Packing for an office move isn’t exactly something most people do every day. So, when you’re suddenly facing boxes, bubble wrap, and half-written to-do lists, it can all feel like a bit too much. That, right there, is why early prep pays off.
This office moving guide is for business owners and office managers who’d rather avoid the last-minute chaos. By thinking ahead—just a little—you can cut through the clutter and make your commercial move checklist work for you, not against you.
Whether you’re organising a business move across town or shifting your entire team to a new postcode, this breakdown of what to pack first when moving office should make your next step feel clearer—and quicker. If you’re just comparing quotes or looking for planning tools, try our house removals quote page too—it’s a useful starting point for any kind of move.
Important Documents and Files
If there’s one thing you don’t want to scramble for during an office move, it’s critical paperwork. So, start here.
Begin by digitising what you can—it’s safer, quicker to search, and takes up zero physical space. For hard copies you need to keep, store them in labelled folders and separate them by category: financials, legal, contracts, and so on. Backups, both cloud and physical, are smart insurance.
Packing for an office move should start with what’s least replaceable. Sorting your documents first gives your office relocation tips list a stronger foundation.
Personal Items and Desk Accessories
Everyone’s desk ends up being a bit of a mystery drawer, doesn’t it? Pens that don’t work, half-used notebooks, three stress balls, and a few coffee mugs no one wants to claim.
Ask your team to start clearing out early. It helps stop clutter piling up in the final days and means fewer awkward decisions under pressure. It’s one of the simplest office relocation tips that actually makes a difference when you’re moving business premises.
Archived Paperwork
Old invoices, HR files from years ago, or that stack of paperwork no one’s touched since 2019—these are exactly the kinds of things to box up first.
They’re not part of daily operations, so they won’t disrupt anything by being packed early. Just make sure they’re clearly labelled and kept in order. In a way, this step clears mental space too. It’s the kind of quiet progress that makes organising a business move feel a bit less overwhelming.
Rarely Used Office Supplies
You know that cupboard—every office has one. Full of outdated forms, spare printer paper, old envelopes, or random label rolls that don’t fit anything anymore.
These bits might seem small, but they add up. Boxing them up now helps create breathing room, and it won’t interrupt anyone’s workflow. Plus, it’s a good chance to bin what you’ll never use again. For packing for an office move, small wins like this tend to stack up pretty nicely.
Decorative Items and Wall Art
Framed prints, branded signs, the odd motivational quote—none of these are doing much to keep your business ticking over day to day.
So, pack them early. They’re usually fragile, so wrapping them properly now avoids the rush (and the risk) later. Removing decorations also clears visual space, which helps teams focus on what still needs doing. It’s a small but useful part of any commercial move checklist—and one less thing to worry about the night before.
Books and Reference Materials
They’re heavy, they gather dust, and they rarely make the “urgent” pile—books are the classic early-pack item.
Get them boxed up in smaller cartons to avoid back strain and label each by topic or department. These tend to take up valuable shelf space without really pulling their weight day to day, so shifting them now gives you a bit more breathing room. For anyone wondering how to move office efficiently, this step’s a quiet time-saver.
Extra Stationery and Inventory
From branded pens to unopened staplers and spare folders—these bits don’t need to be lying around during the last week of work.
Box up any surplus stationery now, grouping items by type or team. Slap on a clear label so unpacking’s easier later. For those building an office moving guide that actually helps, this kind of early action makes all the difference. You’ll be amazed how much smoother things go when every biro has a box.
Old Electronics and Cables
Tangled wires, spare keyboards, mystery chargers—these build up fast and slow you down if left to the last minute.
Start with the gear you know won’t be missed right now. Wrap cables, label everything, and sort anything broken or outdated for recycling. It’s a bit of a faff, but it clears serious drawer space. If you’re serious about how to move office efficiently, this step does double duty—tidying and decluttering in one go.
Non-Essential Furniture
Every office has that spare chair no one uses or the filing cabinet with a wonky drawer.
Now’s the time to deal with them. Disassemble what you can, label the parts, and group items that aren’t in daily use. You’ll free up space for packing zones and make moving day that little bit less chaotic. Adding this to your commercial move checklist helps reduce those bulky surprises that always seem to show up at the last minute.
Kitchen Supplies and Pantry Items
The office kitchen tends to be a magnet for clutter—mugs, spare utensils, half-empty tea boxes, and expired biscuits.
Start thinning it out early. Bin anything past its date, pack non-essentials like extra cutlery or plates, and leave just the basics until the last day. If you’re moving business premises and want things to stay clean and stress-free, this is an easy win. It’s the sort of task that sounds small but feels big once it’s done.
Final Packing Tip List
Before you tape the last box shut, keep these in mind:
- Label every box clearly by category or department
- Keep a separate “first day” essentials box
- Use colour-coded labels for quicker unloading
- Double-check backups of digital files
- Set aside basic supplies for your final workday
- Declutter as you pack—don’t move what you don’t need
- Book your movers early, ideally with weekend availability to avoid disruption
For weekend slots or commercial quotes, contact us today