Office Moving Costs in London: What to Expect & How to Budget

Office Moving Costs in London: Budget Breakdown

Moving offices in London? Don't get blindsided by hidden costs that can turn your carefully planned budget into a financial horror story.

We get it. You're trying to figure out whether that shiny new space in Canary Wharf is worth the move, or if downsizing to save on rent will actually save money once you factor in relocation costs. The truth is, office relocation costs vary wildly depending on everything from your office size to whether you're moving on a Tuesday or a Saturday, from Zone 1 to Zone 6 or staying within the same postcode.

After 45+ years of helping London businesses relocate, we've seen budgets range from a few thousand pounds for a small startup to well into six figures for major corporate moves. But the businesses that plan properly and understand what they're paying for tend to get much better value (and far less stress) than those who go in blind or try to cut corners.

So let's break down exactly what you can expect to pay, what drives those costs, and crucially, how to budget smart so your move enhances your business rather than bankrupting it.

Office Move Quick Cost Summary: What You're Looking At

Before we get into the details, here's a rough guide to what you might expect to pay for a full-service office move in London:

Office Size	Local Move (Within London)	Long-Distance Move (Outside M25)
Small (5–10 staff)	£1,500 – £4,000	£3,000 – £6,500
Medium (10–50 staff)	£4,000 – £10,000	£7,000 – £15,000
Large (50+ staff)	£10,000 – £25,000+	£15,000 – £40,000+

Prices are indicative for a comprehensive move including professional packing, IT relocation, project management, and basic insurance. Your actual costs will depend on specific requirements, timing, and complexity.

These figures might seem broad, but that's because office moves are like snowflakes — no two are exactly alike. A 20-person law firm with sensitive documents and complex IT infrastructure will cost more to move than a 20-person creative agency with laptops and standing desks. Location matters too: moving from a ground-floor office in Croydon to another ground-floor space is very different from relocating between fourth-floor Victorian buildings in Bloomsbury.

What's Actually Included in the Cost of an Office Relocation?

When you see those quotes, you might wonder what exactly you're paying for. Here's what a professional office relocation service typically includes:

Packing and Unpacking Services

This isn't just throwing things in boxes. Professional packers use specialised materials for different items: archive boxes for documents, IT crates for computers, wardrobe boxes for coats, and protective wrapping for artwork or delicate equipment. They'll label everything systematically, photograph complex setups, and create detailed inventories. For a medium-sized office, packing alone can take 1-2 full days with a team of 3-4 professionals.

IT Relocation and Setup

Your servers, phone systems, printers, and network infrastructure need special handling. This includes safely disconnecting everything, protecting sensitive equipment during transport, and crucially, setting it all up again in your new space. We've seen too many DIY moves where the IT "works" but nobody can print, or the phones ring but go to voicemail. Professional IT relocation includes testing that everything works as it should before declaring the job done.

Project Management and Coordination

Someone needs to orchestrate this entire operation, liaise with building managers, coordinate with utility companies, manage timelines, and handle the inevitable hiccups. A dedicated move manager is worth their weight in gold when you're trying to run your business while managing a complex move.

Weekend and Out-of-Hours Moves

If you can't afford business downtime, weekend moves are essential. But they come at a premium. Weekend rates typically add 25-50% to your base cost, but for many businesses, the alternative of losing several days of revenue makes this a no-brainer.

Specialist Equipment Handling

Got a server room? Expensive artwork? That massive photocopier that weighs more than a small car? Specialist equipment needs specialist handling, often requiring additional insurance, custom crating, or even crane access for particularly challenging moves.

Insurance Coverage

Basic goods-in-transit insurance is usually included, but you'll want to understand the limits. Standard coverage might only offer £1.20 per kilogram, which doesn't go far when your laptop collection takes a tumble. Enhanced insurance covering actual replacement value costs more but provides proper peace of mind.

