Change is inevitable. That’s something I’ve heard repeatedly, but it doesn’t make it any easier when it lands right in your lap.

Our firm is moving from our central office in the City to Soho in June, and while the decision has been made, the dust hasn’t quite settled in my mind. As a graduate surveyor, I’m still finding my footing in the professional world, and the thought of relocating, while undeniably exciting, comes with its fair share of doubts and hesitations.

Let’s start with the positives. A new office means a fresh start, and I can’t deny there’s a certain buzz in the air when you’re about to step into something brand new. I’ve been lucky to be involved with the process from the design stage to its current under-construction state. The space itself is impressive. It is modern, open-plan, and equipped with all the latest office perks. One of the biggest draws is having three terraces, an underrated feature for most offices but one that when the summer months hit, will be much needed amenity. I’m already picturing grabbing a coffee and catching some sun during lunch breaks or having a casual Friday afternoon meeting outdoors instead of being stuck in a soulless boardroom. It’s a small luxury, but one that could make a real difference to the workday.

Another thing to look forward to is the area itself. I haven’t explored it much yet, but there’s something exciting about getting to know a new part of London. Different lunch spots, new coffee haunts, maybe even a hidden gem of a restaurant that becomes the team’s go-to for thirsty Thursday. In a way it’s very much like moving to a new neighbourhood. You can search up properties and google “what to do in…” but the truth is, you don’t know exactly what to expect until you move, that’s half the fun.

On a professional level, the move also brings opportunities to meet new clients. Our new location puts us in proximity to different businesses, meaning fresh faces and fresh conversations. It might even open doors that wouldn’t have been there before. In commercial surveying role, building relationships is everything, and expanding our network can only be a good thing.

However, as much as I’m happy to lean into the excitement, there’s an undeniable list of cons that I can’t ignore. The biggest one? We’re leaving the city. Our current office is right in the heart of everything. Easy to get to, surrounded by life, and with an energy that just fits the pace of our work. Losing that and moving somewhere that doesn’t quite have the same pulse is going to be an adjustment.

Then there’s the question of whether our new space fits our brand identity. Interestingly I don’t believe the office we’re in now feels like us. But the area has character, history, and a certain charm that aligns with what we do. I’m not fully convinced the new place may carry the same sense of identity. I worry that maybe it could feel like we’ve just been plopped into a generic corporate box, not necessarily around other commercial companies, instead more of a shopping or tourist experience. I guess I’ll find out soon enough, but I can’t shake the feeling that something might get lost in translation.

I also worry, what if the pubs around the new office are terrible? You’d be right to call that a minor concern, but the right post-work pint is an essential part of office culture. The pub near our current office has been the backdrop to countless after-hours debriefs, celebrations, and the occasional deep-and-meaningful conversation. If we end up stuck with overpriced, soulless chain bars, it’s going to take serious adjustment.

Another worry? The commute. My current journey into work is pretty smooth. One tube line which is predictable (as much as it can be given it’s the London underground), relatively safe, and doesn’t take up too much of my time. The new location, on the other hand, has question marks. It’s well-connected, with three tube lines at the nearest station. However, there have been murmurs about safety concerns, particularly during late finishes in the winter months. The nearest station is rated 9 out of 10 in London crime rankings….. 10 being not safe. It’s not exactly a deal-breaker, but it’s something that weighs on my mind. A stressful or sketchy commute can have a bigger impact than people realise. It means being nervous to get my phone out whilst walking in case it gets snatched, and leaving my bag anywhere other than in my arms at the pub. I’m not thrilled about the added uncertainty, but I’m aware that this is a trend across London, not just where I’m moving.

Then, of course, there’s the emotional side of the move. We’re not just leaving an office; we’re leaving behind a network of people and places that have become part of our daily lives. The lunch spots where we’ve had our best team discussions, the morning coffee runs where you’d bump into someone, the familiarity of the streets we’ve walked a hundred times. It all adds up, and it’s hard to just switch that off. You could argue that it’s stupid getting attached to a place, after all it’s just a job, but doesn’t enjoying where you come to work have a big impact on your quality of life? Perhaps the hardest part is knowing that not everyone is coming with us. Some colleagues have decided that this is their moment to move on, using the office relocation as an opportunity to make a career change. Losing people you’ve worked with closely with is tough, especially as a graduate still finding their feet in the industry. Those unofficial mentors, the people who made your first few months easier, the colleagues who’ve become friends, it’s going to be a big shift not having them around.

So, I sit writing this article trying to picture what life will be like on the other side of the move. On one hand, there’s the undeniable excitement of a new space, new opportunities, and a fresh start. On the other, there’s the sadness of leaving behind the city, a culture, and a team that has made this place feel like home.

Right now, it’s a mix of optimism and apprehension, but I suppose that’s the nature of change. I’m trying to keep an open mind, but part of me still wonders, will this move be the step forward we hope it is, or will we find ourselves missing what we’ve left behind? Just like in every gripping series, I’ll leave you on this cliff hanger for Part 2: After the move.