Planning timeline
Start eight to twelve weeks before the move. Appoint one person to own the project and make decisions, and agree the move date with both landlords. If you can, overlap the two leases by a few days so you are not moving under pressure.
Decide early whether to move after hours or over a weekend. That choice affects building approvals, IT planning and how many people you need on the day.
IT and equipment
Plan IT first. Arrange internet at the new office well in advance, map where every workstation, printer and network point will go, and label every device and cable before it is unplugged.
Make a list of special items such as servers, safes, copiers and AV equipment, and decide who moves each one. Some may need the supplier to disconnect and reconnect them.
Staff communication
Tell staff early, with the date, new address, parking and access arrangements. Give each person a simple packing guide and a label scheme for their desk. A short FAQ saves dozens of repeated questions.
Consider a remote-working day during the physical move so the team stays productive.
Building access and approvals
Both buildings usually need approvals from landlord or facility management, a booked loading bay and service lift, and confirmation of allowed working hours. Free zones and some business districts may have extra requirements, so ask early and share the details with your mover.
Move day
Use a colour-coded floor plan for the new office so every labelled item goes straight to the right place. Have a supervisor at each location, decide the loading order in advance, and keep a list of anything that needs fixing before sign-off.
After the move
Test IT and phones first, then walk the floor with a snagging list. Update your address with clients, suppliers, government portals and your website, and collect feedback from staff in the first week.
SmileShift plans and carries out office relocations in Dubai, including after-hours moves. WhatsApp us at +971 54 766 7436 with your current and new office details.
