A corporate relocation is one of the highest-stakes projects a facilities team will undertake. Done well, it accelerates business momentum. Done poorly, it disrupts revenue, demoralizes employees, and burns budget on avoidable mistakes. This checklist is built from CIG's experience managing relocations across the Southeast.
6 Months Out
- Finalize the new lease and confirm possession date
- Engage an independent project manager to oversee build-out and move
- Begin space planning with architect or workplace strategist
- Establish total project budget with contingency (10-15%)
- Identify key stakeholders and define decision-making authority
4 Months Out
- Approve final floor plan and furniture layout
- Issue construction bid package to qualified GCs
- Order long-lead-time furniture and FF&E
- Begin IT and AV planning with internal team and vendors
- Notify utility providers (power, internet, phone) of cutover date
3 Months Out
- Award construction contract and break ground on build-out
- Schedule decommissioning of current space (carpet repair, paint, restoration)
- Select and contract commercial moving company
- Communicate move details to all employees with FAQ document
- Plan for parking, building access, and security credentials at new location
1 Month Out
- Conduct pre-move walkthrough; confirm construction punch list
- Distribute packing materials and labeling system to employees
- Test IT infrastructure at new space (network, phones, conferencing)
- Final move logistics meeting with PM, mover, IT, and facilities
- Update business address with vendors, customers, registrations, USPS
Move Week
- Stage move during off-hours (weekend) to minimize downtime
- Maintain a Day 1 triage desk for issues and quick resolution
- IT validates every workstation, printer, and conference room
- Final inspection of old space; return keys
- Welcome employees with orientation and refreshments on first day
30 Days Post-Move
- Collect employee feedback on workspace functionality
- Address punch-list items with GC
- Finalize lessons-learned debrief with project team
- Reconcile final budget against original estimate
Want this checklist tailored to your specific move? Schedule a free planning session with CIG.