By Matthew DeRose – CEO, Nomad Group

The prospect of moving an office can be… intimidating. Many businesses settle for a “good enough” location just to avoid the hassle of relocation. But if you’re growing, hiring, or rethinking your workplace strategy, “good enough” just won’t cut it.

Whether you’re expanding out of a coworking space or relocating your headquarters, this guide will walk you through the move and show you how the right partner can make it seamless, cost-effective, and actually fun.

Step 1: Take Complete Inventory

Before you even tour your first space, take stock of your real needs:

• Are you growing or shrinking?
• What’s your ideal location based on where employees live?
• Are you open to hybrid models, or do you need everyone in a few days per week?
• How much space do you actually use (vs. how much you have)?

Poll your employees. Learn what matters: shorter commutes? A proper kitchen? Phone booths? Outdoor space? You’re not just finding a place to work, you’re designing the foundation of your company culture.

And of course, review your lease: What’s your termination clause? Do you have restoration obligations? Can you sublet your current space?

Step 2: Learn the Landscape

Too many founders overestimate their leverage or underestimate construction timelines.

• Start early! 6 months ahead minimum
• Know what the market is doing (rents, TI packages, availability)
• Understand buildout timelines and permitting risks

This is where a tenant rep broker becomes invaluable. At Nomad, we not only show you what’s out there, we make landlords compete for your tenancy. More importantly, we know which spaces look great online but won’t actually work for your team.

Step 3: Design = Culture

Your space tells your team who you are.

Too many startups move into generic white-box offices, slap a logo on the wall, and wonder why nobody comes in. Intentional design creates a magnetic environment:

• Central gathering space = collaboration
• Light-filled lounges = morale
• Acoustic design = productivity

You don’t need a massive budget. But you do need a vision, and the right partners to execute it.

Step 4: Know Your Levers (Cost Optimization 101)

Rent is just the start. Smart companies save money by knowing what to ask for:

• Use your TI allowance for furniture, AV, or tech
• Ask for free rent tied to permit timelines
• Submeter electricity so you don’t overpay on utilities
• Use broker-vetted vendors (IT, cleaning, cabling) for better pricing

Bonus: Negotiate to apply unused construction allowance as additional free rent. It’s a huge lever most brokers never ask for.

Step 5: Plan for the Move Like a Product Launch

The most successful office moves treat relocation like a team project:

• Create a floor plan with every desk, outlet, and screen mapped
• Assign team leads for IT, comms, facilities, and vendors
• Build a pre-move checklist down to snacks and trash bags
• Establish move-day roles

Meet the landlord and property manager in advance. Your relationship with them starts the day you move in. Set the tone early.

Step 6: Track What Matters

As CEO, it’s your job to know if the office is delivering ROI.

Set baseline KPIs before you move:

• In-office attendance
• Employee sentiment surveys
• Time-to-hire / offer close rates
• Productivity benchmarks

Then track them quarterly. Your space should help attract talent, close deals, and elevate your brand — and if it doesn’t, something’s off.

Final Word: Don’t Settle. Ever.

A great office can transform your company. It’s not just about square footage or location, it’s about how the space reflects your culture, values, and ambition. Whether you’re a 10-person AI startup or a 100-person SaaS rocketship, don’t let fear of the unknown keep you in a space that no longer serves you.

Nomad has helped 150+ startups find, build, and scale into the right space. We’d love to help you too.