Moving Services Buyer's Guide

Pricing office moves

There are several different ways moving companies charge for office moves. Some base their prices on the amount of equipment and supplies you're moving. This can be done either per pound (they'll weigh the truck once your belongings are on board) or per cubic foot.

Other companies will base the pricing more directly on the people and trucks your move requires: one truck and three movers is the small end, and you can add trucks and men incrementally up to a fleet of trucks and a squadron of men for a huge move. An hourly rate per truck and mover is multiplied by how long the move actually takes.

Neither of these methods is significantly better than the other, although some moving experts advise against cubic foot pricing. Since most office moves are local, per mover and truck pricing is the most common for businesses. Base rates start at around $100/hour for a truck and three movers or $150/hour for two trucks and five movers, but your circumstances will impact those rates quite a bit. For interstate moves, you can expect to pay per pound instead of per hour.

Comparing costs for office moves should be done based on the estimates they provide: you'll be able to compare the bottom line, no matter how they arrive at the figure. However you'll want to make sure you get similar numbers of movers and trucks, so make sure those figures are included in the estimate even the pricing is based on weight.

Use common sense when comparing estimates for office moves. If you talk to five movers, and four of them are fairly similar but one is significantly cheaper than the rest, be wary. The lowball estimate probably doesn't include all the services you need or has significantly underestimated the scope of your move.

There are several types of extra fees you may encounter. Difficult-to-move items (pianos are a common example, wide-screen displays are another) will always carry their own charge. Some movers may charge extra for office moves that include walking belongings up flights of stairs. And if any of your equipment is too large to fit in an elevator and has to be hoisted - lifted by crane outside the building and moved in through a window - you can expect to pay extra for that service.

To prevent sticker shock, make sure you have the specifics of how you're going to be charged and all potential extra fees in writing. Also make sure you know what types of payment are accepted - not all movers take credit cards so you may need a corporate or certified check.

Also be prepared to tip your movers. Suggested gratuities are 15% to 20%, but don't hesitate to give a little extra if the move goes smoothly. One inexpensive way to give movers a morale and energy boost is to supply a meal - something as simple as pizza or sandwiches can go a long way for guys who have been lifting heavy boxes all morning. For the bulk of the tip, cash is generally preferred, but most companies will accept the tip no matter how you give it - as part of the check or credit card payment is usually fine.

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