Office relocations in Los Angeles can transform your business — new space in Culver City boosting collaboration or a Downtown upgrade signaling growth. But without a solid plan, they turn chaotic, costing thousands in downtime and errors. This 2026 office relocation checklist from Affordable Moving provides 10 essential steps for LA businesses, from startups to enterprises, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
Tailored for LA’s traffic, building regs, and peak seasons, follow this timeline (6–12 weeks prep) to stay on track.
Step 1: Assemble Your Move Committee (Week 1)
Form a cross-functional team: project manager (detail-oriented lead), IT rep, HR/facilities, department heads. Assign roles — PM coordinates, IT handles tech.
Tip: Include building liaison for elevator/dock bookings (essential in high-rises like Wilshire).
Action Items:
- Meet weekly.
- Define success: <4 hrs downtime.
Step 2: Audit & Budget (Weeks 1–2)
Inventory everything: desks (200+?), servers, files. Categorize: keep, sell/donate, trash.
Create budget: movers ($2–$5/sq ft), IT ($1K–$5K), utilities ($500), contingencies (20%).
LA Costs 2026: 5K sq ft office: $10K–$25K total.
Checklist:
- Vendor quotes (3+).
- Lease review (old/new).
Step 3: New Layout & Timeline (Weeks 2–3)
Design floor plan: workflow, meeting rooms, IT closets. Tools: Floorplanner/SketchUp.
Timeline: Gantt chart — packing Week 4, move Weekend 8, setup Week 9.
Note: Book elevators/docks 4 weeks ahead (DTLA mandates).
Step 4: Vendor Selection & Contracts (Week 3)
Quote movers (like Affordable Moving), cleaners. Prioritize commercial experience, insurance ($1M+), LA knowledge.
Sign contracts: SLAs for downtime, penalties.
Questions for Movers:
Step 5: Employee Communication (Ongoing, Start Week 4)
Announce early: town halls, emails. Share map/parking/transit.
HR: Address concerns (commutes), incentives (pizza day).
Template: “New office perks: closer to Metro, gym nearby.”
Step 6: IT & Tech Prep (Weeks 4–6)
Backup data (3x), map cabling, test new setup.
Schedule disconnect/reconnect — servers padded/crated.
LA Tip: Coordinate with building fiber (AT&T/Spectrum laggy).
Step 7: Packing & Labeling (Weeks 6–7)
Non-essentials first: decor/archives. Color-code: red=IT, blue=HR.
Essentials last: laptops, phones.
Pro Hack: Numbered inventory app (Sortly).
Step 8: Logistics & Permits (Week 7)
Reserve elevators/parking (LA city permits for streets).
Utilities transfer, signage update.
Moving Day Plan: Crew arrival 6 PM Friday, finish Sunday.
Step 9: Moving Day Execution (Weekend 8)
PM on-site. Floor protection, phased unload.
Team roles: greeters, unpackers.
Monitor: Real-time updates via app.
Step 10: Post-Move Setup & Review (Weeks 9–10)
Unpack per plan, IT test, cleaning.
Debrief: lessons, reimbursements. Celebrate!
30-Day Check: Adjustments free with pros.
LA-Specific Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Traffic/Docks | Night moves, early bookings |
| High-Rises | Freight elevators reserved 30 days prior |
| Peak Season | Book Q1/Q4 early |
| Permits | City hall for streets/parking |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No PM — chaos.
- Underbudget — +20% buffer.
- Poor comms — morale drop.
- IT neglect — week downtime.
- No post-review — repeat errors.
Why Partner with Pros Like Affordable Moving
DIY risks 2x costs/downtime. We provide PMs, crews, LA expertise — Book our Office Movers in LA now!
