7 Office Relocation Tips for Finding the Perfect Space (with Examples)

7 Office Relocation Tips for Finding the Perfect Space (with Examples)

Finding the right office space isn’t easy. As each business is different, there is no one-size-fits all solution, meaning those managing the office relocation must plan carefully before commissioning construction work.

In this blog, we offer useful tips on how to find the ideal office. We also use case study examples so you can see how other businesses approach relocation projects.

Ready? Let’s get moving…

Tip 1 – Plan Ahead

Recently, HSBC announced it is swapping its global headquarters in Canary Wharf for a smaller space in the City of London and are planning to relocate in late 2026.

HSBC has clearly anticipated that the move will be a big operation. Whatever the size of your business, it’s worth weighing up your future space requirements long before your lease expires. As you will discover, there is a lot to consider, so it’s best to be prepared to avoid pitfalls.

Tip 2 – Consider Your Working Style and Culture

The space you choose will partly be determined by how you work. Your working style and office setup may also be linked to your culture. For example, some corporate firms, like WeSoda in London, have plenty of private spaces for senior management. Others, like Hudl, operate with an egalitarian approach where all employees have the flexibility to choose where they want to work.  

But how do you find an office that serves your working style and culture best? If you’ve got a shortlist of spaces, consider finding a good fit out company that can give advice on whether your preferred location will accommodate your needs.

Tip 3 – Talk to Staff About Amenities

These days, many office designs include a range of amenities for employees, from fitness studios to gaming areas to bars and artisan coffee.

As a starting point, ask employees what amenities they value most and what they would like to see in the new space. If you don’t have the space or budget for non-essential amenities, this could help inform your decision as to where to move. For example, you could source a space near to local gyms and eateries, rather than working these facilities into the design.

Tip 4 – Think About Your Environmental Impact

Is your company passionate about sustainability? If yes, then this could be a factor in where you relocate to. 

You could also think about how your working style and size of the space impacts the environment. For example, a hybrid working model will mean employees use less fuel, helping to lower your carbon footprint. Adopting hybrid working may also mean finding a smaller space, which could lower energy use.

Tip 5 – Plan for the Future

Your future plans are very important when it comes to choosing a new space, particularly when it comes to financial goals. In fact, HSBC’s downsize is part of a plan to reduce its worldwide office space by nearly 40% post pandemic to cut costs.

Another key factor to think about when looking for a space is the future headcount. Consider if there are certain departments you want to grow, and whether the new space will accommodate the expanding teams. 

Tip 6 – Bring Operations Together in One Place

For retail and manufacturing companies it makes sense to bring all operations into one place to improve workflow. Naturally, finding a place that can facilitate this kind of setup will inform your decision as to where to move.

For example, Simpsons Wine Estate transformed a countryside barn into an office and winery. The space allows the company to produce the wine, manage the business and hold tastings for an additional revenue stream.

Tip 7 – See if the Location is a Cultural Fit

The surrounding location can be as important as the space itself. Ideally, you want to find an area that’s the right cultural fit for your business to attract the right kind of employees and project a clear brand identity.

For a perfect example, look no further than Clerkenwell in London. With so many creative companies in Clerkenwell, including many office furniture manufacturers, it’s a magnet for cool arty types. This in contrast to the City of London of course, which is an ideal location for HSBC’s new offices due to its corporate atmosphere and association with banking.

We understand that an office relocation can be challenging. Click here to read the full blog and hopefully your relocation challenges can be eased.