Planning an office move in Burnaby, BC? Whether you are relocating a tech startup from a Metrotown coworking space, moving your law firm to a new suite in Brentwood, or transferring your corporate headquarters to one of Lougheed’s modern office towers, understanding the true costs involved is essential for budgeting and ensuring business continuity.
Office moving costs in Burnaby, BC range from $500-$1,500 for small offices (under 1,000 sq. ft.), $1,500-$3,000 for medium offices (1,000-3,000 sq. ft.), and $3,000-$25,000+ for large corporate relocations. Professional commercial movers in Burnaby charge $1-$4 per square foot or $130-$300 per hour, depending on crew size.
Please note: These prices do not reflect President Movers’ quote. These are averages across Burnaby, BC. The exact price you pay depends on the details of your personalized, no-obligation quote.
Why Burnaby’s Business Hubs Impact Your Quote
Burnaby is Metro Vancouver’s third-largest city and serves as a major business hub. The city features four thriving town centres: Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed, and Edmonds, each with unique commercial real estate and moving challenges.
Major employers like BC Hydro, Electronic Arts, and Telus have their headquarters here, alongside thousands of small and medium businesses across technology, film production, healthcare, education, and professional services sectors.
In this guide, we will explain pricing models, break down costs by office size, identify factors that affect your quote, warn you about hidden fees, and provide actionable tips to save money on your commercial relocation.
How Much Does Office Moving Cost in Burnaby, BC?
Office moving costs in Burnaby vary significantly based on the size of your workspace, the complexity of the move, and the services you require.
Unlike residential moves, which are priced by the number of bedrooms, commercial relocations are typically calculated using one of three pricing models: cost per square foot, hourly rates, or flat-rate quotes based on an inventory assessment.
Based on our analysis of Burnaby commercial moving rates, here is what local businesses can expect to pay.
Office Moving Cost by Size in Burnaby
| Office Type | Square Footage | Employees | Time Required | Estimated Cost |
| Small Office / Startup | Under 1,000 sq. ft. | 1-5 | 4-8 hours | $500 – $1,500 |
| Medium Office | 1,000 – 3,000 sq. ft. | 5-20 | 1-2 days | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Large Office | 3,000 – 10,000 sq. ft. | 20-50 | 2-5 days | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Corporate / Enterprise | 10,000+ sq. ft. | 50+ | 1-2 weeks | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
Office Moving Cost Per Square Foot in Burnaby
Certified movers in Burnaby commonly use a per-square-foot pricing model, especially for medium to large office relocations. Based on current 2026 market rates:
- Standard office move: $1.00 – $4.00 per square foot
- Light-density office (open plan, minimal furniture): $1.00 – $2.00 per square foot
- Heavy-density office (cubicles, full workstations): $2.50 – $4.00 per square foot
- Packing services (if required): Additional $0.50 – $0.75 per square foot
Example Calculation: A 2,500-square-foot medium-density office in Burnaby would cost approximately $2,500 to $7,500 for the move itself, plus $1,250 to $1,875 if professional packing services are required, for a total of $3,750 to $9,375.
Hourly Rates for Office Movers in Burnaby
For smaller office moves or when the scope is difficult to estimate in advance, many Burnaby commercial movers charge hourly rates. Here are the current 2026 rates:
| Crew Size | Hourly Rate | Best For |
| 2 movers + truck | $130 – $180/hour | Small offices, 1-5 workstations |
| 3 movers + truck | $180 – $240/hour | Medium offices, 5-15 workstations |
| 4 movers + truck | $230 – $300/hour | Large offices, 15+ workstations |
| Labour only (no truck) | $100 – $140/hour | Same-building moves, internal relocations |
Important: Most commercial movers in Burnaby have a minimum charge of 2-4 hours. Ask about minimum hours and travel time policies when requesting quotes, as these can significantly affect your total cost.
7 Key Factors That Affect Office Moving Costs in Burnaby
Understanding what drives commercial moving costs helps you budget accurately and identify opportunities to save money. Here are the seven key factors that determine your final quote.
1. Office Size and Furniture Density
The size of your office, along with the amount of furniture and equipment, directly affects the time, labour, and truck space required. Consider not just square footage but also furniture density.
A 2,000-square-foot tech startup with standing desks, laptops, and minimal furniture might cost $2,000 to move. The same square footage housing a law firm with heavy wooden desks, extensive filing cabinets, a library of legal books, and multiple conference rooms could cost $6,000 or more.
