7 Ways to Save Money on Your Commercial Move

Commercial moves can be expensive. Between packing up your workspace, transporting everything safely, and setting up in a new location, the costs can pile up quickly. But with a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can make your commercial move a lot more budget-friendly.

Whether you're relocating a small office or shifting a large commercial space, knowing where to cut costs (and where not to) can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

So, if you're looking for practical ways to save money on your commercial move without cutting corners, you're in the right place. Keep reading for seven tried-and-tested tips that can help you stay in control of your business move costs and keep your budget intact.

Ways To Save Money On Your Commercial Move

1. Start Planning Early

The earlier you start planning your move, the more control you’ll have over the costs.

When everything’s left to the last minute, you’re more likely to face rushed decisions, premium rates, or unexpected expenses. Early planning gives you time to compare moving companies, review quotes, coordinate utilities, and work out the best dates to relocate, especially if you’re trying to avoid peak times in a busy city like London.

It also means you can spot potential issues before they become problems, whether that's access restrictions at the new site or equipment that needs specialist handling. A well-planned move is nearly always a cheaper move.

2. Create a Detailed Moving Checklist

A checklist might not sound like a big deal, but when it comes to avoiding extra costs, it's a powerful tool.

Think of it as your moving-day blueprint. It should cover everything from booking transport and notifying suppliers, to disconnecting services and setting up new ones. Without one, things can easily fall through the cracks, leading to delays, service gaps, or double-handling, all of which add to your overall spend.

A solid checklist keeps everyone aligned, reduces downtime, and ensures nothing gets forgotten. You can start one in advance and keep adding to it as your move takes shape, or check out our office move checklist for one that’s ready-made!

3. Declutter Before You Pack

If you want to save money, don’t move things you don’t need. 

Before you start packing, take a good look around your current space. Are there old desks gathering dust? Filing cabinets full of paperwork no one’s touched in years? Outdated tech that’s no longer being used? Moving all that takes time, space, and money.

Use your relocation as a chance to declutter. Sell what you can, donate what’s still useful, and responsibly recycle the rest. Not only will you save on transport and packing materials, but your new office will be cleaner, more organised, and easier to settle into.

4. Label and Organise Everything Clearly

It might seem like a small detail, but clear labelling can save a surprising amount of time and money.

When boxes, equipment, or furniture arrive at the new office without proper labels, it slows everything down. Your team end up wasting time figuring out where things belong, or worse, items get lost, damaged, or misplaced altogether.

Make it easy for everyone involved by clearly labelling boxes with what’s inside and where it’s going (e.g. “Monitors – IT Room” or “Stationery – Supplies Cupboard”). Keep a master inventory list if possible, and group similar items together for quicker unpacking.

The more organised you are on the packing side, the easier and cheaper the unpacking process will be.

5. Minimise Downtime

Lost productivity is one of the biggest hidden costs in any business move. The longer it takes to get back up and running, the more it can cost your team in missed deadlines, delayed work, or disrupted services.

To avoid this, plan your move in a way that minimises downtime. That might mean moving over a weekend, doing it in phases, or ensuring that tech and internet connections are set up at the new location in advance. The goal is to hit the ground running on day one.

If your team can be working while the move is happening or working remotely, you’ll reduce disruption and avoid losing valuable time and revenue.

6. Involve Your Team

A commercial move doesn’t have to rest entirely on one person’s shoulders. Getting your team involved can help reduce costs and make the whole process run more smoothly.

Encourage staff to pack up their own desks, label their equipment, and organise their belongings ahead of time. You can even assign small teams to take responsibility for different areas, like the kitchen, storage cupboards, or meeting rooms.

This not only saves time but also gets everyone engaged in the move and feel more prepared for the transition. 

7. Be Smart with Packing Materials

Packing supplies can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you’re buying everything brand new. Before you place a bulk order for boxes and bubble wrap, take stock of what you already have.

Cardboard boxes from deliveries, sturdy bins, storage containers, even things like spare towels or blankets can be used to pad and protect fragile items. Ask around other businesses in your building or network. You never know when someone might have leftover packing materials they’re happy to pass on.

Reusing what you have and avoiding single-use plastics wherever possible isn’t just cheaper; it’s better for the environment, too. For more planet-friendly planning, check out our post on essential tips for a sustainable office relocation. 

Cut Costs, Not Corners

Commercial moves can feel like a big financial undertaking, but they don’t have to be a money pit. With the right planning, a bit of organisation, and some creative thinking, it’s entirely possible to relocate your business in a budget-friendly way.

Every office is different, but the principles stay the same: plan early, cut the clutter, stay organised, and keep downtime to a minimum. The more thought you put in upfront, the more money (and stress) you’ll save down the line.

Thinking of Moving Your Business? 

If you’re planning a business move in London and want to do it the smart way, we’re here to help. Our friendly team has over 45 years of experience handling commercial relocations with zero hassle and no hidden surprises.

We’ll work with you to make sure your move runs on time, stays on budget, and keeps your business moving forward.

Get in touch today for a quick chat about your plans and a free quote. Let’s make your next move your best one yet.