Residential Vs. Commercial Moving: Differences You Need to Know

Posted on: 23 January 2024

Are you looking for a moving service to help you relocate? Do you know the difference between a residential and a commercial moving service? Choosing the right mover for your needs can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

Read on to learn about the differences between residential and commercial moving services to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Moves

Residential moves refer to individuals or families moving from one home to another. This could be an apartment, a townhouse, or a single-family home. Residential moving services typically involve packing, loading, transporting, and unloading household items. Commercial moves refer to businesses moving their offices, stores, or warehouses to a new location. These services require expertise in handling office equipment, furniture, and confidential documents.

Timelines and Scheduling

Residential moves are often planned in advance and can be scheduled according to the client's timeline. Moving companies may offer flexible scheduling options, such as evening or weekend moves, to accommodate their clients' needs. In contrast, commercial moves require strict scheduling and often need to be carried out outside of business hours to minimize disruption to workflow and productivity.

Equipment and Manpower

Residential moves usually require a smaller crew and less specialized equipment than commercial moves and may be carried out with a single moving truck and a few movers. Commercial movers may require multiple trucks, specialized equipment like scaffolding and dollies, and several movers to handle sensitive and expensive equipment. Commercial movers are also trained in disassembling and assembling office furniture, while residential movers may prioritize packing fragile and valuable items like artwork or pianos.

Cost

The cost of a moving service can vary depending on several factors, including the distance of the move, the size of the items being moved, and the amount of manpower and equipment required. Commercial moves are typically more expensive than residential moves due to the extra complexity involved. Commercial movers may also charge additional fees for moving sensitive or hazardous materials, installing IT systems, and carrying out multiple trips.

Insurance and Liability

Both residential and commercial moving services carry insurance to cover any damages that may occur during the move. However, the types of insurance coverage may differ between the two. Residential moving companies may offer standard coverage for damages to household items, while commercial movers may offer additional coverage for specialized equipment and sensitive documents. Commercial movers may also be liable for any loss of income or productivity caused by delays or damages during the move.

Reach out to a local company that offers moving services to learn more.

Share