Storage Solutions

Not everything needs to arrive on Day One. Temporary storage for excess furniture, archived documents, or seasonal items can be invaluable. It's also a lifesaver if your new office isn't quite ready or if you need to stage the move over several phases.

What Actually Drives the Price of an Office Move Up?

Understanding the factors that affect your moving costs helps you budget more accurately and identify potential savings:

Size and Complexity of Your Office

This is the big one. A 10-person startup with laptops and IKEA furniture will cost far less than a 50-person legal firm with multiple servers, extensive filing systems, and partners who insist their antique desk comes with them. Volume matters, but so does complexity.

Distance and Accessibility

Moving from Shoreditch to Canary Wharf is very different from relocating to Milton Keynes. London's congestion charges, parking restrictions, and narrow streets add complexity and cost. Moving from a modern office block with goods lifts to a Victorian building with narrow staircases? That's a completely different ballgame requiring more time, more people, and probably some creative problem-solving.

Timing and Urgency

Need to move next week? Expect to pay premium rates. Weekend moves cost more. End-of-month moves (when lots of leases expire) are more expensive due to higher demand. School holidays can also affect pricing, as many businesses prefer to move when nearby offices are quieter.

Specialist Requirements

High-security moves, cleanroom relocations, or anything involving hazardous materials will increase costs significantly. Even something as simple as a piano in reception or a large fish tank can add complexity and expense.

Level of Service

Basic "boxes on a truck" service costs less than full-service relocation with packing, unpacking, and setup. But before you skimp, consider whether your team's time is better spent moving boxes or generating revenue.

Smart Money-Saving Tips for an Office Move 

Declutter Ruthlessly Before You Move

Every box, every piece of furniture, every random cable costs money to move. Spend time before your move audit to ruthlessly eliminate what you don't need. That broken printer gathering dust? Dispose of it. Files from 2018 that legally need keeping but you'll never reference? Send them to archive storage rather than premium office space.

Plan Early to Avoid Urgent Fees

Last-minute moves are expensive moves. Book your relocation company at least 6-8 weeks in advance to avoid rush charges and ensure availability. Early booking also gives you time to coordinate utilities, insurance, and other services properly.

Consider Moving Off-Peak

Mid-week moves typically cost less than weekend relocations. If you can afford a day or two of reduced productivity, Tuesday-Thursday moves often offer better rates. Similarly, avoid end-of-month periods when lease renewals drive up demand.

Use Storage Strategically

Rather than moving everything on D-Day, consider putting non-essential items in temporary storage. This can reduce the size of your move (and therefore the cost) while giving you time to properly plan your new space layout.

Bundle Services with One Provider

Using one company for packing, moving, IT relocation, and storage is often more cost-effective than managing multiple suppliers. It also means one point of contact and coordinated service rather than juggling different schedules and requirements.

Get the Insurance Balance Right

Don't pay for more insurance than you need, but equally, don't leave yourself exposed. Audit your valuable items and ensure adequate coverage without over-insuring basic furniture and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average cost to move a small office in London?

For a small office (5-10 people), expect to pay £1,500-£4,000 for a local move within London, including professional packing and basic setup. The wide range reflects differences in complexity, distance, and service level. A simple move with mostly laptops and basic furniture sits at the lower end, while anything involving servers, extensive filing, or difficult access pushes costs higher.

Can we move on a weekend to reduce downtime?

Absolutely, and for most businesses, it's worth the extra cost. Weekend moves typically add 25-50% to your base rate, but you avoid losing business days. Many London commercial movers specialise in weekend relocations and can have you operational by Monday morning. Just book early as weekend slots fill up fast.

Is insurance included in the price?

Basic goods-in-transit insurance is usually included, but check the limits carefully. Standard coverage might only offer £1.20 per kilogram, which doesn't adequately cover modern office equipment. Enhanced insurance covering actual replacement value costs extra but provides proper protection for valuable items like IT equipment and specialised machinery.

