Here’s How You Can Prepare Your Employees for Moving Day

Moving your office can be exciting, but it’s also a pretty big deal for your team. A new space means a fresh start, but it also means stress, boxes, and figuring out who packed the coffee machine. If you want the move to go smoothly, you have to prepare your people properly.

Here’s how to do that without making everyone want to quit.

Tell Them Early and Often

First things first: you want to let your employees know what’s happening as soon as you’ve locked in the move. And not just a vague “Hey, we might move one day.” Give them the when, where, and most importantly, why. People work better when they understand the bigger picture.

Once the news is out, keep everyone in the loop. Share updates regularly even if it’s just “we’re waiting on permits.” It helps people feel included and gives them time to mentally (and physically) prepare. Office moves shake up daily routines, and nobody likes surprises that involve bubble wrap and packing tape.

Get Them Involved

This isn’t a solo mission. You want your team involved in the move, and not just as box carriers, but as decision-makers too. Ask for their input on the new space. Maybe someone has a great idea for how to set up the break room or a better way to organize desk spaces.

You can even assign move champions for each department: people who’ll help coordinate things like packing, labeling, and post-move setup. This gives your team a sense of ownership over the process. Plus, it spreads the workload, so it’s not all on one person frantically yelling about lost monitors the day before the move.

And hey, if you’re downsizing or switching to hybrid, this is the time to rethink what your team really needs in the new space. Ask what works for them because it’s way better than guessing.

Make the First Day Count

Okay, so the trucks have rolled out and the boxes are in. Don’t just dump people into the new space and expect magic. Make Day One feel like an upgrade, not a chore.

You could kick things off with breakfast, welcome kits, or even a short tour if the layout’s totally different. A little gesture goes a long way in making people feel like the move was for them, not just another management decision.

Also, tech setup matters. Make sure Wi-Fi, printers, and all the essentials are ready to go. Nobody wants to spend their first day in a new office trying to get Teams to work in a dead zone.

Moving doesn’t have to be miserable. With a bit of communication, teamwork, and a few thoughtful touches, you can turn a stressful day into something people actually enjoy (or at least survive with a smile). Want your move to work? Start with your people.