Among the leading reasons why a company may elect to move are:

  • lease expiry
  • moving closer to customers or suppliers
  • improving commute for workers
  • business expansion
  • business downsize or changed needs

This moment of changed circumstances – be it from necessity, joy, or efficiency – has its own set of challenges; there is no need to add a botched move onto other issues. It is why you will want to choose a commercial mover to ensure a smooth transition and to reduce stress. In selecting an office mover, find out:

  • How long have they been in business
  • Have they successfully executed commercial moves
  • What type of insurance coverage do they have
  • What do past customers say
  • Is there a quote guaranteed
  • Are they flexible with scheduling
  • Are employees temporary or long-term
  • Does the mover use employees or sub-contractors
  • Does staff usage make a difference in insurance coverage
  • Is there a separate charge for furniture tear down or equipment rebuild
  • Which services are standard, and which are extra
  • How are bulky items treated

The moving industry is difficult. It takes seasoned pros and good planning to weather economic downturns and other market conditions. The stability implied by movers that have been through a variety of challenges can be one indicator of quality and consistency. While there are overlaps between residential and commercial moving, there are differences as well. An experienced office mover in Westchester will help you avoid pitfalls that a novice might not notice. While going with the lowest quote might seem tempting, think about the potential cost to your business of delayed moves, extended downtime, damaged equipment, employees unable to access needed items or hidden charges that arise after the move begins.

 

“The team that moved me with 4 trucks in the middle of a snowstorm were professional, helpful and smiled every inch of the way. They took furniture apart that couldn’t fit up a staircase. Seamless and worth every penny.”

Diane, Romo Plastic Surgery

 

The benefits of having a guaranteed quote, a clear point of contact, and a written moving plan are many. Reducing the unknowns by zeroing in on what to budget and learning what to expect, creates more flexibility and bandwidth to deal with the unknowns.

Some items related to moving that you should anticipate:

  • Will you need to leave your old office “broom clean”
  • Will you need to decommission cabling or change names on utility account
  • Agree to a final walk through with your old landlord to avoid unexpected damage charges
  • Discarding obsolete items that you will not be moving with
  • Assure what fixture and equipment can or cannot be moved
  • Planning for temporary storage, if needed
  • Setting up IT, networks, and special equipment in your new location
  • Tabulating a list of restaurants and other amenities in your new location
  • Advising employees of commuting and parking options in your new location
  • Assuring service contracts (HVAC, landscapers, etc.) operate as expected
  • Having letterhead updated with your new address and phone number
  • Procuring keys or access cards for employees
  • Become familiar with new building rules, including after hour or freight restrictions
  • Notify vendors, landlords, clients, and other parties of your move
  • Making sure that bulky items fit your new facilities
  • Office layout that has open layout but private space for phone calls or meetings
  • Do you want to get any leasehold improvements, including painting completed before move-in

 

Some Red Flags and Things to Know

Inexperience is not an automatic no, but it should be a pause. Poor reviews warrant reflection and follow-up questions. A mover providing a quote without visiting your office and offering a customized moving plan should sound some alarms. A provider unable to explain released value protection versus full replacement value insurance might likewise be unaware of other basic items. Lack of a point person or difficulty reaching a representative in a timely manner might be a harbinger of communication difficulties. A moving company skimping on pads, protection, and other equipment might explain cut-rate quotes. Movers unwilling to work weekends if needed or not anticipating restricted freight elevators could leave you with headaches later.

Given the potential complexities of an office move, the more time you have to plan, the better. Six months to a year is ideal. If your employees can pack their own desks, tag boxes, or bring certain items before the official move-in date, that can help hasten set-up once everything is in place.

Know that the cost of your office relocation is based on the amount of office equipment and furniture being moved and the distance being traveled. Relocations of less than 50 miles are considered “local moving” while anything above that is considered “long distance.” Commercial moving service fees typically include packing supplies, licensing, and insurance.

However, there are times when matters are urgent, situations are fluid, and your new landlord may not be able to accommodate a partial early move-in. In those instances, you will need a mover who can adapt accordingly. Cheap upfront can end up more expensive eventually. A relocation done incorrectly can have unintended and costly consequences for your entire business. Communicate special needs and ask about personally moving employees’ residences if that is needed as well.

“Top notch experience- 5 stars! We moved from Westchester County, NY to Fairfield County, CT. We moved our family home, home based business, and 2 storage units. The service at McAvey was excellent from start to finish- consummate professionals from the sales call to the final signature. No hidden charges, no delays. On moving day, the team was friendly and went above and beyond to make this transition as easy as possible. Highly recommend!”

Natalie

Founded in 1987, McAvey Moving has provided moving services in Westchester County, Fairfield County, and New York City both locally and long distance. Remember, to move the right way, call McAvey. We can be reached on (914) 747-1533. Alternatively, fill out our contact form to begin your quoting process.