Retire furniture before pickup
Check what fits the new layout and arrange a responsible destination for unwanted pieces. Do not pay to move desks or storage units that will immediately be removed from the new office.
Milvus Moving · Moving guides
How to control office moving costs
Unwanted desks, repeated handling and a locked loading dock can all add work to an office move. Start with the new layout, decide what is worth moving and coordinate the building and IT teams before comparing the final quotes.
- Inventory and layout
- Building and IT coordination
- One-time costs and downtime
Give the move one decision-makerSomeone needs authority to confirm the inventory, approve the layout and resolve access questions.
Separate the costs
Know which bill each decision affects
| Cost group | Examples to include |
|---|---|
| Moving services | Packing, materials, furniture handling, transport, agreed disassembly and placement. |
| Building arrangements | Disclosed dock or elevator fees, after-hours access charges, deposits and the receiving schedule. |
| Technology and facilities | IT support, network setup, telecom appointments, equipment preparation and other specialist work. |
| Old-office closeout | Cleaning, disposal and obligations in the existing premises agreement. |
| Business interruption | Staff time, temporary working arrangements and tasks that cannot resume until the new space is ready. |
There is no reliable saving percentage that applies to every office. Compare the actual quotes and the work each includes, then identify the tasks you can remove or simplify.
Before asking for the final quote
Three decisions that prevent unnecessary handling
Approve the desk plan
Assign every workstation and large item a destination before moving day. Use room or desk codes on a floor plan so the crew can place items once.
Separate leased and specialist equipment
Confirm who is allowed to disconnect, prepare and transport printers, copiers, servers or other equipment. Arrange the relevant vendor or IT support rather than assuming the moving crew handles every part.
Technology handoff
Keep equipment, cables and responsibility together
Let the IT lead define the process
Have the responsible team verify backups, shutdown procedures and the reconnection plan. Transporting a device is separate from confirming that its systems and data are ready to use.
Use a simple workstation code
Mark the packaging and cable bag with the same desk or equipment code. Avoid placing passwords or confidential information on cartons.
Prepare a receiving check
Identify who will confirm connectivity and equipment function at the new office. Keep the staff arrival plan realistic until the essential systems are checked.
A reserved elevator is a budget decision
Remove avoidable waiting at both buildings
Ask both property managers for moving instructions. Confirm the loading location, elevator dimensions, reservations, receiving hours and insurance documents. Share the instructions with Milvus before the estimate is finalized.
An after-hours move may fit the business schedule, but it should be compared with the actual costs and availability. Consider building staffing charges, IT support and the people who must unlock or receive the office. Ask for the options you can realistically use.
Compare options honestly
Compare staff packing with professional help
Packing in-house
Staff may be able to pack ordinary desk contents, but count the time taken from their work and the materials needed. Agree a deadline and packing method. Unfinished cartons can leave the moving crew doing unplanned work.
Keeping the right tasks with specialists
Furniture disassembly, fragile equipment packing and technical shutdown may be worth pricing separately. The useful comparison is the complete task, including the risk of rework and the people needed to finish it.
Final preparation
Give the crew a clear inventory, layout and access plan
Freeze the inventory and layout
Update Milvus with changes, confirm the destination for each large item and remove anything no longer being moved.
Confirm access and responsible contacts
Give the crew one contact for each building and a clear escalation route for a locked entrance or unavailable elevator.
Finish labels and packing
Use the same codes on the floor plan, furniture and cartons. Keep confidential records under your organization’s handling procedures.
Walk through after placement
Check desk positions, agreed assembly and remaining cartons. Have the IT or facilities team handle their checks before normal work resumes.
Questions before you book
A few more details
Have a different situation? Call 857-895-8955 and talk it through with Milvus.
How much can I save by moving an office myself?
Compare the cost of transport, materials, staff time, equipment handling and business interruption with a professional quote. There is no useful universal percentage without knowing the office and the work involved.
Can movers disconnect our IT equipment?
Confirm the scope with Milvus and your IT team. Do not assume physical transport includes backups, shutdown, network installation or reconnection. Assign those responsibilities before the move.
Is a weekend office move always cheaper?
No. Compare mover availability, building charges, IT support and staffing costs for the dates you can use. The best option depends on the complete operational plan.
Your moving quote
Tell us where you’re moving
- 1Route & date
- 2Move size
- 3Contact details
Your estimate depends on the items, access and services you need.
Prefer to talk? 857-895-8955Talk to Milvus
Put your moving plan into motion
Share the addresses, date and the items you want to move. Milvus can help you work out packing, transport and delivery.