able to arrive and get straight to work.

Don't forget the finishing touches: coat hooks, phone chargers and updating your website with your new address.

Traditional lease

With a traditional lease, there's usually a lot more to organise. Depending on the condition of the space and the terms you've agreed, you may need a full fit-out before anyone can move in.

Set your budget and agree on a clear brief before approaching fit-out companies. We work with a range of specialists, so get in touch if you need help finding the right one.

Internet is one of the first things to arrange. Installation can take weeks or, in some cases, months. Leave it too late and your team could be relying on mobile hotspots while they wait.

Get furniture on order early, unless your fit-out contractor is taking care of it. It's also worth thinking about how your office might need to change as the business grows. Flexible desks and movable partitions can make future changes much easier.

Then there are all the smaller details that turn an empty office into somewhere people actually want to work: kitchen essentials, a decent coffee machine, rugs, artwork and everything in between.

Think of a traditional lease as taking on an empty house. You're responsible for making it work for your business.

Managed office

Managed offices are harder to categorise because the level of service varies from one agreement to another.

Some come with many of the conveniences of serviced space, including internet, a fitted kitchen and refreshments. Others provide little more than the premises themselves, leaving you to organise much of the setup yourself.

Don't assume that a managed office includes everything you need. Read the agreement carefully, inspect the space and establish exactly what's provided and what you'll need to arrange separately.

These spaces can sometimes be ready within a few weeks, but timings vary. Start planning as soon as your move-in date is confirmed to give yourself the best chance of a smooth first day.

Move-in checklist