How to Move an Office with Minimal Downtime

For a business, the cost of an office move isn't just the removalist's bill — it's every hour your team can't work. The goal is simple: staff leave on Friday and start work at their new desks on Monday morning.

Here's how to make that happen. For a full step-by-step list, see our Office Relocation Checklist for Darwin Businesses.

The three keys: Internet and phones live at the new site before moving day · Move after hours · Test everything before staff arrive.

1. Get the internet live first

The most common cause of downtime is the internet not being ready. Business connections can take weeks to install.

• Order the new connection as early as possible
• Have it installed and tested before moving day
• Run the old and new connections side by side for a few days if you can

2. Move after hours

• Friday evening and the weekend is the classic window
• Check that both buildings allow after-hours access, lift bookings and loading docks — see Moving into a Darwin High-Rise
• Ask your removalist about after-hours rates

3. Plan the IT cutover

Work with your IT provider to: - Back up all data before the move - Label every device and cable - Disconnect on the last working day - Reconnect and test at the new site before Monday - Have IT on site on the first morning

4. Make packing easy for staff

• Give each person crates and labels with their new desk number
• Set a deadline for desk packing (e.g. 3 pm Friday)
• Ask staff to keep laptops and personal valuables with them
• Put a floor plan with desk numbers at the new entrance so the crew can place everything correctly

5. Set up before staff arrive

The removalist should: - Place furniture and crates at the right desks - Reassemble desks and workstations where needed - Remove packing materials if agreed

6. Keep customers informed

• Email customers and suppliers with your new address and move date
• Update your website, Google Business Profile and email signatures
• Redirect phones if numbers are changing
• Post a sign at the old premises

7. Consider a staged move

For larger offices or businesses that can't stop: 1. Move storage and archives first 2. Move non-essential teams next 3. Move core operations last, over a weekend

8. Plan for Darwin weather

• In the wet season, book dry-weather windows and protect electronics from rain
• Have a backup date in cyclone season — see our Cyclone Season Moving Checklist

Choose a removalist who has done it before

Ask: - Have you moved offices before? - Can you work after hours and weekends? - Do you have crates for staff? - Can you dismantle and reassemble workstations? - What insurance do you hold? Can you provide a certificate for the building?

✎ Edit: Add your office relocation experience and after-hours availability.

Get an office relocation quote · or see our office relocations service.

Frequently asked questions