How Much Does It Cost to Move an Office?

When you’re moving about 1,500 square feet of office space, your pricing could range from as low as $750 to as high as $4,500 depending on the materials, disassembly, and furniture.

The packing and moving of a 3,000 square foot space would likely start at around $1,500 and range up to $9,000 depending on your files and furniture. A 10,000 square foot space would likely start at $5,000 and range up to $30,000 due to numerous employees and workstations.

Consider about $50 -$250 per employee. After noting the possible factors that can influence the cost of moving your office, it is important to understand a breakdown of these potential costs. However, note that not all these costs will apply to your move, but many can apply to it.

Also have it in mind that you may incur additional costs for a moving consultant, long carries and shuttling boxes through elevators, packing and moving cable, data lines, and computer or phone cables, and you will want to tip your moving crew.

New furniture could cost $200-$2,000 per employee, computers ranging from $300-$3,000 per employee, and phone systems anywhere from $100 to $1,000.

Movers with industry experience would note that moving even the smallest of offices can be a daunting task for a business owner, staff members, and others involved. But irrespective of the reason, moving an office can affect workflow, make it problematic and can make unpacking challenging for a business that just wants to get settled and back to work.

If you’re moving to a place bigger and better, don’t forget the primary aim of having more space which may be a better location, or the ability to expand your business. When it comes to the cost of moving an office, note that you have to consider the expense of the new place, outsourcing help, the potential of new purchases in equipment and furniture, as well as any costs in lost business during the move.

For your new space, rather than thinking of your company in terms of the general size of your operations, you should think in terms of workstations needed to accommodate your staff. Consider how many workstations would need to be disassembled and reassembled, or if you have to acquire new furniture from desks to chairs, a dinette for the break room to chairs for a waiting room.

Have you considered the internet and cable you currently use vs. what the new space can support? If you are going to have to go with a different network, then you may indeed have costs with early termination fees and start-up fees unless you can do an easy transfer.

Also note if you will spend more for an office with a conference room for meetings and a server room for your internet needs. You may likely want to transfer your existing equipment, unless there is no choice than to acquire new hardware. If you plan to upgrade your equipment, you just have to ensure that is all handled before moving day.

Also consider hiring a professional moving team. You may get some of your staff to help out with some of the easier tasks, but some offices may need a team to disassemble, reassemble, pack, and unpack. Unless you have a team member that can physically move your equipment and set up workstations, consider hiring a professional to avoid potential damage or delays.

There are several factors that can influence the cost of moving your office. Things like the number of items you are moving and the travelling distance can have a significant impact on your moving estimate. It is important to recognize these contributing factors, so you can receive a fairly-priced move. Nonetheless, here are the basic factors to note;

Factors That Determine the Cost of Moving an Office

1. Facility Size

Note that one of the primary contributing factors to your moving cost will be the number of items being moved. If you are moving to a small office with a few pieces of furniture and filing boxes, then your cost will be much less than moving a large corporate office.

However, it is necessary to organize and declutter your office to ensure you receive the best relocation estimate. Invest in a document retention policy to free up your filing boxes and storage rooms. This can also reduce your relocation costs.

2. Time Frame

Summer months are the busiest time of year for moving. Most businesses choose to move on weekends and/or are required by the property manager to move after office hours.  Have it in mind that a move during business hours may cost less than after hours. To save money on your office move, try to plan a move during the off-season late September through April. Steer clear of holidays too (overtime).

3. Travelling Distance

The distance between your former office and your new office may indeed influence the cost of moving. Moving companies tend to leverage different types of charges for corporate relocations. Some might charge by the hour or the weight of the moving items.

Coupled with these base charges, your movers may also charge based on the distance they are expected travel with your items. For instance, a long-distance corporate relocation will more or less cost more than a local relocation. Your corporate moving company will give you a complete estimate and breakdown of your charges before the moving date.

4. Artworks

It is necessary to let your staff know ahead of time to bring home any personal artwork hanging on their walls or in their cubicles and to only bring it back after the project is complete. To reduce liability, plan with your professional movers to pack and relocate all company artwork.

By enlisting your staff and colleagues help, you can effectively reduce the costs of materials associated with moving your office. Each employee should be responsible for packing and unpacking their own work area and personal effects.

5. Withheld Information

Also have it in mind that your moving bill may change significantly if you withhold information during your free estimate. It is advisable to be upfront and honest about all that is involved with your corporate relocation, so you can receive a complete and fair price. Ask your movers for a list of the necessary information you must provide an idea such as the number of furniture pieces, moving deadline, or moving distance to ensure you receive a complete estimate prior to your move.

6. Unique Considerations

Finally, don’t overlook any unique considerations when moving. Are there any special tasks to be completed while the move is underway? Do you require any post-relocation services? Will your company need any office storage services during or after your move? These are all critical questions to ask and to ultimately take into account financially as well.

Conclusion

The best advice before your upcoming office move is to take enough time to plan it out. You will need to work with a professional moving team early to make sure everything is organized very well before moving day. Not only do you need to work with movers, but you should work with internet service providers, contractors like plumbing and cable to get you all setup.