Moving a laboratory is one of the most complex relocation projects you can undertake. Unlike a standard office move, a lab relocation involves sensitive equipment, hazardous materials, temperature-critical samples, and regulatory compliance requirements that demand specialist planning and execution.
Start Planning Early
The single most important factor in a successful laboratory relocation is time. We recommend beginning the planning process at least 6-12 months before your target move date, depending on the size and complexity of your facility.
Early planning allows you to:
- Conduct a thorough inventory of all equipment and assets
- Identify items requiring specialist handling (cold chain, hazardous, oversized)
- Coordinate with equipment manufacturers regarding warranty and handling requirements
- Schedule the move during periods of lower research activity
Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment
Every laboratory relocation should begin with a detailed risk assessment covering:
- Equipment sensitivity — What are the handling requirements for each piece of equipment?
- Cold chain integrity — Which samples and equipment require uninterrupted temperature control?
- Hazardous materials — What COSHH and ADR requirements apply to your move?
- Access constraints — Are there narrow corridors, stairs, or restricted-access areas at either location?
- Downtime impact — What is the acceptable window of operational disruption?
Create a Phased Move Plan
Rather than attempting to move everything at once, a phased approach minimises risk and disruption. Group items by priority, sensitivity, and dependency — move the most critical equipment last to reduce downtime.
A typical phased relocation might look like:
- Phase 1 — Non-essential furniture, storage items, archived materials
- Phase 2 — General laboratory equipment, fume hoods, benches
- Phase 3 — Sensitive instruments, computing equipment, IT infrastructure
- Phase 4 — Cold chain equipment, samples, active research materials
Choose a Specialist Partner
General removal companies lack the expertise, equipment, and understanding needed for laboratory environments. A specialist scientific logistics partner will:
- Understand the unique requirements of your equipment
- Have specialist handling equipment (stairclimbers, lifting tables, skates)
- Hold relevant accreditations (Safe Contractor, ADR)
- Provide detailed method statements and risk assessments
- Offer insurance coverage appropriate to scientific equipment values
Post-Move Verification
After the move, conduct a thorough verification process:
- Check all equipment for damage or calibration drift
- Verify cold chain temperatures and sample integrity
- Test all connections (power, gas, water, data)
- Confirm equipment positioning meets specifications
- Update asset registers and location records
Need Help Planning Your Lab Move?
At Cambs Logistics, we’ve managed hundreds of laboratory relocations across Cambridge and the East of England. From the University of Cambridge to NHS facilities and private biotech firms, we understand what’s at stake when you move a lab.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements — we’ll create a personalised plan that minimises disruption and protects your research.