A commercial or office move typically costs between $1,500 and $25,000+, depending on how many workstations you're moving, how far you're going, and whether you need specialty services like IT disconnection, furniture disassembly, or after-hours crews. The single biggest cost driver most businesses miss is downtime — and every decision you make about your move either shrinks it or blows it up.
We've handled hundreds of office relocations over 35 years, from two-person law practices to 200-seat call centers. Here's what commercial moves actually cost, what inflates the bill, and how to plan one without losing a week of productivity.
How much does an office move cost?
Commercial moves are priced differently from residential moves. Most local commercial movers charge an hourly rate per crew member (typically $100–$175/hour per mover in 2026, depending on your metro) plus truck fees, fuel surcharges, and add-on services. Long-distance office moves are usually priced by weight or cubic footage — the same FMCSA-regulated framework that governs all interstate freight.
Here's a realistic cost range by office size:
| Office Size | Approx. Workstations | Estimated Local Move Cost | Estimated Long-Distance Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small office / suite | 1–10 | $1,500–$5,000 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Mid-size office | 10–50 | $5,000–$15,000 | $10,000–$30,000 |
| Large office / floor | 50–150 | $15,000–$40,000 | $30,000–$80,000+ |
| Full building relocation | 150+ | $40,000–$100,000+ | Quoted per project |
These are ballpark ranges. Your actual quote depends on the variables below.
What actually drives the cost of an office move?
1. Volume and weight of office furniture
Modular workstations, standing desks, and conference tables are heavy and slow to move. A single L-shaped workstation with overhead storage can take two movers 20–30 minutes to break down and reassemble. Multiply that across 30 desks and you're looking at a full day just for furniture.
2. IT and technology handling
Servers, monitors, wiring closets, and networked equipment typically require either a dedicated IT vendor or a mover with certified tech-handling experience. Most general commercial movers will move the physical hardware but won't disconnect or reconnect it — budget $500–$5,000+ separately for your IT team or a managed IT service provider.
3. After-hours and weekend work
If your business can't afford to shut down for a weekday move — which most can't — expect a 15–30% premium for evening or weekend crews. For a tenant in a busy office building, this is often non-negotiable anyway: building management typically requires moves during off-hours to protect elevators, lobbies, and other tenants.
4. Building access restrictions
Loading docks, freight elevator reservations, parking permits, and Certificate of Insurance (COI) requirements from property managers all add complexity. Our crews have waited two hours at a loading dock because a COI didn't list the right additional insured. Always confirm building requirements at both origin and destination at least two weeks out.
5. Distance
Local office moves (under 50 miles) are billed hourly. Interstate moves are regulated under FMCSA rules and priced by shipment weight. You can browse movers by state to find carriers licensed for your specific corridor — especially important if you're crossing state lines, where USDOT and MC numbers are required.
What's typically included in a commercial moving quote?
Before you sign anything, confirm exactly what's covered. Most commercial moving quotes include:
- Labor (loading, transport, unloading)
- Standard furniture wrapping and padding
- Truck(s) and fuel surcharge
- Basic liability coverage (released value protection at $0.60/lb — the federally mandated minimum)
What's usually NOT included (and gets added to the final bill):
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Custom crating for glass, art, or server equipment
- Packing supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, tape)
- Storage if your new space isn't ready
- After-hours or weekend premiums
- Elevator or parking fees passed through from the building
Read every line before you sign. For a deep dive on how to spot charges that don't belong, see our guide to hidden moving fees and surcharges.
How to get an accurate commercial moving quote
Step 1: Do a proper inventory — in writing
Walk every room with your mover and document what's moving, what's staying, and what's being disposed of. Vague inventories produce vague quotes that balloon at delivery. A reputable commercial mover will insist on an on-site or video survey before quoting.
Step 2: Ask for a binding estimate
For large office moves, push for a binding estimate rather than a non-binding one. A binding estimate locks your price regardless of actual weight or hours — critical when you have board approval for a specific budget. Our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates explains how each type works and which protects you better.
