Office moves can be stressful for your team and disruptive for the business. An inefficient move can cause hundreds of hours of unexpected downtime. Finding the right movers near you is essential for receiving the value you deserve and the dependable service you expect.
Toronto movers typically charge around $800 for a 1,500 sq. ft. office; costs can shoot up to $12,000 or more for a large 3,000 sq. ft. office with specialized equipment, such as delicate laboratory equipment and computer servers. That may not include the cost of packing supplies and additional services you require, such as furniture services.
In this blog, we will equip you with the information you need to consider before finalizing your move.
How an Office Move Differs from a Residential Move
If you are thinking of hiring your condo movers for an office move, think again. Office moving presents an entirely unique set of challenges. These arise from the scale of the move, nature of the items being moved, the importance of minimizing disruption, and the number of people involved in the move.
A commercial moving company in Toronto will have the resources to relocate a larger volume of office goods. Similarly, it will know how to handle delicate IT equipment like computers and printers, large pieces of furniture, and even specialized manufacturing tools.
This level of expertise is reflected in how the commercial moving industry prices their moves. Did you know the average North American residential move is priced on an average weight of 7,400 pounds, and that an office move can exceed this easily weight?
Another difference is that of time. While a delayed residential move isn’t ideal, the consequences can be minor; a delayed business move can cost thousands of dollars in downtime. Commercial movers delegate moves to specially trained crews, plan for contingencies, and provide clear moving estimates in order to maximize efficiency.
Many businesses have sensitive equipment and documents that need to be moved securely. A dentist’s office, for example, is required to adhere to Canada’s PIPEDA requirements to safeguard patient data. On the other hand, a financial services company may need to manage equipment and documents in compliance with the proposed C-SOX and American Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Finally, the level of coordination required is very different. Unlike condo movers who may be coordinating with one or two people, commercial movers may have to collaborate with several stakeholders; a business owner may want regular updates, the office manager may oversee the entire process, and employees may have special requests.
Finding the Right Toronto Movers for a Seamless Move
It’s essential to arm yourself with specific questions to aid in finding the right moving company in Toronto. We have compiled our favourite questions to narrow down your options and ensure that the movers you choose will meet your unique needs.
The rule of thumb for finding the right movers near you is speaking to several companies. Speak to their moving teams, get multiple quotes to compare your options, and keep these questions in mind:
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Licensing and insurance should be prerequisites for qualifying for your moving process. Licensing is a hallmark of a reputable mover, one that is permitted to carry out intra-provincial and long-distance moves. Insurance is vital to cover any potential damages or losses. It is also legally required in Canada.
- What is Your Experience with Commercial Relocations?
Commercial relocations require managing logistics, handling sensitive equipment, and minimizing downtime. A mover that brings years of experience will know the intricacies involved in office moves, including how to work with stakeholders, capacity planning, and more.
If you are moving cross-country or transborder, an experienced moving company in Toronto will be able to advise you on customs requirements. This is extremely important as fees and tariffs on commercial goods could be extensive.
- Can You Provide a Detailed Quote with What It Includes?
A detailed quote at the outset can avoid unexpected costs and hassle after the project. Ask for an itemized list of what the quote covers; this should include labour, packing materials, transportation, and additional services. If you are moving specialized equipment, such as inventory or machinery, make sure to have that included as a separate line item. Basically, the goal should be to get as much clarity on pricing before the move.
- How Do You Handle Special Items?
Companies will often have artwork, sophisticated IT equipment, and confidential paperwork to move. It’s important to understand how these items will be protected during the move. Experienced movers will likely provide custom crating and wrapping. If required, they may also arrange a secured van for sensitive documentation.
Check if their trucks are GPS-equipped so you can track the progress of your move. Also, double-check insurance coverage. Very valuable items may not be covered, or may not be sufficiently covered, under the included insurance, which may prompt additional insurance to be acquired.
- What is Your Cancellation or Change Policy?
With so many moving parts involved in an office move, expect plans to change. You should know any potential fees or deadlines for making changes to your moving plan. Ask about how much notice you need to provide if you plan to change or cancel your move. Also, ask about any cancellation fees they charge for changes to your plan.
- Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
Like condo movers, reputation is an important indicator of quality for commercial movers. Ask moving companies to provide references for successfully completed commercial moves. Use resources like HomeStars and Google Reviews to gain insight into a moving company’s services. Reviews on such platforms can tell you what the movers did well and any pitfalls you should watch out for.
- How Do You Handle Disputes or Claims for Damages?
Hopefully, you will not have to resort to a claim for damaged property, but it’s important to be aware of what the process will look like. Ask how the office moving company handles such situations. Enquire about the claims process, timeframes, and attitude towards resolution.
Every Move is Unique: Be Specific About Your Office Move
Our top tip when you are selecting Toronto movers is to be crystal clear about your expectations and requirements. Your moving company should have a clear idea of the nature of your move, any special requirements, and what you are expecting to help eliminate any confusion. They will be able to advise you on the services they provide and whether they are a right fit for you when they understand your goals.
A Trusted Commercial Moving Company in Toronto
Rent-a-Son is one of the top commercial movers in Canada. We have moved some of the biggest names in the business, including Molson Coors, Shopper Drug Mart, Ubisoft, and many more. We’re ready to provide you with the support you need and experience you deserve.
Reach out to us today to discover how we make even the biggest commercial move effortless.