Setting Up the New Office: What You Must Plan First
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Moving your office or setting up a new one in Dhaka? Congratulations! But before you start buying fancy chairs, here’s the exact order you should follow to avoid costly mistakes, delays, and daily headaches.

Follow this step-by-step checklist that thousands of companies (startups to big corporates) in Dhaka wish they had before their office move.

1. Determine Office Space Requirements

Ask yourself:

  • How many employees now? How many in the next 12–24 months?
  • Do you need private cabins, open workstations, meeting rooms, pantry, server room, reception?
  • Extra space for storage, printing station, or future hiring?

Rule of thumb in Dhaka (2025):

  • 80–100 sq.ft. per person (comfortable)
  • 50–70 sq.ft. per person (budget-friendly)

Example: 20 people team → minimum 1,600–2,000 sq.ft.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Common office setup costs in Dhaka (2025):

  • Rent: ৳60–৳250/sq.ft. (depending on Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, Motijheel)
  • Interior & furniture: ৳800–৳2,500 per sq.ft.
  • IT & networking: ৳3–8 lakh (for 15–30 people)
  • Generator/UPS + electrical: ৳5–15 lakh
  • Total first-time cost: ৳25 lakh – ৳1.5 crore+ (for 2,000 sq.ft.)

Add 15–20% buffer for unexpected expenses.

3. Create a Floor Plan and Layout

  • Draw a simple layout (use free tools like Floorplanner.com or hire an interior firm).
  • Keep boss cabins near windows, workstation in the middle, server room in a cool corner.
  • Plan walking space (minimum 3.5 ft between desks).
  • Must have: Emergency exit route clearly marked.

4. Plan IT and Network Infrastructure (Do this EARLY!)

Most ignored, most expensive to fix later:

  • Structured cabling (LAN points at every desk)
  • Server rack location with proper cooling
  • CCTV + access control plan
  • Wi-Fi access points (1 per 12–15 people)
  • Cloud vs on-premise backup decision

Pro tip: Hire a certified networking company, not just the building electrician.

5. Choose Essential Office Furniture

Prioritize:

  1. Ergonomic chairs (৳8,000–৳18,000 each – don’t compromise)
  2. Height-adjustable or fixed desks
  3. Meeting table + whiteboard/TV
  4. Reception desk + sofa
  5. Lockers or pedestal for personal items

Popular budget-friendly brands in Dhaka: Hatil, Partex, RFL, Brothers, Navana.

6. Arrange Power and Electrical Setup

Dhaka reality = load-shedding & voltage fluctuation:

  • Must have IPS/UPS for computers (minimum 30–60 min backup)
  • 5–15 KVA generator (depending on size)
  • Separate DB board for AC, lights, and IT equipment
  • Earthing & surge protectors

Get it done by a licensed electrical contractor.

7. Plan for Internet and Communication Systems

  • Primary: Fiber connection (Amber IT, Carnival, Dot Internet – 50–300 Mbps)
  • Backup: 4G/5G router with load-balancing
  • IP-PABX phone system (cheaper than traditional lines)
  • Zoom/Teams-ready meeting rooms

Book fiber connection 3–4 weeks before move-in.

8. Ensure Safety and Compliance Requirements

Mandatory in Bangladesh:

  • Fire extinguishers (ABC type) + smoke detectors
  • Emergency lights & exit signs
  • First-aid box
  • RAJUK approval (for commercial buildings)
  • Trade license update with new address
  • BSTI/BEDC electrical safety certificate (for generator)

Your landlord must provide most of these – confirm in writing.

9. Organize Packing and Moving Tasks

Office moving ≠ home moving:

  • Label every carton: “Finance Dept – Urgent”, “IT – Fragile”
  • Backup all data 3 times before packing servers
  • Dismantle workstations properly
  • Hire professional office movers (PacknMove specializes in office relocations in Dhaka)

10. Set a Realistic Timeline

Sample timeline for a 15–30 people office:

  • Week 1–2 → Finalize building & sign agreement
  • Week 3–5 → Interior design & electrical work
  • Week 6 → Furniture delivery & IT setup
  • Week 7 → Packing + moving (do it over weekend)
  • Week 8 → First working day in new office!

Start planning 2–3 months in advance to avoid rush charges.

Final Checklist Before Opening Day

  • All PCs & printers working?
  • Internet + phones active?
  • ACs cooling properly?
  • Pantry stocked (water, coffee, microwave)?
  • Name plates & signage ready?
  • Welcome kit for employees on Day 1

Done right, your new office will boost productivity and make your team actually excited to come to work!

Need help with hassle-free office relocation in Dhaka?

PacknMove has moved 500+ offices across Bangladesh with zero downtime.

WhatsApp/call us today for a free site visit and quotation!