The Office Move Document Nightmare: How to Avoid a Security Disaster

The Problem: Office Moves Create Security Chaos

Every business owner knows the stress of relocating offices. But beyond the logistics of furniture and IT equipment lies a hidden danger: the mountain of documents accumulated over years of operation.

The Nightmare Scenario

Picture this: Your business is moving to a new premises. Staff are packing hurriedly, and boxes of documents are stacked everywhere. In the chaos:

• Forgotten filing cabinets are left behind containing client records
• Unlabelled boxes end up in general waste or recycling
• Sensitive documents are mixed with regular rubbish for disposal
• Storage rooms are cleared without proper document review
• Old archives are abandoned because "we don't have room"

This isn't hypothetical. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner regularly investigates breaches caused by improper document handling during office relocations.

Real Consequences

A Perth legal firm discovered their nightmare six months after moving. An old filing cabinet containing client litigation files had been left in the vacated premises. The new tenant found it—and reported it to the Law Society.

The result? Disciplinary proceedings, mandatory breach notifications, and reputational damage that took years to recover from.

The Solution: Professional Document Destruction During Your Move

Pre-Move Document Audit

4-6 weeks before moving:

• Inventory all document storage areas
• Identify documents past retention requirements
• Flag sensitive materials requiring secure destruction
• Estimate volumes for shredding service

Staged Destruction Approach

Week 1-2: Archives and Storage

• Start with oldest materials
• Bring in secure bins for collection
• Schedule bulk destruction pickup

Week 3-4: Active Files

• Review current filing systems
• Destroy duplicates and superseded versions
• Retain only essential documents for the move

Move Week: Final Sweep

• Onsite shredding truck for last-minute discoveries
• Systematic clearance of each area
• Signed chain of custody for everything destroyed

WEST SHRED Office Move Service

We provide a complete solution for relocating businesses:

1. Pre-move consultation to assess destruction needs 2. Security bins placed throughout your premises 3. Staged collection as you pack 4. Onsite shredding on move-out day 5. Certificate of Destruction for compliance records

Don't let your office move become a data breach waiting to happen.