- Light density: Open-plan offices, standing desks, minimal storage
- Medium density: Standard workstations, some filing cabinets, conference rooms
- Heavy density: Cubicle systems, executive furniture, extensive filing, server rooms
2. Distance Between Locations
Moving within Burnaby or to nearby cities like Vancouver, New Westminster, or Coquitlam typically costs less than long-distance moves. Local moves are usually charged hourly, while moves to other cities in BC may be quoted as flat rates.
Traffic Consideration: Burnaby is known for traffic congestion, especially on Highway 1, Kingsway, and routes to North Vancouver and Coquitlam. Moving during off-peak hours (before 7 am, after 7 pm, or mid-day) can reduce billable time by 30% or more.
3. Building Access and Elevator Requirements
Burnaby’s commercial districts feature numerous high-rise office towers with specific moving requirements that can add cost and complexity:
- Elevator booking: Most high-rises require reserving a service elevator 1-3 weeks in advance. Failure to book can delay your move.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): Required by nearly all commercial buildings in Metrotown and Brentwood. Your mover must provide this 2-3 weeks before the move.
- Loading dock access: Limited hours and time slots at busy buildings can extend your move timeline.
- Parking clearance: Many underground parkades have clearance under 7 feet, requiring the use of outdoor loading areas.
- Long carry fees: If local movers must carry items more than 75 feet from the truck to the elevator, expect additional charges of $75-$150.
- Stair fees: If elevators are unavailable, stair carries typically cost $50-$100 per flight.
4. IT Equipment and Server Room Relocation
Technology equipment requires special handling and often specialised expertise. IT relocation costs can represent a significant portion of your total moving budget:
- Workstation disconnect/reconnect: $50 – $100 per workstation (includes computer, monitors, phone)
- Server rack relocation: $500 – $2,500 per rack, depending on size and complexity
- Network switch and router moving: $200 – $500 per device
- Complete data centre relocation: $5,000 – $20,000+ depending on scope
- IT specialist coordination: Many businesses hire an IT professional separately to supervise ($75-$150/hour)
Pro tip: Back up all data before the move, and label all cables and connections for faster reconnection at your new location.
5. Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly
Many office furniture items require disassembly before moving and reassembly at the destination. This is especially true for modular workstations, cubicle systems, and large conference tables.
- Basic furniture disassembly/reassembly: $200 – $500 (desks, tables, shelving)
- Cubicle system disassembly/reassembly: $50 – $100 per workstation
- Modular furniture reconfiguration: $500 – $2,000+, depending on complexity
- Executive furniture (heavy, complex pieces): $100 – $300 per item
6. Packing Services and Materials
Professional packing ensures your office items arrive safely and are organised for efficient unpacking. Options include:
- Packing materials only: $100 – $500 (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels)
- Partial packing service: $300 – $1,000 (affordable movers pack common areas, you pack personal items)
- Full packing service: $500 – $2,500+ based on office size
- Specialty packing (artwork, fragile items): $50 – $200 per item for custom crating
- Electronics packing (anti-static materials): $20 – $50 per item
7. Timing and Scheduling
When you move significantly affects pricing. Consider these timing factors:
- Peak season (May-September): 10-20% higher rates, book 4-6 weeks ahead
- Off-season (October-April): Better rates, more flexibility, easier scheduling
- Month-end (last week and first week): Higher demand, less availability
- Mid-month (2nd and 3rd week): Better rates and scheduling options
- Weekday moves: Often 10-15% cheaper than weekend moves
- After-hours/overnight moves: 10-20% premium but minimal business disruption
Office Moving Challenges by Burnaby Location
Each of Burnaby’s four town centres presents unique challenges for office relocations. Here is what to expect in each area.