How long does an office move take?

A small office might be completed in one day, while larger moves can take several days or even weeks for complex relocations. The key is planning — a well-organised move with proper preparation is always faster than a chaotic rush job. Most professional movers will provide a detailed timeline as part of their quote.

What happens if our new office isn't ready yet?

This is where storage becomes invaluable. Temporary storage solutions allow you to move out of your old space on schedule even if the new office needs additional work. It's much cheaper than paying double rent or rushing into an unfinished space that isn't ready for business.

Do we need to pack everything ourselves?

You can, but professional packing is usually worth the investment. Professionals pack faster, use better materials, and know how to protect your equipment properly. They also provide better insurance coverage for professionally packed items. For most businesses, the time saved and stress reduced makes professional packing a smart investment.

What about parking and access issues in London?

Professional moving companies handle parking permits, congestion charges, and access coordination as part of their service. They understand London's restrictions and have relationships with building managers. This is particularly valuable for moves in central London where parking and access can be genuinely challenging.

Hidden Office Relocation Costs to Watch Out For

Last-Minute Changes

Changes to your move plan after booking can trigger additional charges. This includes extra stops, additional services, or changes to access arrangements. The more detailed your initial briefing, the fewer surprises you'll encounter.

Difficult Access Charges

Narrow staircases, small lifts, or restricted parking can add significant costs. Professional movers will survey your premises beforehand, but be upfront about any access challenges to avoid surprise surcharges.

Disposal and Clearance

Getting rid of old furniture, equipment, or documents isn't always included in moving quotes. Factor in disposal costs for items you're not taking with you, especially if they require special handling like electronic waste or confidential document destruction.

Utility Disconnection and Reconnection

While not technically part of your moving costs, coordinating utilities for your old and new premises can incur fees. Budget for connection charges, deposits, and potential overlap periods where you're paying for services at both locations.

The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong

Cheap moves often end up being expensive moves. We've rescued countless relocations that started with budget providers and ended up costing far more than our original quotes once you factor in:

• Delays that cost business days and client relationships

• Damage to expensive equipment that wasn't properly protected

• Missing items that were inadequately tracked or labeled

• IT downtime that extends for days rather than hours

• Staff stress that affects productivity and morale for weeks

The difference between a £5,000 professional move and a £3,000 budget move can quickly disappear when you factor in the cost of these complications.

Making Your Budget Work Harder

The smartest businesses don't just focus on the cost of moving — they consider the total cost of disruption. A slightly more expensive move that gets you operational faster, with less stress and zero damage, delivers better value than a cheap move that causes weeks of problems.

Consider the bigger picture: What does a day of business downtime cost your company? What's the value of your team's time? How much would damaged equipment or lost data cost to replace? When you factor in these considerations, professional moving services often deliver excellent ROI.

The Bottom Line on Office Relocation Costs

Office relocation costs in London don't have to be a mystery or a source of stress. With proper planning, realistic budgeting, and the right moving partner, you can relocate efficiently without breaking the bank.

The key is understanding what you're paying for and choosing services that match your business needs. A startup might prioritize speed and simplicity, while an established firm might need comprehensive project management and specialized handling. Neither approach is wrong — it's about finding the right fit for your situation and budget.

Burton & Smith has been helping London businesses navigate office relocations for over 45 years. We've learned that the best moves aren't necessarily the cheapest ones — they're the ones that deliver the right balance of cost, service, and peace of mind for each individual business.

Ready to plan your office move properly?

Don't let unexpected costs derail your relocation plans. Get expert guidance tailored to your specific requirements and budget.

👉 Download our complete office move checklist — includes a detailed budget

👉 Get a detailed, no-obligation quote — Contact us for a comprehensive assessment of your move requirements and a transparent breakdown of all costs

With the right planning and professional support, your office relocation can be an investment in your business's future rather than just another expense. Let's make sure you get the move you need at a price that makes sense for your business.