Relocating an office can feel stressful, especially when expensive kit and tight timelines are involved. Still, with the right prep, things don’t have to go wrong. If you’re wondering how to protect office equipment during a move, this guide covers the key steps that help keep office equipment safe, packed properly and back in place quickly.
From smart planning to knowing what to avoid, these office moving tips are here to help. Whether you need an office packing checklist or want to sharpen your office relocation planning, you’re covered.
Assess and Inventory All Office Equipment
Before a single box is sealed, it’s worth spending a little time looking at everything you’ll need to move. An accurate inventory not only helps you plan, it reduces the chances of forgetting something important or misplacing anything mid-move. So, start by walking through each space — from meeting rooms to back offices — and noting down what’s going where.
Here’s what to include:
- Computers, monitors, printers and multi-function devices
- Servers, modems, routers and phone systems
- Furniture with built-in electronics
- Specialist kit or department-specific gear
Create a simple spreadsheet or checklist and, if possible, include serial numbers and current condition. Photos are useful, too — especially for insurance purposes. This step is the backbone of safe office equipment transport, giving your office movers the info they need for a smooth transition.
Use Proper Packing Materials
The wrong box can turn an office move into a costly headache. So, if you’re wondering how to protect office equipment during a move, it starts here. Skimping on packing supplies might seem like a saving, but it often leads to cracked screens, tangled cables or worse.
Instead, opt for materials that are made for the job:
- Bubble wrap and anti-static foam for electronics
- Hard plastic crates for monitors and CPUs
- Strong, double-walled boxes for smaller peripherals
Avoid anything that’s worn, flimsy or already torn. And no, leftover cardboard boxes from the stockroom won’t cut it. Quality matters — not just for protection, but for stackability, too. It’s one of the simplest office moving tips, yet often the most overlooked.
Label Everything Clearly
When everything’s packed up and looks more or less the same, finding what you need at the other end can be a nightmare. That’s why a clear labelling system is more than just a nice touch — it’s part of solid office relocation planning.
Label each box or crate with:
- The department or person it belongs to
- What type of equipment is inside
- Whether it’s fragile or requires special handling
Colour-coded stickers or labels can help, especially for larger teams or multi-floor offices. It makes unpacking quicker and cuts down confusion. A well-labelled box, frankly, is a box that’s far less likely to be dropped, mishandled or misplaced.
Hire Professional Office Movers
You might be tempted to save a bit and rope in staff or a local man-and-van, but commercial relocation safety isn’t something to leave to chance. When you work with us, you’re getting a team that doesn’t just shift boxes — we know how to handle tech, lift without damage, and keep your timeline on track.
Currans Removals bring more than muscle:
- We use the right tools and materials
- We plan for awkward spaces, tight staircases and sensitive kit
- We stick to agreed-upon times, so your business isn’t stuck in limbo
Our office removals service is built for businesses that can’t afford mistakes. From IT racks to designer desks, we’ve seen it all — and moved it safely. It’s not about overkill, it’s about making sure your equipment shows up in one piece, on time, without extra stress.
Disassemble Equipment Where Necessary
Some things are just easier — and safer — when moved in parts. That bulky monitor arm or server rack might look solid, but during a move, all those extra bits can snag, wobble or break. So, it’s often smarter to break equipment down where possible.
Top tips:
- Unclip stands from monitors or screens
- Remove external drives or accessories from PCs
- Bag up screws, bolts and mounts — and label each clearly
- Take quick photos of complex setups before taking them apart
It’s a small step that saves a lot of head-scratching later on. Especially if reassembly has to be quick and disruption kept low.
Protect Fragile and High-Value Items
Certain bits of kit really can’t afford a knock. Whether it’s high-spec laptops, servers, or anything else that would cost a fortune to replace, these items need extra care. Wrapping them properly is one thing, but thinking ahead is just as important.
Here’s what helps:
- Use sturdy “fragile” boxes or clearly marked crates
- Add padding inside and outside the box for movement protection
- Consider additional insurance for your most valuable tech
It’s not about being overly cautious — it’s about covering all bases. After all, safe office equipment transport doesn’t leave things to chance.
Secure Cables and Accessories Separately
Cables seem to have a mind of their own. One minute they’re neatly coiled, the next they’re in a tangled heap no one wants to touch. When moving office electronics, the smart move is to bag up and label every cord, charger and connector.
Here’s what tends to work best:
- Use cable ties or Velcro wraps
- Store cords in labelled zip bags or pouches
- Group accessories with the device they belong to
This simple trick saves your team hours of frustration — and helps avoid mix-ups that could delay getting systems back online.
Establish a Relocation Plan and Timeline
Last-minute scrambles tend to cause more breakages than bumps on the road. That’s why a bit of structure goes a long way. A clear relocation plan doesn’t just keep things on schedule — it helps avoid chaos, missed steps, and frustrated staff.
What to include in your plan:
- Who’s responsible for what (IT, department heads, facilities)
- What gets packed when, and by whom
- When downtime is expected and who needs to be informed
- How updates will be shared during the move
Office relocation planning isn’t just about where things go. It’s about making sure everyone knows what’s happening, when, and why. That way, equipment isn’t left behind, clients aren’t kept waiting, and staff can settle back into their desks with minimum disruption.
Office moves can get complicated, but with a little planning and the right support, they don’t have to be stressful. If you’re looking for peace of mind and practical help to keep office equipment safe, we’re here for that.
Get in touch for an office move quote or a quick chat about your relocation plans with our expertise here at Currans Removals.