Step 3: Confirm licensing and insurance
Any mover handling an interstate commercial relocation must have an active USDOT number and MC (Motor Carrier) number registered with the FMCSA. For local moves, check your state's PUC (Public Utilities Commission) or DOT for required intrastate licensing. Additionally, most commercial landlords require a COI naming them as additional insured — get this from your mover at least two weeks before move day. You can verify USDOT numbers at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Step 4: Check verified reviews from other businesses
Don't rely solely on residential reviews. A mover who does great apartment moves may struggle with server rooms and modular furniture. Look for verified mover reviews that specifically mention commercial or office relocations.
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How to cut the cost of your office move
Declutter before you measure. Offices accumulate junk — outdated equipment, furniture nobody uses, filing cabinets full of paper that should have been scanned years ago. Every item you don't move is money you don't spend. We've watched businesses pay to move 30 boxes of files they shredded on arrival.
Move in phases if you can. For large offices, a phased move — department by department over several weekends — costs more per trip but reduces disruption and spreads the expense over multiple billing periods.
Time it right. Mid-month and mid-week commercial moves typically run 10–20% cheaper than end-of-month Friday moves. Lease expirations drive demand — if you can negotiate a few extra days of overlap on your old lease, you gain flexibility on timing.
Handle packing yourself. Commercial movers charge $3–$8 per standard moving box for packing labor. For non-fragile items like books, files, and soft goods, having staff pack their own workstations in advance can save a meaningful amount on a large move.
For more money-saving tactics that apply to both residential and commercial moves, our budget moving guide covers the full playbook.
What to do the week before your commercial move
- Notify vendors and clients of your new address and any service gaps.
- Confirm COI delivery to both buildings' property managers.
- Reserve freight elevators at origin and destination.
- Label every item by destination zone — not just "Office" but "Zone A, Row 3, Station 2." The more specific your labeling, the faster your crew sets up the new space.
- Back up all data independently before IT equipment is touched.
- Assign a move coordinator on staff — one point of contact for the movers on move day, with authority to make decisions.
- Brief your team on what they pack, when they pack it, and when they're allowed back in.
For a full walkthrough of commercial move day execution, see our step-by-step guide on how to move into an office or commercial space.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an office move take?
A small office of 5–10 people typically moves in one day. A 30–50-person office usually takes 2–3 days including setup. Large, multi-floor relocations can take one to several weeks depending on phasing. Your mover should give you a day-by-day timeline as part of the quote.
Do commercial movers pack computers and servers?
Most commercial movers will physically move hardware, but they don't configure, disconnect, or reconnect IT systems. You'll need your IT team or a managed service provider for that. Some specialized commercial movers offer "white glove IT" services — expect to pay a premium of $75–$150/hour for those technicians.
Is my office furniture covered if it's damaged during the move?
Under federal rules, interstate movers must offer released value protection at $0.60 per pound, per item — the federally mandated minimum at no charge. For a 50-lb conference table, that's $30 — far below replacement cost. Full-value protection and third-party insurance are available for an additional cost and are worth it for high-value office furniture. See our guide on moving valuation vs. insurance to understand the difference.
Can I move my office over a weekend to avoid downtime?
Yes — and most businesses prefer it. Expect a 15–30% weekend premium depending on the mover and market. Book weekend availability at least 4–6 weeks out, especially if you're in a large urban building with limited freight elevator windows.
Do I need a special mover for an interstate office move?
Yes. Any mover transporting goods across state lines must hold an active USDOT number and MC number issued by the FMCSA. Verify both at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing a contract. To find interstate-licensed commercial movers in your region, find movers and filter by location.
How far in advance should I book a commercial mover?
For moves of 10 or fewer people, 3–4 weeks is typically enough. For 50+ people, plan for 6–12 weeks of lead time — especially if you need after-hours crews, specialty crating, or multi-day access to a building's freight elevator. The best commercial movers book out fast, and the last-minute options tend to cost significantly more.
Ready to find a commercial mover you can trust? Browse our directory of verified movers or chat with Robert, our AI moving assistant, to get matched with the right commercial moving company for your office size, timeline, and budget.
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