Aug 11, 2025
If you’re running a business in Southern California, especially in bustling San Diego County, you’ve probably noticed that finding the perfect office space is a bit like trying to snag a parking spot in La Jolla during summer. It’s competitive, pricey, and sometimes just not worth the stress.
That’s why more and more companies are looking east, to the Inland Empire, for their next chapter. With its lower commercial real estate costs, growing talent pool, and proximity to major highways and airports, the Inland Empire is quickly becoming a smart choice for businesses that want to grow without breaking the bank.
But here’s the thing: moving an office isn’t just about packing up desks and rolling in the moving trucks. It’s about making a strategic shift that keeps operations running, employees happy, and your business positioned for success. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or simply seeking a better location, this office moving guide will walk you through the move, step by step, so you can relocate without losing your mind (or your best employees).
You’ve heard the saying: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” When it comes to moving a corporate office, that couldn’t be truer. If you’re a larger organization, start planning a year out. Smaller teams may get away with three to six months, but the earlier, the better.
Begin with a clear “why”:
Once you’ve nailed down your goals, assemble a move committee, ideally with reps from facilities, HR, IT, and operations. Their first job? Build a detailed timeline that covers everything from scouting locations to moving day and post-move evaluations.
Pro tip: Inland Empire locations can shave thousands off your lease costs, but commute times matter. Factor in major corridors like I-15 and SR-60 so your team doesn’t face a daily freeway battle.
Office moves are notorious budget busters, and not because of the moving truck. You’ll need to budget for:
Review your current lease for restoration requirements. Some landlords expect the space to be returned to its original condition. And when negotiating your new lease, see if you can secure an overlap period for a smoother move-in.
Set aside a 10–15% contingency fund. As is always the case, there will likely be something you didn’t plan for, such as an extra moving day, last-minute repairs, or replacing something that got damaged in transit.
An office move can trigger all kinds of emotions for employees — excitement, stress, even uncertainty about their commute or work routine. That’s why transparent, early, and ongoing communication is key.
Don’t forget your external stakeholders: clients, vendors, and partners. Update them well before the move so there are no surprises. And, yes, update your Google Business profile the same week you move in.
Not all movers are created equal. For a corporate relocation, choose a professional moving company with proven commercial experience in the Inland Empire. Ask for references and confirm insurance coverage.
Packing tips for a stress-free move:
Pro Tip: If you’re moving from coastal offices, heat can be a factor. Make sure IT equipment and sensitive items travel in climate-controlled conditions.
If there’s one decision that can make or break your office relocation, it’s picking the right moving partner. Moving an entire office isn’t the same as moving a household because there’s expensive tech, specialized furniture, and the pressure of keeping downtime to a minimum.
What to look for in an office mover:
Pro tip 1: Request a site walkthrough before you commit. A good mover will visit both your current and future locations to identify challenges in advance, like narrow loading docks, elevator size limits, or restricted move-in hours.
Pro tip 2: Summer moves can be tricky in Southern California. Choose movers who can work in early morning windows to avoid both heat and peak traffic.
If there’s one thing that can grind your business to a halt, it’s tech downtime. Avoid it by:
Pro tip: Moves are a perfect opportunity to upgrade outdated tech rather than lugging it to your new space.
Once the furniture is in and the Wi-Fi’s live, take a breath but don’t lose focus.
The move isn’t officially “done” until you’ve:
Then, celebrate! Host a small office-warming event, invite clients if it fits your brand, and acknowledge your team’s hard work. It’s a fresh start, so make it feel like one.
| Phase | Key Actions | Tip |
| 1. Planning | Define goals, assemble a move committee, create a timeline | Factor in Inland Empire commute routes (I-15, SR-60, SR-91) for employee access |
| 2. Budgeting | Include moving, IT, downtime, marketing updates, and contingency fund | Compare Inland vs. San Diego County lease costs for long-term savings |
| 3. Communication | Announce early, hold Q&A sessions, send weekly updates | Offer hybrid work options to ease commute concerns |
| 4. Choosing Movers | Vet commercial experience, insurance, references, local knowledge | Schedule summer moves for early mornings to beat traffic and heat |
| 5. Logistics | Inventory assets, color-code packing, secure disposal for old tech | Use climate-controlled transport for sensitive electronics |
| 6. IT & Infrastructure | Back up data, photograph setups, schedule service transfers | Book ISPs early — Inland areas may have longer installation wait times |
| 7. Settling In | Set up common areas, offer tours, and have a support desk for the first week | Provide coffee/snacks to make the transition feel positive |
| 8. Post-Move | Walkthrough for fixes, update addresses, collect feedback, celebrate | Host an office-warming and invite local partners |
For San Diego County companies, moving to Inland Empire can mean bigger spaces, lower costs, and better access to regional talent, all without losing Southern California’s business advantages.
Thinking about your own Inland Empire move? Relocating your office doesn’t have to mean lost time or stressed-out employees. At Oakley Relocation, we specialize in seamless corporate moves for San Diego County businesses heading to the Inland Empire and beyond. From meticulous planning to move-in day setup, our team handles every detail so you can focus on running your business. Let’s make your next chapter your best one; contact Oakley Relocation today to get started.
