Why Office Relocations Are a Bloody Headache — And How To Do It Right in Australia

Moving house is bad enough, but moving your office? That’s next level stressful! From juggling furniture, tech setups, and employees to sorting out admin like updating addresses everywhere — there’s a lot that can go wrong. But with a bit of planning, you can make it much smoother (and hopefully avoid a few grey hairs).

Here’s your guide to the common challenges of office relocations in Australia and what you should do to keep everything running like a well-oiled machine.

Why Office Relocations Are Trickier Than You Think

Relocating an office is more than just packing boxes and hiring a removalist. It’s about keeping your business running while shifting everything from one spot to another. Here’s where things usually go pear-shaped:

1. Business Downtime

No business wants to lose productivity. The biggest issue? You could be offline for hours or even days. Customers get frustrated, and money can be lost.

2. IT and Technology Drama

Let’s be real — no one likes setting up IT systems from scratch. Between internet connections, phone lines, servers, and printers, something always misbehaves.

3. Staff Disruption

Your employees won’t just “get on with it”. Moving throws everyone off their rhythm. People get cranky, confused, or just plain unproductive.

4. Address Update Overload

There’s a surprisingly long list of people who need to know your new address — post office, ATO, ASIC, banks, suppliers… the lot.

5. Physical Move Chaos

Even with the best movers, desks get scratched, chairs go missing, cables get tangled, and suddenly you can’t find the kettle.

What You Should Absolutely Do When Moving Office

If you want your move to be smooth (or at least less painful), here’s a checklist every Aussie business owner should follow.

✅ Move on a Friday — Here’s Why

Moving on a Friday is a game-changer. You shut down Friday arvo, get everything moved over the weekend, and by Monday morning your team’s back on deck with minimal downtime. Plus, it’s easier to get mates or contractors to help on weekends!

✅ Update Your Address — Don’t Forget These Places

Australia Post

Pop down to your local post office or jump online and set up mail redirection. It’s a lifesaver while you sort out the rest of your address updates.

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

The ATO needs to know where you are. Update your details via the ATO Business Portal or call them up.

Banks

Your business bank accounts, credit cards, and loan providers all need your updated address. Some banks let you do it online; others make you come in.

ASIC (If You’re a Company)

Registered businesses have to update their address with ASIC within 28 days. You can do it online at the ASIC Connect portal.

Suppliers and Customers

Send out a group email or newsletter to clients and suppliers about your move. Maybe even add it to your email signature for a few weeks.

Google Business Profile & Online Directories

Update your Google Business Profile so people can still find you. Don’t forget Yellow Pages, True Local, and industry-specific directories.

Council and Licensing Bodies

If you need a council permit, liquor license, or industry-specific approval, update those too — penalties for getting it wrong aren’t fun.

✅ Plan Your IT Move Like a Pro

• Book your telco early: You don’t want to be waiting for NBN to get hooked up.

• Back up everything: Just in case.

• Get professionals: IT relocations are a nightmare — get pros to handle it.

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✅ Make It Easy on Your Team

• Give staff plenty of notice.

• Assign a moving “captain” in each department.

• Consider a casual Friday move — pizza, tunes, and a “moving party” vibe can make it less painful.

✅ Do a Pre-Move Walkthrough

Before you move, check your new office:

• Where are the power points?

• Is the internet working?

• Any safety hazards?

• Organise furniture placement ahead of time.

✅ Clean and Exit Like a Legend

Don’t leave your old place in a mess. Arrange for end-of-lease cleaning so you don’t get stung with extra charges.

Office relocations can feel like a logistical nightmare, but they don’t have to be. With some prep work, proper updates to key organisations like the post office, ATO, banks, and suppliers, and a clever Friday move, you can be back in business with minimal fuss.

Remember — your new office isn’t just a building. It’s a fresh start. Might as well make it count!

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Quickfire FAQ – Office Relocation Tips

1. How do I redirect mail after moving office?

Head to the Australia Post website and set up a mail redirection service. Easy as!

2. What’s the fastest way to update my business address with the ATO?

Log into the ATO Business Portal or MyGov, or call the ATO directly on 13 28 66.

3. Do I have to tell ASIC if I move office?

Yep! If your business is registered with ASIC, you must update your address within 28 days via ASIC Connect.

4. Should I hire a professional IT company for moving?

Absolutely. IT systems are too important to risk; pros can move your setup quickly and safely.

5. What day is best to move an office in Australia?

Friday’s the go — gives you the weekend to get sorted before Monday trading.

6. How can I reduce downtime during an office move?

Plan early, move on a Friday, update key services in advance, and get professional help for IT and logistics.