Why NYC companies are redesigning their spaces and relocating in 2025

New York City's office landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. As hybrid work models become permanent fixtures rather than temporary adjustments, companies across the five boroughs are rethinking not just how they use office space, but where that space should be located.

The numbers tell a compelling story. According to Hubble HQ, coworking locations in NYC rebounded to 386 in 2025 after dipping to 363 in 2024, while flex space grew by 6.34% between 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, traditional office vacancies remain stubbornly high. Class A vacancy in Brooklyn jumped to nearly 26% in 2025, and Manhattan's Class A vacancy sits at 15.3%, well above pre-pandemic levels below 8%.

This shift isn't just about remote work. It's about companies discovering that the future of work requires different kinds of spaces in different locations. And making that transition successfully means choosing the right partners to help you get there.

The traditional Manhattan office, massive square footage, long-term leases, and centralized location made sense when everyone commuted five days a week. But with office attendance still about 28% below pre-pandemic levels, that model no longer fits how teams actually work.

Companies are adopting hub-and-spoke strategies, maintaining a central headquarters while establishing smaller satellite locations closer to where employees live. This approach recognizes that flexibility means more than just working from home. It means having professional workspace options that don't require a 90-minute commute.

The outer boroughs are seeing the strongest growth. Coworking locations in NYC's outer areas jumped 8.04% year-over-year, significantly outpacing growth in Manhattan proper. Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx are becoming legitimate alternatives for companies that want to meet employees halfway.

Traditional leases still dominate NYC's office market by square footage—more than 530 million square feet compared to 13.6 million for flex spaces. But that 3% figure doesn't capture the strategic importance flex space now holds.

Average coworking spaces measure around 34,874 square feet, compared to 253,719 square feet for leased offices. That 86% difference reflects a fundamental shift in how companies think about space. Instead of locking into massive footprints designed for full-time, in-office work, organizations are choosing smaller, adaptable environments that can scale with actual needs.

The cost comparison reveals why. A four-desk private office in a Manhattan coworking space runs about $3,040 monthly, with all utilities, cleaning, Wi-Fi, and amenities included. Traditional leases might look cheaper per square foot, but when you factor in build-outs, furniture, maintenance, and the risk of vacant space, the economics shift dramatically.

Whether you're downsizing from a traditional lease, expanding into satellite locations, or completely reimagining your office strategy, the logistics of moving in NYC require specialized expertise. The city's unique challenges, narrow streets, strict building regulations, seasonal traffic patterns demand movers who understand these complexities.

Empire Movers and Storage NYC brings that expertise to every commercial relocation. Their team understands that moving office equipment isn't like moving residential furniture. Sensitive electronics, important documents, and specialized equipment require careful handling and precise coordination.

Their commercial moving services include:

• Detailed planning and coordination to minimize downtime

• After-hours and weekend moves to avoid disrupting business operations

• Specialized equipment handling for servers, copiers, and sensitive technology

• Furniture disassembly and reassembly to navigate tight spaces

• Secure document transport with proper chain-of-custody protocols

When your company relocates to Brooklyn's growing tech corridor or establishes a satellite office in Queens, you need movers who can execute flawlessly. Empire Movers and Storage NYC has built their reputation on reliable, professional service that treats your business assets with the care they deserve.

Office class significantly impacts both cost and employee experience. In NYC, approximately 44% of coworking inventory operates from Class A and A+ buildings, while 46% is located in Class B buildings.

Class A spaces in Manhattan and Brooklyn come with premium finishes, modern amenities, and prestigious addresses. They signal commitment to quality and can help attract top talent. But Class B buildings offer their own advantages, often more character, better value, and locations in emerging neighborhoods where your team actually lives.

The distribution of office movers in NYC reflects this geographic spread. Empire Movers and Storage NYC serves all five boroughs, understanding that your new office might be in a converted warehouse in Red Hook or a modern tower in Long Island City. Each location presents unique access challenges that require experienced commercial moving services in New York.

Moving an office involves challenges that residential moves don't face. You're coordinating multiple stakeholders: employees, landlords, IT teams, and clients. You're working around business operations that can't simply pause for a week. And you're handling equipment and materials that represent a significant investment.

Professional movers eliminate the stress and risk from this equation. Empire Movers and Storage NYC provides transparent, flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs. You'll know exactly what your move costs before it begins, allowing for accurate budgeting and planning.

Their process includes:

• Pre-move consultation to assess your specific needs

• Customized moving plan designed around your schedule

• Professional packing services for delicate equipment

• Insurance coverage for complete peace of mind

• Post-move support to ensure everything is in place

For companies moving to Long Island, another area seeing increased demand as hybrid work enables employees to move further from the city center, Empire Movers and Storage NYC understands the regional logistics. They know the traffic patterns, the building regulations, and the fastest routes to minimize transit time.

The shift to hybrid work and distributed office models represents opportunity, not disruption. Companies that embrace this change position themselves to attract better talent, control costs more effectively, and build more resilient operations.

But realizing those benefits requires executing your physical transition flawlessly. The wrong moving partner can turn a strategic office relocation into a logistical nightmare, damaged equipment, lost documents, missed deadlines, and frustrated employees.

Empire Movers and Storage NYC has earned their reputation as one of the most reliable office movers in NYC by treating every commercial move with the professionalism it deserves. Their team understands that your office move isn't just about transporting furniture. It's about enabling your business strategy.

As NYC's office market continues evolving, one thing is clear: companies need partners who can match their flexibility with reliable service. Whether you're moving to a sleek coworking space in Manhattan, establishing a satellite office in Brooklyn, or relocating to Long Island, the logistics of your move deserve expert attention.

Empire Movers and Storage NYC delivers that expertise. Their comprehensive commercial moving services in New York handle every detail, allowing you to focus on what matters: running your business and supporting your team through the transition.

The hybrid office revolution is here. Make sure your move reflects the professionalism your new workspace deserves.