Plan Early, Move Smoothly: A Facilities Manager’s Guide to Stress-Free Office Relocation in London

Lease dates in London are set in stone. The moment the contract ends, you give back the keys-nothing extra, no last-minute favours. Plan the move six months ahead, though, and the shift runs like clockwork, shields productivity and can even give staff morale a boost. 

This blog shares the early steps sharp Facilities Managers take, why that groundwork pays off and the Russell Fewins way that keeps every task- and every person-moving smoothly.

Why for large projects, six months out is the sweet spot.

1. Minimal disruption to daily work.

Fixing the timeline long before the move lets your in-house IT team, along with any outside partners, book weekday change slots when the planned usage is low. Systems slip to standby at a known moment, then spring back online on cue. There’s no endless tech blackout and no exhausting weekend dash.

2. Prepared and confident people

With dates locked early, HR can explain new travel routes, fresh desk plans and locker assignments long before a single crate shows up. Employees step into the new office feeling expected instead of uprooted and that sense of ownership feeds straight into higher engagement and better retention.

3. Reassured clients and auditors

A clear, public timetable proves you manage risk, showing everyone when data checks, security tests and asset tagging will happen. Because those tasks aren’t left to the last minute, compliance talks stay cool.

4. A greener, penalty-free move

All our vehicle are Euro VI fleet that meets ULEZ rules, wiping out London’s £100-a-day large vehicle charge. Add a zero-landfill clearance slot and your ESG report is nearly done.

Five milestones that should already be in your calendar

Milestone	Why it matters for an office relocation London project
Break-clause notice date	Triggers internal countdown and external comms
Fixed lease expiry	The immovable all-out day-work backwards from here
IT change approvals	Locks the exact transition windows with suppliers
Fit-out completion	Confirms when furniture and staff can occupy safely
First-day-live review	Resolves snags while crews and contractors are still on site

The Russell Fewins Early-Planning Blueprint

Complimentary Site Survey

We walk both the current and new buildings with Facilities, IT, and Health & Safety teams, spot compliance hot spots, and tag every job to the master schedule.

Single command chain

Planning, packing, dismantling,  transport, set-up and live tests all run under one Russell Fewins on-site crew and assigned team.

Proven weekday transition model

For twenty-seven years-and after winning BAR Commercial Mover of the Year twice in a row, we've shown that staged weekday moves let firms stay open and keep staff calm.

ULEZ-compliant Euro VI fleet

Our clean, modern vehicles travel through Greater London without surprise fees or rushed vehicle changes.

Zero-landfill promise

Unwanted furniture is reused or recycled with certified partners, cutting waste and smoothing the handover with landlords.

Ready to swap deadline stress for deadline confidence?

Book your free Site Survey today. We’ll craft a clear plan that safeguards productivity, keeps your employees happy and meets all legal duties well before the lease deadline.

Get in touch!