It’s easy to assume that moving a business will be a lot more expensive than moving a home. And sure, there’s usually more involved, but that doesn’t mean every commercial move comes with a huge price tag.

A lot depends on what you’re moving and how the move needs to be done. Even things like when you schedule your move or the building you’re moving into can make a difference in the final price.

What Affects the Cost of a Commercial Move?

There’s no fixed price for moving, whether it’s residential or commercial. If you’ve ever asked a moving company about pricing, you’ve probably heard “it depends.”

And it really does. Are you moving a small office or an entire building? How far are you going? How much furniture and equipment do you have?

That’s why it’s important to get an estimate based on your actual move. And if someone gives you a fixed price without asking for many details, be careful because that’s a red flag so check what’s included.

Moving After Hours or on Weekends

A common choice for businesses is to schedule their move after hours or over the weekend to avoid interrupting their regular operations. Makes complete sense, but keep in mind that some moving companies charge extra for evenings and weekends or have higher hourly rates during those times.

The extra cost could be worth it if it means your business can keep running as usual. Just make sure to ask about any additional charges when getting your quote.

Moving in Stages

Another option, instead of moving after hours or over the weekend, is to move in stages. This means moving one department or part of the office at a time, so your business can keep running while the move is happening.

This may cost more if the movers have to come back several times, but it also means you can keep your business running. And depending on your business, closing for a day or two could end up costing you even more.

Building Rules and Elevator Reservations

It’s possible that your office building requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the moving company, or that you’ll need to reserve a freight elevator or loading dock.

These requirements don’t always cost extra, but they can affect the move. For example, if you can only use the freight elevator during certain hours, the movers will have to work around that schedule.

Make sure to check with both buildings before getting your quote, so you know if there are any restrictions to plan for.

Moving Special Equipment

If you’re moving a restaurant, you’ll probably have some large kitchen appliances. A medical office may have expensive machines, and a warehouse could have heavy equipment. These things can affect the price, since they may need special tools or more time to move.

Make sure to mention any special equipment when asking for a quote. The moving company can let you know if they can handle it and if it would affect the final price. 

Planning a Business Move? Eco Movers Can Help!

As you can see, commercial moving costs can vary a lot. Giving you a price without knowing anything about your move wouldn’t be very responsible, especially with so many things that can affect the final cost.

But rest assured, at Eco Movers, we understand that moving a business takes more than just moving furniture. We even have an entire division dedicated to commercial moves, Eco Commercial, with a team focused on helping businesses with their moving needs.

Get in touch for a free moving quote! Tell us about your business and what you’re planning, and we’ll help you figure out what your move will cost.