Renew your office or relocate? A practical comparison

Decide why you would renew your office or relocate

The choice to renew your office or relocate starts with the next period of work. Write what is working in the current office and what now causes difficulty. Use specific activities, journeys or service issues so you can judge whether a renewal or a move would address the problem.

Imagine your team likes its current setting but struggles with recurring client visits. A new office may offer a better route or meeting arrangement, while an agreed change in the present office might also help. Explore both against the same activity. The decision then rests on the improvement you need, rather than familiarity alone or the attraction of a fresh address.

Ask for the renewal you could actually choose

Request the proposed renewal package, price and terms in time to consider them before your current decision point. Ask whether the issues you identified can be addressed and which changes would form part of the offer. Keep suggested changes separate from an agreed renewal proposal.

Review the current notice and handover process so you know when a decision or response is needed. A renewal conversation does not by itself change those obligations. Record the relevant dates from the actual arrangement and give the decision a named owner, particularly if several people need to approve the next step.

Give the move a complete transition plan

For a shortlisted alternative, compare the confirmed office and package with the same requirements. Then add the work needed to move: preparing equipment, coordinating handovers, testing essential systems and updating arrival instructions. Ask who would handle each activity and what must happen before the team can start.

Consider how the transition would affect important work already in progress. A provider’s attractive proposal still needs to fit your intended start and your current handover. Keep any overlap, unconfirmed move arrangement or unresolved setup item visible. This makes the effort of relocating part of the choice rather than a surprise after it.

Compare improvement, commitment and effort together

Use the decision sheet to put the current problem beside both responses. Include the strengths you would retain by renewing and the improvements you expect from moving. Ask the person coordinating everyday office issues to review the comparison, since their experience may reveal practical work that an attractive proposal leaves undecided. Choose on confirmed proposals, then record the remaining action and the point by which it needs an answer.

If you are considering Figment Work Studios as an alternative, enquire for pricing with your intended transition and the change you want from your current office. Ask about the specific space, package and terms before placing it beside a renewal offer.

Blank renewal-versus-move decision sheet

Use these headings for your own notes. Complete the blank cells from the particular proposal or your observations.

Keep the decision connected.

• Compare the renewal and new-office proposals
• Plan the work involved in moving
• Consider Figment Work Studios