Key facts
- Order business broadband as soon as the lease is agreed: new lines can take weeks to install.
- Survey the building for Wi-Fi: thick walls and other floors need extra access points, not a stronger router.
- Plan network points and power for every desk, printer and access point before decorating.
- Move phone numbers to VoIP early so calls follow you whatever happens with the line.
- Cloud email and files (Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) mean staff can work from home during the move.
- Test everything before the first full working day.
8 to 12 weeks before: connectivity and planning
- Check what the building has. Ask the landlord or agent which broadband providers serve the premises, whether full fibre (FTTP) is available, and whether there is existing network cabling and a comms cabinet. Check availability yourself using the address on Openreach's and your preferred provider's checkers.
- Order broadband now. Installations, especially new full fibre or leased lines, can take weeks. Order a backup connection too, such as a 4G or 5G router, so you are not stuck if the main line is late.
- Decide on phones. If you still have traditional phone lines, this is a good time to move to a cloud VoIP system so numbers are not tied to the building. See VoIP phone support.
- List every device. PCs, laptops, monitors, docks, printers, scanners, phones, the router, any NAS or server, and anything plugged into the network such as door entry or CCTV.
4 to 8 weeks before: cabling, Wi-Fi and layout
- Map desks and equipment on a floor plan. Mark where each printer, TV and access point will go.
- Cabling. Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for desks and printers. Cat6 is the sensible standard for a small office. Get it installed before decorators and furniture arrive.
- Wi-Fi. One router in a corner rarely covers an office. Plan ceiling or wall access points with a single network name so devices roam between them. Keep a separate guest network so visitors never touch your business devices.
- Power. Check there are enough sockets near desks and a socket in the comms cabinet. A small UPS (battery backup) protects the router and switch from brief power cuts.
If the new office has existing cabling, have it tested rather than assuming it works. Old Cat5 runs, unlabelled patch panels and cables cut during a previous fit-out are common. A cable tester or a quick check from whoever installs your network will show which points are live, and labelling each wall port to match the patch panel saves hours later when a desk moves.
1 to 2 weeks before: security and accounts
- Change default passwords on the new router, Wi-Fi and any switches, and turn off remote admin from the internet.
- Turn on MFA for every Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace account if it is not already on. A move is a busy time and attackers know it.
- Check backups. Make sure laptops, file shares and Microsoft 365 data are backed up before anything is unplugged.
- Update addresses on Google Business Profile, your website, email signatures, invoices and Companies House.
- Tell suppliers about any IP address change if they whitelist your office for access to their systems.
Move day and the first week
- Label every cable and device before unplugging.
- Set up the router, switch and access points first and confirm internet works.
- Connect and test printers and scanners, including scan-to-email.
- Set up each desk and log in as a user to check email, Teams, shared files and line-of-business apps.
- Test phones: inbound, outbound, transfers and voicemail.
- Run a speed test at several desks and check Wi-Fi in meeting rooms and the far corners.
- Keep a list of snags and fix them in the first week.
Keep one or two people working from home on move day if you can, using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, so phones are answered and email is covered while the office is being set up.
When to call dijitul support
An office move touches broadband, network, phones, devices, email and your website all at once. dijitul can plan the IT side, coordinate with your broadband and phone providers, set up the router, Wi-Fi and devices, and make sure staff can log in and work on day one. Most of the configuration happens remotely; anything needing hands on site is quoted upfront.
Whole-office moves and network installs are quoted. Smaller pieces, such as setting up a new router or getting a printer back on the network, are £45 an hour + VAT. Related help: network support, Wi-Fi support and broadband and router support.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I order broadband for a new office?
As soon as the lease is agreed. New lines, full fibre installs and leased lines can take several weeks, and longer if building work is needed. A 4G or 5G backup router covers you if the installation runs late.
Do I need network cabling or is Wi-Fi enough?
For a small office, cable the desks, printers and access points, and use Wi-Fi for laptops and phones on the move. Wired connections are more reliable and free up Wi-Fi capacity for everyone else.
Can I keep my phone number when I move office?
Usually, yes. Moving to a cloud VoIP system before the move makes your numbers independent of the building, so they work anywhere with internet. Check with your provider whether the number can be ported.
What IT tasks are easy to forget in an office move?
Changing the router's default passwords, updating your Google Business Profile and website address, telling suppliers about a new IP address, testing scan-to-email on the printer, and checking backups have run before anything is unplugged. These small jobs cause most day-one problems.
Does dijitul help with office moves?
Yes. dijitul plans and manages the IT side of UK office moves: broadband coordination, router, Wi-Fi, devices, phones and Microsoft 365. Whole-office moves are quoted, and smaller jobs are £45 an hour + VAT.
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