Moving out? Start with the handback.

Understand the agreed end condition

Before booking moving day, establish what the old office needs to look like when you return it. Read your lease and any agreed documents, then clarify the scope with your landlord or building management. Each space and agreement is different; do not assume the same checklist applies everywhere.

Reinstatement means returning a space to an agreed condition. The work could involve removing additions, addressing finishes or other agreed tasks. Ask for the expectations in writing and resolve unclear items before requesting a detailed scope.

Create one inventory with clear destinations

Walk through the office and label what will move, stay or be removed. Include desks, chairs, shelving, loose equipment and pantry items. Keep sensitive documents and devices under your own clear handling process.

Label boxes by their destination room or team, not only by their current location. Share the inventory with the people arranging packing, moving and furniture removal so an unwanted item does not arrive at the new office by mistake.

• Move: furniture and equipment needed in the new office.
• Keep aside: essential items needed before and after moving day.
• Remove: unwanted items with an agreed disposal arrangement.
• Clarify: anything that may belong to the landlord or another party.

Work backwards from the handover

Place the handover date on a simple schedule, then work backwards through inspection, cleaning, agreed reinstatement and removal. Confirm building access, lift arrangements and permitted working times at both addresses.

Avoid scheduling the final clean before dusty work is complete. Leave room to check the empty office and address items that only become visible once furniture has been removed. Confirm dependencies with everyone involved rather than assuming each task can happen on the same day.

Close with a documented walkthrough

Use the agreed scope during the final walkthrough. Record any outstanding items, who will handle them and the agreed next step. Keep relevant photos and written acknowledgements with your move documents.

This is a planning guide, not a statement of your lease obligations. For uncertainty about the agreement, seek suitable advice before approving work. A clear scope is the most useful starting point for an orderly move and handback.

Put a plan around your space.

Tell us what your office needs. We can start with the scope, the space and the timing.