When planning a server room relocation, you essentially have two main approaches:

1. Whole Rack Migration: Moving cabinets with equipment intact
2. Component Migration: Removing servers/switches and moving racks empty

For your setup (5x 42U cabinets + network rack), I'd recommend a hybrid approach based on equipment type:

def determine_migration_strategy(equipment):
    if equipment.type in ['core_switch', 'router', 'pdu', 'patch_panel']:
        return "migrate_in_rack"
    elif equipment.weight > 25kg:
        return "migrate_separately"
    else:
        return "consider_hybrid_approach"

• 48 hours before: Notify all teams about planned downtime
• 24 hours before:
  • Run full backups (consider this rsync example for Linux servers)

rsync -avz --delete /source/path/ user@backup.server:/destination/path/

For database servers, always include proper dump procedures:

mysqldump -u [username] -p[password] [database_name] > backup.sql
pg_dump -U [username] -h [host] [database_name] > backup.pgsql

When dealing with switching/routing equipment:

1. Document all cable connections (photos + spreadsheet)
2. Use different colored zip ties for various connection types:
   • Red: Uplinks
   • Blue: Server connections
   • Green: Management interfaces

# Sample script to document network config before move
#!/bin/bash
switch_ip="192.168.1.1"
ssh admin@$switch_ip "show running-config" > switch_config_backup.txt
arp -a > network_mappings.txt

For heavy equipment, consider this weight distribution formula when planning lift points:

// Pseudo-code for weight distribution check
function canLiftSafely(rack, equipment) {
    const totalWeight = equipment.reduce((sum, item) => sum + item.weight, 0);
    const maxCapacity = rack.capacity * 0.8; // 80% safety factor
    return totalWeight <= maxCapacity;
}

Essential tools to have on moving day:

• Server lift or hydraulic pallet jack
• Anti-static mats and wrist straps
• Vibration-proof transit cases for sensitive HDDs

Create a validation checklist script like this Python example:

import paramiko
import ping3

def validate_server(hostname):
    if ping3.ping(hostname):
        ssh = paramiko.SSHClient()
        ssh.connect(hostname)
        stdin, stdout, stderr = ssh.exec_command('uptime')
        print(f"{hostname}: {stdout.read().decode()}")
        ssh.close()
    else:
        print(f"{hostname} is unreachable")

servers = ['dev1.example.com', 'dev2.example.com']
for server in servers:
    validate_server(server)

When planning a server room relocation, you essentially have two primary approaches:

// Pseudo-code for migration strategy decision
if (rack_condition == good && move_path == clear) {
    move_entire_rack();
} else {
    remove_servers_individually();
    move_empty_racks();
}

Before touching any equipment, complete these critical steps:

• Document all rack layouts (take photos and label everything)
• Create a detailed inventory spreadsheet including:

  Server Name | Rack U Position | MAC Address | IP Address | Primary Service

• Schedule downtime during low-usage periods
• Verify backup completion (use checksums!)

Your switching/routing equipment requires special attention:

# Sample network device shutdown sequence
1. Disable all trunk ports
2. Shut down access ports (document VLAN assignments)
3. Power down core routers last
4. Label all fiber/copper connections with color-coded tags

Moving entire racks: Only recommended if:

• Racks are on casters with proper floor protection
• Elevator/doors can accommodate full rack dimensions
• You have professional moving equipment (server lifts)

Component removal: The safer approach for most situations:

// Server removal procedure
for (server in rack) {
    document_cable_connections(server);
    take_front_and_rear_photos(server);
    label_all_cables(server);
    power_down_gracefully(server);
    remove_power_cables(server);
    remove_network_cables(server);
    extract_server_from_rack();
    pack_in_appropriate_transport_case();
}

Once everything is in the new location:

#!/bin/bash
# Basic post-move validation script
for ip in $(cat server_list.txt); do
    ping -c 1 $ip && echo "$ip: ONLINE" || echo "$ip: OFFLINE"
    ssh $ip "uptime"
    ssh $ip "df -h"
done

Remember to test all critical services and verify monitoring systems are receiving proper telemetry.

• Bring spare rack screws and rails - you'll lose some
• Use a label maker for permanent identification
• Allocate extra time for fiber optic cable reconnection
• Keep anti-static mats and wrist straps handy
• Have console access ready for emergency troubleshooting