The Hidden Cost of Office Relocation and Why Office Space Decommissioning Can Outweigh the Move Itself
If you’re planning an office relocation, you’re probably budgeting for trucks, movers, and the shiny “new space” build-out.
But here’s the truth no one tells you:
The bulk of your relocation costs often aren’t about getting your belongings to the new space at all.
In fact, office decommissioning — the process of properly clearing, cleaning, and restoring your old space — can add up to three to five times the cost of the actual move. If done correctly, it doesn’t have to be that cost prohibitive (And that’s where we come in)
The “Other Move” Everyone Forgets
Most companies pour all their attention into the new office: picking finishes, answering construction questions, setting up tech, and planning the big unveiling. Meanwhile, the old space quietly becomes an afterthought.
Furniture? Equipment? That dusty server rack in the corner? “We’ll figure it out later.”
Except “later” often turns into a mad scramble against lease deadlines — and an expensive one.
If you think you can leave the furniture for the landlord, think again. Most commercial leases contain very specific requirements for how the space must be returned, and if you don’t meet them, your deposit is at risk. Your landlord is entirely within their rights to use that deposit to cover removal, disposal, or repairs.
What “Broom Swept” Really Means
Many leases require the space to be returned “broom swept,” which sounds simple until you see what it actually involves:
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Removing all furniture, workstations, shelving, and storage
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Clearing out IT and AV equipment
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Disconnecting and removing all cabling you installed
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Ensuring all floors are free of debris and vacuumed
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Restoring the space to its original condition
That’s a lot more than grabbing a broom. And in Manhattan or other major cities, it’s complicated by building access rules, elevator schedules, and disposal regulations.
Why DIY Can Cost You More
Many companies assume a standard moving company will handle decommissioning. Most won’t. And even if they do, they often lack the expertise to guide you through lease compliance, liquidation opportunities, and tight deadlines.
Trying to manage it yourself can backfire, especially when:
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You overvalue what your old assets are worth
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You underestimate the time it takes to liquidate or remove them
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You run out of time, triggering penalties or “buy-back days” on the old lease
This is where transition management experts earn their keep. They know how to protect your deposit, minimize costs, and keep your business focused on… well, business.
Three Ways Decommissioning Can Impact Your Bottom Line
When it comes to furniture and equipment you’re not taking with you, there are three possible outcomes:
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Net Positive – You sell assets and see a cash return.
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Net Zero – You donate contents or have them removed at no cost.
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Net Negative – Items are recycled or disposed of at a cost to you.
A decommissioning expert will help maximize your “net positive” potential and minimize “net negative” situations — and avoid unnecessary storage fees for items with little to no resale value.
Why the Lowest Bid Isn’t Always the Best Bid
It’s tempting to hire the cheapest vendor, but if they miss deadlines, those “savings” disappear fast. Extra days in your old space, especially in high-demand markets, can cost far more than a reliable team would have.
The right decommissioning partner will:
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Develop a detailed plan and schedule
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Provide transparent pricing up front
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Navigate building rules and union requirements
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Coordinate liquidation, donation, and recycling
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Ensure you’re fully compliant with your lease
The Real Takeaway
If you focus only on the “hard costs” of relocation (trucks, movers, new build-out), you’ll miss the soft costs that can quietly overshadow the whole project.
A transition management expert doesn’t just move furniture — they protect your bottom line, reduce downtime, and keep your team focused on what matters.
Bottom line? The savings from a well-managed office decommissioning often more than cover the cost of your actual move.
Ready to Make Your Move Without the Surprises?
Don’t let hidden decommissioning costs drain your budget or jeopardize your deposit. At Recon Furniture & Relocation, we handle every detail — from furniture liquidation to full lease compliance — so you can focus on running your business, not clearing out your old space.
Call us today at (262) 641-8163 or request a free quote to see how our expert decommissioning services can save you time, stress, and money.