Even a short-distance move can add 20–30 minutes to someone’s day — and over time, that adds up. At United Local Movers, we’ve helped dozens of companies relocate with minimal disruption. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to evaluate travel times for your employees — and make sure your next office move supports your team, not stresses them out.
Why Commute Time Is a Big Deal
A longer commute doesn’t just mean tired employees — it can lead to lateness, burnout, or even turnover. People value their time, and if they feel like they’re spending more of it stuck in traffic, morale drops fast.
Smart office relocations include analyzing where people live, how long they’ll travel, and what support you can offer. It shows your team you care — and makes settling into the new space easier for everyone.
How to Check Commute Times the Right Way
Don’t guess — get real data. Here’s how to do it right:
- Gather general locations: Ask employees to share zip codes or neighborhoods (no need for exact addresses).
- Use mapping tools: Google Maps, Waze, or MapQuest let you check drive, transit, and walking times from home to the new office.
- Check rush hour timing: A midday test drive might say 25 minutes, but during peak hours, it could be 60+
- Look at all transport options: Car, public transit, bike routes, and walkability matter differently to each person.
Build a Simple Commute Map
Many businesses use visual tools to see how far employees live from the new office. Try:
- Google MyMaps: Great for plotting multiple home-to-office routes.
- Maptive: Helps turn employee addresses into heatmaps showing average travel zones.
- TravelTime API: For larger teams, this tool gives detailed access to commute patterns and public transit reach.
These maps help you decide whether the new office is truly convenient — or if some adjustments are needed.
Supporting Employees With Longer Trips
If the new location means extra travel for some staff, don’t leave them hanging. Consider:
- Flexible start times: Let early birds come in earlier, night owls later — to avoid rush hour.
- Transit help: Offer subsidized passes or monthly stipends for public transportation.
- Parking support: If possible, arrange reserved spots or discounts near the new office.
- Hybrid work options: Allow remote days to ease the transition for those with longer commutes.
Watch Out for Traffic Patterns
Traffic changes everything. A 10-mile trip in LA can take over an hour during morning rush. Don’t rely on “average” times — check actual arrival windows during peak hours too.
This helps you understand the real impact of your new office address — and plan ahead for your team.
Need Extra Time Before Moving In?
If your new space isn’t ready yet — or you want to give your team a breather before unpacking — we’ve got your back.
We offer best-rate temporary storage so you can move at your own pace. No rush, no pressure — just secure space while you finalize plans and adjust schedules.
How United Local Movers Supports Office Moves Thoughtfully
We know moving offices isn’t just about boxes and desks — it’s about people. That’s why we help clients think ahead and plan smart. Our services include:
- Moving outside normal business hours to reduce downtime
- Coordinating with HR to align with team needs
- Secure packing and transport of IT and sensitive equipment
- Flexible delivery scheduling based on commute analysis
- Storage solutions when teams need extra time before setup
We help you move smoothly — and keep your team happy along the way.
Communicate Early and Honestly
Your team deserves transparency. Share your findings, ask for feedback, and listen closely to concerns. You might be surprised by who’s affected the most.
Consider offering personalized estimates or a Q&A session to talk through options — and show your team you’ve done your homework.
Final Thoughts
An office move should improve your business — not disrupt your people. By checking commute times, offering flexibility, and using expert movers who understand workplace logistics, you set your team up for success.
At United Local Movers, we help companies shift locations without shifting stress onto employees. And if you’re not quite ready to settle in yet? We provide flexible storage so you can move on your terms — not on a deadline.
Let’s make your next office move smooth, smart, and considerate — every step of the way.
