Oct 08, 2026 Commercial Relocation Services
Posted by: Mcmmanager
When a business decides to relocate, one of the first questions on the table is simple: how much will this cost? The honest answer is that it depends, but not in a vague way. Commercial moving prices in Metro Vancouver follow a clear logic based on crew size, hours, access, timing and specialty items. Once you understand that logic, you can budget accurately, compare quotes properly and avoid the surprise invoices that give moving companies a bad name.
This guide breaks down how commercial movers price a business move, what typical moves cost by business size, which hidden expenses catch owners off guard, and practical ways to keep your total under control.
Most commercial moving companies in the Lower Mainland use one of two pricing models. Some offer both and let you choose.
Hourly pricing is the most common model for local commercial moves. You pay a set rate per hour for a crew and a truck, from the moment the crew starts until the job is done. At My City Movers, published local rates are:
| Crew and truck | Hourly rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 movers + 1 truck (16′ or 24′) | $159–$179 | Small offices, home-based businesses, a few workstations |
| 3 movers + 1 truck (24′ or 26′) | $199–$229 | Small to mid-size offices and retail units |
| 4 movers + 1 truck (26′) | $249–$269 | Larger offices, showrooms, light warehouse moves |
Each booking has a 2-hour labour minimum plus travel time, and liability and cargo insurance are included at no extra charge. Larger projects simply add crews and trucks.
A flat-rate quote gives you one price for a defined scope of work. It is popular with businesses that need a firm number for budget approval. The trade-off is that the mover builds some contingency into the price, and any change to the scope, such as extra furniture or a new pickup address, can change the quote. For a deeper comparison, read our guide on choosing between hourly or flat-rate movers.
Travel time covers the drive from the mover’s base to your site and back. It is usually billed at the hourly rate or as a fixed fee. Minimum charges protect the mover on very small jobs, so a one-hour move is still billed as two hours.
The table below gives rough local estimates using the hourly rates above. They are labour and truck only, before travel time, materials and 5% GST. Your real cost depends on inventory and access.
| Business size | Typical crew | Typical time | Estimated labour cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro office or shop (1–5 workstations) | 2–3 movers | 3–5 hours | $480–$1,150 |
| Small office (6–15 workstations) | 3 movers | 5–8 hours | $1,000–$1,850 |
| Mid-size office (16–30 workstations) | 4 movers | 8–12 hours | $2,000–$3,250 |
| Large office, warehouse or multi-floor site | Multiple crews and trucks | 1–3 days, often phased | Custom project quote |
As a rule of thumb, every workstation adds roughly 15 to 30 minutes of crew time once you include the desk, chair, filing cabinet, boxes and IT equipment. Boardrooms, kitchens and storage rooms count as extra “workstations” when you estimate.
Two offices with the same headcount can receive very different quotes. These are the factors that make the difference.
The more items you move, the longer the job takes. Paper-heavy businesses such as law firms and accounting offices often move far more boxes than they expect. Reducing inventory before the move is the single most effective way to cut cost.
Access often matters as much as volume. A ground-floor unit with a loading bay can be cleared quickly. A 14th-floor suite with one shared elevator, a long hallway and street parking two blocks away can double the time. Many downtown Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond buildings require booked elevator times and a certificate of insurance. Our article on the challenges of high-rise moving in Vancouver explains what to expect.
Many businesses move in the evening or on weekends to avoid downtime. Some buildings require it. Ask whether your mover charges a premium for after-hours work. Month-end and summer dates also book up fast, so flexible timing can improve availability and price.
Server racks, safes, commercial kitchen equipment, medical devices, large printers and heavy shelving require extra crew, equipment or partial disassembly. Specialized jobs such as restaurant moves, warehouse relocations and lab and medical equipment moves are quoted with this in mind.
The moving invoice is only part of the total relocation budget. Plan for these items too:
A quote is only as accurate as the information behind it. Follow these steps:
If you are comparing several companies, our list of questions to ask before hiring a moving company will help you compare quotes fairly.
You do not need to cut corners to save money. These steps reduce hours without increasing risk:
For wider planning advice, see how to approach office moving in Metro Vancouver with zero downtime.
Local movers in Metro Vancouver commonly charge about $159–$179 per hour for two movers and a truck, $199–$229 for three movers and $249–$269 for four movers, based on My City Movers’ published rates. Travel time and a minimum charge usually apply.
The hourly rate is often similar. Commercial moves usually cost more overall because they involve more items, building restrictions, specialty equipment and after-hours scheduling.
Hourly works well when your inventory is well organized and access is simple. Flat-rate suits businesses that need a fixed budget and have a clearly defined scope.
Book four to eight weeks ahead for most office moves. Large or multi-site relocations benefit from two to three months of lead time.
At My City Movers, liability and cargo insurance are included. Always ask what coverage limits apply. Our guide to commercial moving insurance in BC explains the details.
Commercial moving costs become predictable once you know what drives them: crew size, hours, access, timing and specialty items. Start with a clear inventory, book an on-site estimate and ask every mover the same questions. If you want a transparent quote for your business, contact My City Movers or call (778) 886-7271. Learn more about what commercial moving includes.
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