Top Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Office Removalists in Perth
- Written by Daily Bulletin
Moving a workplace is more than shifting workstations and computers; it is a complex project that can affect staff morale, customer service and revenue if it goes off-track. Perth’s commercial property market is active, and many firms relocate to upgrade facilities or adjust their footprint. Yet when it comes to hiring office movers, the same stumbling blocks appear time and again - unclear pricing, inadequate insurance, or simply underestimating the time a professional crew needs.
This handy guide unpacks the most frequent errors so you can sidestep them, keep disruption minimal and settle into your new premises quickly. From inadequate planning to choosing the cheapest quote, watch out for these seven missteps that account for most office relocation blow-outs.
Top 7 Mistakes That Can Derail or Damage Your Office Relocation Experience
Inadequate planning
Office moves often drag on because critical steps like building access permits, lift bookings, IT shut-down timelines etc. were not locked in early.
Rushed, last-minute decisions are both stressful and expensive. To ensure you don't run into such issues, begin planning & scoping the move as soon as the new lease is signed. Create a timeline that works back from the “go-live” date and allocates responsibilities for furniture audits, data backups, change-of-address notifications and post-move cleaning. Treat the relocation like a project with milestones and a single person accountable for approvals.
Hiring unlicensed movers
Removal crews must hold the correct truck licences and, if they offer packing, carry public liability and goods-in-transit insurance. Western Australia’s Consumer Protection division warns that complaints about untrained operators include damaged stock and false claims of insurance cover.
Check whether the company is accredited by the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), whose members are regularly audited for vehicle safety and staff training. Engaging qualified office relocation professionals protects both your assets and workplace health and safety obligations.
Not comparing quotes
Three written quotes remain the industry minimum. Beyond price, examine what is (and is not) included: number of staff, size of trucks, packing materials, and whether downtime penalties apply if lifts are unavailable.
Remember, quotes that seem identical on paper can vary by thousands once weekend rates or IT handling surcharges appear. Use a simple spreadsheet to line up variables side by side, then query anomalies before you sign a service agreement.
Failing to ask about extra costs / hidden fees
Comparing quotes isn't enough - you need to read those fine-printed texts and enquire about hidden costs to avoid costly mistakes.
The thing is, some office movers in WA charge separately for obstacles that only emerge on the day - extra flights of stairs, delays at loading docks, or “difficult” items such as oversized printers. Clarify these scenarios in advance. Below is a checklist to raise during negotiations:
- After-hours or weekend labour rates
- Waiting time if keys or lifts are late
- Dismantling and re-assembly of workstations
- Protective wrapping for IT racks or art
- Temporary storage or redelivery fees
- Fuel levies and tolls
Building these contingencies into your budget means no nasty surprises when the invoice lands.
Ignoring the insurance
Standard transit insurance generally covers the removalist’s liability, not your own losses.
Confirm whether laptops, servers and confidential files are insured for replacement value and whether business interruption cover extends to delays caused by the mover. If high-value equipment is involved, your broker may recommend a one-off “marine transit” policy to close gaps. Insist on written confirmation of all coverage before moving day.
Not packing in advance
Professional office removalists work fastest when items are colour-coded, labelled and sealed. Leaving staff to pack on the morning of the move slows everything and invites confusion at the new site. Distribute packing cartons and clear instructions one week beforehand, and nominate “priority” crates for IT and reception so they are unpacked first. Allow time for secure destruction of redundant files to avoid carting dead weight.
However, if you have a lot to store, pack and carry along, you can check with your moving company about their comprehensive moving services that involve end-to-end assistance, including packing, loading, transfer, unloading and arranging. This will save you a lot of time, both before and after the move.
Taking the budget option
You can't get strawberries at the price of bananas. That's not how life works!
Cheap hourly rates can mask inadequate equipment, under-trained labour or a lack of contingency planning. If a mover arrives with too small a truck or sends casual staff unfamiliar with modular furniture, you risk overtime fees or damaged stock that wipes out any savings. A competitive price from a well-established mover usually costs less in the long run because the schedule holds and the handover is smoother.
Trust Top-Rated Office Removalists to Ensure a Safe & Efficient Move
A reputable Perth removal specialist will:
- Conduct an on-site survey to calculate cubic metres and identify access challenges;
- Prepare a detailed move plan with milestones, risk controls and out-of-hours options to reduce downtime;
- Provide trained crews for IT disconnection/re-connection, workstation re-assembly and secure document handling;
- Supply eco-friendly, reusable crates and anti-static wraps to protect sensitive hardware; and
- Assign a single point of contact who keeps you updated before, during and after the move.
Office movers that offer these end-to-end services help you transition with confidence. Their capability to work overnight, stage multi-floor moves and coordinate with building managers means staff walk into a fully functional workspace on day one, ready to serve clients without disruption.
Relocating an office is never effortless, but by avoiding the seven pitfalls above and partnering with accredited experts, you can protect assets, stay on budget and keep your business momentum strong throughout the change.
Also Read: Choosing the Right Office Removalists in Perth: What to Look For
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