Preparing your office for renovation starts with clearing out what you no longer need. A clean and organised space allows contractors to work efficiently and helps you avoid delays or extra costs. Before your project begins, plan a structured clean-out of your office.
Start With Old Furniture
Walk through your space and list every item of furniture. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or dispose of.
Keep only pieces that fit your future layout.
Donate or sell items that are still in good condition but no longer needed.
Dispose of damaged or outdated furniture that won’t fit into your new design.
Arrange for removal or storage well before construction begins.
Remove Outdated Equipment
Check all equipment, from printers and phones to computers and appliances.
Retain what you still use and that fits your new office plan.
Recycle or donate old electronics.
Arrange safe disposal for broken or obsolete items.
This creates space for upgrades and prevents old equipment from getting in the way during construction.
Clear Out Paper and Files
Paper records take up space and add clutter.
Scan important documents and move them to secure digital storage.
Archive physical files you must keep off-site.
Shred documents you no longer need.
Reducing paper loads also reduces the storage space required in your new office layout.
Empty Storage Rooms and Cupboards
Storage rooms often hold unused supplies or forgotten items.
Sort everything into keep, donate, or discard groups.
Use this step to set accurate stock levels for stationery or consumables.
Pack the items you plan to keep and label them clearly for storage during renovations.
Declutter Common Areas
Focus on shared spaces like kitchens, meeting rooms, and reception areas.
Remove old décor, noticeboards, signage, and branding materials.
Clear cupboards and fridges of expired or unused items.
Move or dispose of old chairs, tables, or display units.
This makes it easier for contractors to work and gives you a blank canvas for your new design.
Manage IT Cabling and Infrastructure
Organize and label all cables before construction starts.
Disconnect and store unused network cables and power cords.
Label active lines so your contractors know what to keep.
Plan with your IT team for safe removal and reinstallation.
A clean and organized cabling setup saves time during the fit-out phase.
Arrange Temporary Storage
If you’re keeping furniture, files, or equipment, arrange short-term storage.
Choose a secure off-site facility or allocate space in another area of your building.
Label boxes and keep an inventory list for easy unpacking after the renovation.
This keeps the site clear and speeds up construction.
Plan Waste Removal
Schedule waste collection early so debris and unwanted items do not delay work.
Book skips or bins sized for your clean-out.
Separate recyclables where possible.
Coordinate removal dates to align with your contractor’s schedule.
Involve Your Team
Get your staff involved in the clean-out.
Assign tasks by area or department.
Set clear deadlines for packing and removal.
Communicate what items they may or may not keep.
Team participation ensures nothing important gets lost and helps everyone prepare for the move back in.
Confirm a Clear Site Before Work Starts
Do a final walkthrough before the contractors arrive.
Check that all items to keep are packed and moved.
Confirm that all waste is removed.
Ensure the site is empty and ready for construction.
A fully cleared space keeps your project on track from day one.
