How to Plan a Secure Data Centre Relocation (UK) | Astralis Technology

Relocating a data centre is one of the most complex operations an organisation can undertake. It involves not just logistics, but data security, compliance, and operational continuity. A well-planned relocation safeguards data integrity, minimises downtime, and maintains compliance from the moment equipment is powered down until the final system validation at its new site.

At Astralis Technology, every relocation project is designed around information security and auditability. We apply the same stringent standards that underpin our ISO 27001, 9001 and 14001 certifications, ensuring each stage of the process is secure, traceable and efficient.

With data volumes increasing and hybrid environments now the norm, any lapse during relocation can create serious risk. Untracked assets, unverified wipes or mishandled drives could all result in data loss, GDPR violations, or reputational damage. A secure data centre relocation plan ensures every action aligns with ISO 27001, GDPR, and the international data-sanitisation standards NIST 800-88 and IEEE 2883.

Every piece of equipment moved — from servers and switches to storage arrays — must be treated as a potential source of sensitive data. Proper planning ensures nothing is overlooked.

Begin with a comprehensive asset inventory. Catalogue every rack, server, switch, UPS and cable. Identify ownership, dependencies, and warranty status, and determine whether each item will be relocated, redeployed or securely retired through IT asset disposal.

Define the compliance framework before the first cable is touched. All activities should be managed within an ISO 27001-certified ISMS, with data sanitisation governed by NIST 800-88 or IEEE 2883. Establish your chain of custody, seal protocol and evidence-capture requirements at this stage.

Create detailed Method of Procedure (MOP) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents.
Include:

Apply unique identifiers to every item. Use barcodes or asset tags linked to your relocation manifest so assets can be tracked through each stage — de-rack, transit, quarantine, and reinstallation. Astralis’ inventory management system ensures end-to-end traceability.

Transport is the phase where risk peaks. Astralis uses tamper-evident crates, GPS-tracked vehicles and DBS-checked personnel only — no subcontractors. Shock and tilt sensors record any movement anomalies, while CCTV-recorded loading bays provide further assurance.

For assets being redeployed or decommissioned, data erasure or destruction must follow recognised standards such as NIST 800-88, IEEE 2883, and GDPR Article 32.

Astralis issues item-level certificates for each processed device, confirming the sanitisation method, operator, date and result. Any drive that fails erasure is immediately isolated and destroyed under CCTV.

After reinstallation, verify:

Astralis conducts a full post-move audit, producing evidence packs suitable for internal or external compliance review.

Relocation costs typically include:

By incorporating IT asset resale and redeployment, Astralis can offset a portion of the relocation cost. Components suitable for resale are securely wiped, tested, and remarketed, returning tangible value to clients.

Astralis ensures that each relocation aligns with leading UK and international frameworks:

Every project concludes with a documented certificate pack, including serial-level asset logs, erasure or destruction certificates, and environmental reports — ready for audit or regulatory inspection.

Astralis Technology provides end-to-end relocation, decommissioning and IT asset disposal services — all ISO, NIST and GDPR aligned.

Contact us today to protect your data and maximise value recovery.

Data centre relocation involves several risks, including data loss, compliance violations, and operational downtime. Untracked assets can lead to sensitive information being exposed, while improper data sanitisation may result in GDPR breaches. Additionally, logistical challenges can cause delays, impacting business continuity. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan that includes asset tracking, secure transport, and adherence to recognised standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST 800-88.

Ensuring compliance during a data centre relocation requires a well-defined framework that aligns with relevant regulations and standards. This includes establishing an ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS) and following data sanitisation protocols like NIST 800-88. Documenting every step of the process, from asset inventory to final validation, is crucial. Additionally, maintaining a chain of custody and capturing evidence throughout the relocation will help demonstrate compliance to auditors and regulatory bodies.

A technical runbook for data centre relocation should include detailed Method of Procedure (MOP) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents. Key elements to cover are power-down and power-up sequencing, rack mapping and labelling, de-installation and re-installation order, and contingency plans. It should also outline backup and rollback strategies to address any unforeseen issues during the move. This comprehensive documentation ensures that all team members are aligned and can execute the plan effectively.

Recommended data sanitisation methods include those outlined in NIST 800-88 and IEEE 2883, which provide guidelines for secure data erasure and destruction. Techniques such as overwriting, degaussing, and physical destruction are commonly used to ensure that sensitive data cannot be recovered. It is essential to issue item-level certificates for each device processed, confirming the sanitisation method and results. This documentation is vital for compliance and audit purposes, ensuring that all data is handled securely.

Asset tracking during a data centre relocation can be achieved by applying unique identifiers, such as barcodes or asset tags, to each item. These identifiers should be linked to a relocation manifest that details the status of each asset throughout the process—covering stages like de-racking, transit, quarantine, and reinstallation. Using an inventory management system that provides end-to-end traceability will help ensure that all assets are accounted for and securely managed during the move.

Cost factors for a data centre relocation typically include engineering and planning, secure transport and packaging, temporary staging or storage, data sanitisation and certification, and environmental reporting for WEEE compliance. Additionally, incorporating IT asset resale and redeployment can offset some costs by generating revenue from components that are still valuable. It is important to budget for all these elements to ensure a smooth and financially viable relocation process.

Post-relocation audits are crucial for verifying the success of the move and ensuring compliance. Key areas to audit include power and connectivity checks, redundancy and failover functions, and firmware and configuration integrity. Additionally, inventory reconciliation and validation of sanitisation certificates should be performed. Conducting a full post-move audit produces evidence packs that are essential for internal reviews or external compliance inspections, ensuring that all aspects of the relocation meet regulatory standards.