Metrotown (Central Business District)
Metrotown is Burnaby’s downtown core and one of BC’s densest urban areas. Major office towers include Metrotower, Central Place, and Sun Tower (LEED Silver certified). Key challenges:
- Strict COI requirements with a 2-3 week lead time
- Elevator booking is essential, especially on weekends
- Heavy Kingsway traffic, avoid rush hours (7-9 am, 4-7 pm)
- Limited street parking for moving trucks
- Loading dock time limits at busy buildings
- Coordinate with building management well in advance
Brentwood Town Centre (The Amazing Brentwood)
The Amazing Brentwood redevelopment has added dozens of luxury towers with Class A office space. This is one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing commercial areas. Challenges include:
- Strict strata enforcement in newer buildings
- Comprehensive insurance documentation required
- Specific move-in windows and scheduling requirements
- Construction zones may affect access routes
- High-rise buildings with limited elevator access
- Coordinate with property management 3+ weeks ahead
Lougheed Town Centre
Lougheed is undergoing significant redevelopment with up to 30 new residential and commercial towers planned. Office space here ranges from budget-friendly to modern Class B buildings. Challenges:
- Active construction zones affecting access
- Mixed-use building requirements
- SkyTrain proximity affects parking and loading
- Variable building quality and moving requirements
Burnaby Mountain and SFU Discovery Park
The Simon Fraser University area and Discovery Place business parks host tech companies, research facilities, and educational institutions. Unique challenges:
- Steep grades and winding roads (University Drive)
- Weather-related access issues (snow, ice, fog)
- Distance from main arterial roads
- Specialised equipment for research facilities
- University scheduling during academic terms
Edmonds Town Centre
Edmonds is home to BC Hydro headquarters and many community-serving businesses. This area offers a mix of high-rises and smaller commercial buildings. Challenges:
- A mix of old and new buildings with varying requirements
- Proximity to the New Westminster border affects routes
- SkyTrain station traffic during peak hours
Additional Office Moving Services and Costs
Beyond basic moving services, you may need additional support for your office relocation. Here are common add-on services and their typical costs in Burnaby.
| Service | Cost Range | Details |
| Office Packing Materials | $100 – $500 | Boxes, tape, labels, bubble wrap |
| Full Packing Service | $500 – $2,500+ | Professional packers handle everything |
| Furniture Disassembly/Assembly | $200 – $1,000+ | Cubicles, modular workstations, desks |
| IT Equipment Moving | $50 – $100/workstation | Disconnect, move, reconnect computers |
| Server Room Relocation | $500 – $5,000+ | Specialised IT handling required |
| Commercial Storage (Monthly) | $150 – $500+ | Climate-controlled options available |
| Safe/Vault Moving | $300 – $1,000 | Heavy item specialists required |
| Junk Removal/Disposal | $200 – $800+ | Old furniture, e-waste, documents |
| After-Hours Moving Premium | 10-20% extra | Evening, overnight, weekend moves |
| Project Management | $500 – $2,000 | Dedicated coordinator for large moves |
Hidden Costs to Watch For in Office Moving Quotes
When comparing office moving quotes in Burnaby, be aware of potential hidden costs that some companies may not include in their initial estimate. Always ask specifically about these charges:
- Travel time charges: Some reliable downtown Vancouver movers charge for round-trip travel from their warehouse to your office. Confirm if travel time is included or extra.
- Minimum hour requirements: Even a 2-hour move may be charged for 3-4 minimum hours.
- Stair and elevator fees: Additional charges if freight elevators are unavailable or stairs must be used.
- Long carry fees: Extra charges when loading areas are far from the office (common in Metrotown).
- Truck size surcharges: Larger trucks may cost more; confirm truck size in quote.
- Insurance deductibles: Basic coverage may not adequately protect high-value items.
- Building fees: Deposits or damage waivers required by your building (charged to you, not the mover).
- Cancellation/rescheduling fees: Charges if you need to change the move date.
- Fuel surcharges: Additional fees based on current fuel prices.
- Credit card processing fees: Some companies charge 2-3% for card payments.
Pro tip: Always ask for a detailed, itemised quote in writing. Reputable commercial movers will provide transparent pricing and explain all potential charges upfront. If a quote seems too low, it probably is.
6 Proven Tips to Reduce Your Office Moving Costs
Smart planning can significantly reduce your commercial moving expenses. Here are six proven strategies used by Burnaby businesses to save money on office relocations.
1. Declutter and Dispose Before Moving
An office move is the perfect opportunity to eliminate outdated equipment, old files, and unused furniture. Less to move means lower costs. Consider selling usable furniture, recycling e-waste through certified facilities, and securely shredding documents that have passed retention requirements. Many Burnaby businesses save 15-25% by decluttering before moving.
2. Move During Off-Peak Times
Schedule your move during lower-demand periods for better rates: mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) rather than weekends, mid-month rather than month-end, and off-season (October-April) rather than summer. You can save 10-20% on moving costs by choosing optimal timing.
3. Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Carefully
Obtain at least three quotes from licensed commercial movers. Compare not just total prices but also what is included: packing materials, furniture disassembly, insurance coverage, and travel time policies. The cheapest quote may not include essential services.
4. Have Employees Pack Personal Items
Reduce mover hours by having employees pack their own desks, disconnect their computers, and label their items. Provide clear instructions and moving supplies (boxes, labels, tape) at least one week before the move. This alone can reduce costs by 10-15%.
5. Book 4-6 Weeks in Advance
Early booking gives you better pricing options, ensures availability on your preferred date, and allows time to coordinate building requirements (COI, elevator booking, loading dock reservation). Last-minute moves typically cost 15-30% more.
6. Coordinate Building Requirements Early
Avoid costly delays by arranging elevator reservations, Certificates of Insurance, and loading dock access well in advance. Confirm all building requirements at both your current and new locations. Missing a document can delay your move and add hours of waiting time.
Office Moving Checklist for Burnaby Businesses
Use this Burnaby moving checklist to ensure your office move goes smoothly and stays on budget.
6-8 Weeks Before Move:
- Form a move committee and assign responsibilities
- Get quotes from 3+ licensed commercial movers
- Review and compare quotes, check insurance coverage
- Book your preferred mover and confirm dates
- Contact both buildings about moving requirements
- Create an inventory of all furniture and equipment
4-6 Weeks Before Move:
- Submit COI to both buildings
- Book freight elevator access
- Reserve loading dock times
- Plan the IT infrastructure at the new location
- Order packing supplies
- Begin decluttering and disposing of unneeded items
2-3 Weeks Before Move:
- Communicate the move details to all employees
- Distribute packing supplies and instructions
- Label all equipment and furniture
- Confirm all bookings (mover, elevator, dock)
- Back up all computer data
1 Week Before Move:
- Final walkthrough with the moving company
- Employees pack personal items
- The IT team prepares equipment for disconnection
- Notify clients, vendors, and service providers of address change
Moving Day:
- Designate a point person to work with the professional movers
- Final walkthrough of the old office
- Supervise loading and unloading
- Check inventory against delivery
- Begin IT setup at the new location
Why Burnaby Businesses Choose President Movers for Office Relocations
When it comes to relocating your business or moving to Burnaby, President Movers is helping the Burnaby community by offering the expertise, equipment, and professionalism needed for a seamless office move. Here is why local businesses trust us with their commercial relocations.
- 15+ Years Local Experience: We know Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed, and Edmonds inside and out, including building requirements and access challenges
- Licensed and Insured: Fully licensed BC moving company with comprehensive liability coverage
- Commercial Moving Specialists: Trained crews experienced in handling office furniture, IT equipment, and sensitive business materials
- Minimal Business Disruption: Flexible scheduling, including after-hours, overnight, and weekend moves
- Transparent Pricing: Detailed, itemised quotes with no hidden fees or surprise charges
- COI Ready: We provide Certificates of Insurance for all Burnaby office buildings within 24 hours
- Full-Service Options: Packing, furniture disassembly/assembly, IT coordination, and storage solutions
- Project Management: Dedicated coordinators for larger moves to ensure everything runs on schedule
- Burnaby Business References: Proven track record with local businesses—ask us for references
Ready to get a quote for your Burnaby office move? Call President Movers at 604-900-5433 or visit presidentmovers.ca for a free, no-obligation estimate. We offer on-site assessments for larger offices to provide accurate pricing.
Conclusion: Planning Your Burnaby Office Move
Office moving costs in Burnaby, BC vary widely based on office size, location, timing, and services required. Small offices typically cost $500 to $1,500, medium offices $1,500 to $3,000, and large corporate relocations can range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more. Most experienced commercial movers charge $1 to $4 per square foot or $130 to $300 per hour, depending on crew size.
The key to a successful office move is planning, understanding all the factors that affect costs, and choosing a reputable mover with experience in Burnaby’s unique challenges. From the high-rise towers of Metrotown and Brentwood to the business parks near SFU, professional movers who know the area can save you time, money, and stress.
Remember to get multiple quotes, ask about hidden fees, and book 4-6 weeks in advance for the best rates. Coordinate building requirements early, have employees pack their personal items, and consider moving during off-peak times to reduce costs. With proper planning and the right moving partner, your office relocation can be completed efficiently with minimal disruption to your business operations.