30-Day Critical Path
The whole month on one page — what to do each phase, in the right order, with the output each phase should produce.
30-Day Critical Path
Every move is different, but a compressed opening follows a predictable order. This is that order on one page. The deeper, narrative version lives in The 30-Day Plan — use this as the at-a-glance tracker.
How to use it
- Treat the phases as sequence, not just calendar: approvals before work, orders before install, building access before the move, punch before opening.
- Each phase lists a goal, the key actions, and the output you should have by the end.
- Check actions off in your Open-Item Tracker; if a phase’s output doesn’t exist yet, you’re not done with that phase no matter what the date says.
The path
Days 1–2 — Stabilize
Goal: understand reality and create control.
- Collect documents · build contact list · confirm move-in + access dates · meet/email the property manager · identify all vendors · define Minimum Viable Opening · build the open-item tracker · identify blockers · set the daily standup · schedule vendor check-ins.
- Output: command center · contact list · critical path · initial risk list.
Days 3–5 — Lock the Opening Plan
Goal: remove preventable blockers.
- Submit certificates of insurance (COIs) and access-request forms · reserve freight elevator / loading dock · confirm after-hours rules · confirm vendor start dates · confirm furniture delivery/install · confirm internet/network readiness · confirm conference-room/audio/visual (AV) path · place kitchen, pantry, supply, and cleaning orders · confirm janitorial scope · draft the employee pre-move communication.
- Output: opening plan · vendor schedule · building-approvals tracker · purchase tracker.
Week 2 — Build the Backbone
Goal: make the space functional.
- Complete electrical/power · confirm network/Wi-Fi · coordinate IT/AV install · confirm furniture logistics · start access-card/badge process · resolve building-approval issues · walk the space and update the punch list · confirm move-vendor scope · confirm kitchen/pantry delivery timing.
- Output: functional readiness check · updated punch list · confirmed move-day run of show.
Week 3 — Assemble the Office
Goal: turn the space into a usable workplace.
- Receive and install furniture · test desks, power, monitors, rooms, Wi-Fi, AV, access · stock kitchen and office supplies · set up mail/shipping · label storage and supply areas · finalize seating · send the employee pre-move email · schedule the final clean · hold the day-before readiness meeting.
- Output: opening readiness checklist · employee instructions · support plan.
Week 4 — Move, Open, and Support
Goal: move in without chaos, then manage the first wave of issues.
- Run move day from a command center · keep one issue tracker · staff opening morning · test rooms and Wi-Fi before employees arrive · post temporary signage · watch kitchen/restroom/supply areas · triage issues (urgent / opening-week / post-opening / nice-to-have) · send daily updates if visible work remains · close the week with a leadership update.
- Output: hypercare tracker · punch list by owner · week-one closeout update.
Tip
If you’re handed the project mid-stream (say, with ten days left), don’t panic and don’t skip — just find where you actually are on this path, and do the earlier phases’ outputs fast. Missing outputs, not missed dates, are what sink openings.