Written by Sheriff
Owner, Perth Priority Removals · 14 years local moving experience
How to move your Perth office with minimal downtime. Weekend moves, IT considerations, staff communication, and CBD building access tips.
Moving an office is different from moving a home. Downtime costs money, IT equipment needs special handling, and timing is critical. This guide covers everything you need for a smooth Perth office relocation.
Planning an office move? Get a commercial moving quote - we specialise in minimal-downtime relocations.
Planning Timeline for Office Moves
Unlike home moves, office relocations need more lead time.
| Timeframe | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 12 weeks | Site selection, lease negotiations, initial planning |
| 8 weeks | IT assessment, furniture audit, get moving quotes |
| 6 weeks | Book removalist, plan IT migration, notify staff |
| 4 weeks | Start packing non-essentials, update business address |
| 2 weeks | Confirm all bookings, pack archives, label everything |
| 1 week | Final IT backup, pre-move meeting, confirm access |
| Moving day | Supervised move, IT reconnection, testing |
Choosing Your Moving Window
Weekend Moves (Recommended)
Pros:
- Zero business downtime
- No staff disruption
- Building access often easier
- Can work Sunday to test systems
Cons:
- Weekend rates apply
- IT support may cost extra
- Some buildings restrict weekend access
Overnight Moves
Pros:
- Business open next morning
- No weekend rates
Cons:
- Exhausting for everyone
- Higher risk of errors when tired
- IT testing window compressed
Staged Moves
Pros:
- Can move department by department
- Maintain partial operations
- Spread cost over time
Cons:
- Longer total disruption
- More coordination required
- Running two sites temporarily
Perth CBD Building Access
CBD moves have specific challenges. Here's what to know about major Perth buildings:
Common CBD Building Requirements
| Building Type | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|
| Premium towers (QV1, Brookfield Place) | Loading dock booking, security clearance, goods lift only, specific hours |
| Mid-tier buildings | Loading dock booking, after-hours access keys |
| Older buildings (St Georges Tce heritage) | Limited lift access, narrow corridors, no loading dock |
Key Steps for CBD Moves
- Contact building management early - 4+ weeks notice
- Get loading dock booking - Morning slots go fast
- Confirm goods lift availability - Passenger lifts often prohibited
- Security clearances - Our team may need passes
- Parking permits - If no loading dock, council permits needed
Perth CBD Buildings We've Moved
- QV1 Tower
- Brookfield Place
- Exchange Tower
- Central Park
- 140 St Georges Terrace
- Westralia Plaza
- St Martins Tower
We know the quirks of each building. Get a CBD office quote.
IT and Equipment Considerations
This is where office moves commonly fail.
Pre-Move IT Checklist
- Full backup of all systems
- Document current network setup (photos help)
- Label all cables at both ends
- Plan network infrastructure at new site
- Confirm internet is live at new location
- Test phone systems (VoIP setup if changing)
- Prepare server room at new site
Servers and Network Equipment
- Shut down properly — Not just power off
- Anti-static handling — We use proper procedures
- Climate control — Server rooms need cooling running before equipment arrives
- Testing time — Budget at least 4 hours for IT to verify systems
Computers and Monitors
- Employee-packed? — Have each staff member pack their own peripherals
- Central packing? — We can pack and label by desk/employee
- Monitors — Original boxes or professional monitor boxes only
Staff Communication Plan
A well-communicated move prevents chaos.
What Staff Need to Know
| Timing | Communication |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks | Announce move, share timeline, address concerns |
| 4 weeks | Provide packing instructions, assign responsibilities |
| 2 weeks | Confirm personal item protocol, desk assignment at new site |
| 1 week | Final checklist, emergency contacts, first-day plan |
| Day after | Welcome to new office, troubleshooting contacts |
Personal Items Policy
Decide and communicate clearly:
- What can employees bring?
- Who packs personal items?
- Where do personal items go during the move?
- What's the policy if items go missing?
Furniture Assessment
Moving everything vs. buying new vs. disposing.
Questions to Ask
- Does it fit? - Measure furniture AND new doorways/lifts
- Is it worth moving? - Old furniture may not justify moving cost
- Does it suit the new space? - Open plan vs. offices
- What's the condition? - Moving is a good time to upgrade
Options for Unwanted Furniture
- Sell — Office furniture dealers buy decent stock
- Donate — Charities take good-condition furniture
- Dispose — We offer rubbish removal services
The Move Day Checklist
Before Movers Arrive
- Final backup completed and verified
- All boxes labelled with destination desk/room
- Fragile items flagged
- Personal items secured or removed
- Building management notified
- New site keys/access confirmed
During the Move
- One point of contact for movers (not everyone directing)
- IT equipment clearly identified and handled carefully
- Items checked off as they load
- Security maintained (who has access?)
- Photos of any existing damage
At the New Site
- Items directed to correct locations
- IT equipment prioritised for setup
- Check items off as they arrive
- Note any damage immediately
- Confirm nothing left at old site
Insurance and Liability
Commercial moves have specific insurance considerations.
What's Typically Covered
- Damage during transit (by the removalist)
- Damage during loading/unloading
- Loss of items during the move
What's Usually NOT Covered
- Pre-existing damage
- Items packed by the client (depends on policy)
- Data loss
- Business interruption
Recommendations
- Review your business insurance before the move
- Ask your removalist about their coverage and limits
- Consider additional transit insurance for high-value equipment
- Document everything with photos before the move
After the Move
First Week Tasks
- Verify all items arrived
- Report any damage (photos required)
- IT system testing completed
- Staff workspace issues addressed
- Old site cleaned and keys returned
- Update Google Business, website, business cards
Things People Forget
- Google Maps - Update your business location
- Website - Contact page, footer, about us
- Email signatures - Company-wide update
- Business cards - Order new ones
- Suppliers and clients - Send change of address
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an office move take?
Depends on size. A 20-person office typically moves in one weekend. Larger offices may need staged moves.
How much does an office relocation cost in Perth?
Small office (10 desks): $2,000-$4,000. Medium office (30 desks): $5,000-$10,000. Large office: custom quote. Get an accurate estimate.
Should I move on a weekend?
Usually yes. The extra cost is less than a day of lost productivity. Discuss options with us.
How do I handle IT equipment during a move?
Backup everything, label cables, transport servers carefully, and budget IT testing time at the new site.
Who should supervise the move?
Ideally one person with decision-making authority. Too many supervisors causes confusion.
What about confidential documents?
Secure shredding before the move, or locked crates during transit.
Planning an office move? Get a commercial moving quote - we've relocated offices throughout Perth CBD.
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Perth Priority Removals
Perth's trusted removal specialists since 2018