Moving office is a big decision that impacts far more than just your address. The right workspace can improve productivity, support your culture, attract talent and help your business grow – while the wrong one can create friction and unnecessary cost. With so many options across serviced, managed and leased offices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. These tips are designed to help you approach an office move strategically, involve your people in the process and make confident decisions that work both now and in the future.

1. Review Your Current Office Space

Before looking ahead, take stock of where you are now. What works well in your current space and what do your team genuinely love? It might be natural light, breakout areas or a central location. Equally important is identifying what isn’t working – whether that’s lack of meeting rooms, poor layout or underused space. This reflection helps shape a clear brief for your next office, ensuring you keep the positives while avoiding past frustrations.

2. Involve Your Employees Early

Your people are at the heart of your business, so their voices should be part of the process. Gathering feedback through surveys, workshops or informal conversations can reveal valuable insights into how your team actually uses the office. Involving employees early also increases buy-in and excitement around the move, helping the new workspace feel like a shared step forward rather than a top-down decision.

3. Speak to an Office Space Expert

Searching for office space is effectively a full-time job. An expert advisor can refine your brief, guide you through the market, arrange viewings and handle negotiations – saving you time, money and stress. At LEVEL, we’re impartial and work solely for you, meaning we focus on protecting your position and finding the right solution, not pushing a particular building.

4. View a Variety of Spaces

Online listings only tell part of the story. Viewing spaces in person allows you to get a real feel for layout, light, energy and how the environment might affect your team’s productivity and wellbeing. No two offices are the same, even within the same building, so exploring different options can help clarify what truly feels right for your business.

5. Trial the Space Where Possible

Seeing a space is one thing, working in it is another. If you’re deciding between a few options, trial days can be incredibly valuable. Spending time working from a space helps you understand noise levels, flow, comfort and how your team actually interacts within the environment. It can be the deciding factor between two otherwise similar offices.

6. Make Sure the Numbers Stack Up

Office costs go far beyond rent. It’s important to understand total occupancy costs, cash flow implications and how different options compare over time. This might include service charges, fit-out costs, dilapidations or flexibility premiums. Running financial comparisons ensures your workspace supports your business financially, not just aesthetically.

7. Start Earlier Than You Think

While some office moves can be turned around quickly, that doesn’t mean they should be. As a guide, serviced offices typically require at least 3-4 months planning, while leased spaces can take 6-12 months. Starting early gives you more choice, stronger negotiating power and a far more enjoyable experience, rather than feeling rushed into decisions.

8. Think About What Will Bring People Into the Office

In a hybrid world, the office needs to earn its place. Consider what will genuinely encourage your team to come in, whether that’s breakout space, a gym, great coffee, a roof terrace or collaborative areas. The right amenities can boost attendance, connection and culture, and there will be a workspace out there that aligns with what motivates your team.

9. Plan for Future Growth and Change

Your office should support where your business is going, not just where it is today. Consider headcount growth, hybrid working patterns and how your space might need to flex over time. Choosing a workspace with scalability or flexibility can save you from another move sooner than expected and support long-term success.

10. Focus on Fit, Not Just Finish

It’s easy to be swayed by beautifully designed spaces, but aesthetics aren’t everything. The best office is one that aligns with your culture, working style and values. Think about how the space supports collaboration, focus and wellbeing, and whether it feels like a natural extension of your business.