How to Move Office Tech Safely Without Breaking Your Gear or Your Budget

If you’ve ever tried moving an office full of wires, monitors, and sensitive tech gear, you know it’s one power surge away from turning into a total disaster. One unplugged server, one dropped monitor, or one missing cord can grind business to a halt. And let’s be real your IT team probably already warned you once, “Don’t mess this up.”

So how do you move your tech heavy workspace without losing your mind (or your data)? Let’s break it down.

No matter where your office is located Toronto’s tech hubs, downtown Ottawa, or Montreal’s growing business districts our team at Hustlers Moving knows how to handle delicate IT setups with precision. We offer local commercial moving services tailored to each city’s unique layout, traffic, and building access.

Why Office IT Moves Are High Risk (and Expensive If You Screw Up)

• Monitors and CPUs break easily even a short drop can cause screen damage

• Servers and storage one jolt in the truck and your data's toast

• Miles of wires and connections lost cables or sloppy setups mean hours of delays

• Downtime every extra hour your system is down is real money out the door

And don’t even start on the emotional damage when your 3000 dollar Mac gets scratched or someone forgets which router goes where.

Step by Step: How to Actually Protect Your Tech

1. Label Everything Like a Maniac

Color code, tag, or number every cable and device. When you’re reconnecting 30 desks with 200 wires, that one label saves hours.

2. Use Anti Static Wraps

Wrap all electronics with anti static bubble wrap, not the cheap stuff. Regular plastic can build up static and fry internal circuits.

3. Keep Screens in Upright Padded Boxes

Never lay screens flat. Use monitor boxes with foam inserts or blanket wrapped crates to absorb shock.

4. Move Servers With Crate Systems

Do not toss servers into a box. Use rolling IT crates or server racks with padding and make sure they are tied down in the truck.

5. Photograph Setups Before You Unplug

Seriously. Take a quick phone shot of each workstation and server rack before disconnecting. It saves you from guessing where wires go.

Common Mistakes That Cost Businesses Thousands

• Movers used blankets but forgot to wrap the screens

• Labeled boxes but didn’t match cords to devices

• Packed the router but forgot the power supply

• Left IT stuff in the same box as kitchen items

• No padding on truck walls so crates slid everywhere

  
  

What Does It Cost to Move Office IT Gear?

Prices vary by complexity. But here’s a general breakdown (Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal):

Service TypeEstimated PriceSmall Office (5 to 10 workstations) 450 to 850 dollars

Mid Size (10 to 30 workstations) 800 to 1500 dollars

Enterprise or Servers and Racks 1500 to 3500 dollars or more

Packing & desk + chairs assembling Add ons 100 to 400 dollars extra

Pro tip: Always ask for an itemized quote. If they just throw a flat number at you without asking how many servers or monitors you have, run.

Don’t Trust Just Any Movers

If a company shrugs when you ask “How do you move servers” they are not your movers.

At Hustlers Moving, our teams are trained specifically for IT and office environments. We don’t just toss your gear in a truck and hope for the best. We come with floor runners, anti static wraps, and proper crates and we document everything.

Whether you’re a small startup or an IT heavy operation, we build around your schedule, offer transparent pricing, and keep your data safe. No headaches. No downtime drama.

What to Pack Separately and Why

Not everything should go on the moving truck with the rest of your office gear. Some items are either too valuable, too fragile, or simply too easy to misplace during the shuffle. Here’s what we recommend packing separately:

• Personal Laptops and Devices
  Even if your company provides the tech, employees often have personal files or login setups. These should be carried by the staff themselves to avoid data loss or unauthorized access.

• Hard Drives and USBs
  External drives carry backup data, sensitive files, and critical project documents. Keep them in a padded case and move them securely by hand, especially if they are not encrypted.

• Cables, Power Supplies, and Adapters
  These always go missing. Collect and label them in advance. Store them in zip bags or color-coded pouches labeled by workstation or device.

• Webcams, Keyboards, Mice, and Accessories
  These might seem low value, but if even one is missing at setup time, your staff will not be able to work. Gather them in small boxes labeled by team or department.

• Surge Protectors and Battery Backups
  Moving crews often skip these, assuming they are cheap to replace. But they are essential to keep your new setup protected from electrical damage. Keep them grouped and marked.

• Company Credit Cards or Keys
  Office managers should carry anything financial or access-related themselves. Never trust items like access cards or keys to be tossed into general boxes.

Final Tips Before Move Day

• Even with professionals doing the heavy lifting, your team can make the tech transition smoother with a few final steps. These small actions can prevent chaos and confusion on day one in the new office:

• Back Up Everything
  Always assume something could be delayed or damaged. Have your IT team perform a full system backup the day before the move. This includes cloud saves, server backups, and external drive copies.

• Take Photos of Your Setup
  Ask each employee to take a photo of their desktop wiring or monitor layout. This makes it 10 times easier to reconnect everything properly after the move without constant questions.

• Tag Each Cord and Port
  Use color-coded tags or stickers to mark cords and corresponding ports. For example, blue sticker on the HDMI cable and a blue dot near the HDMI port. This reduces IT stress and speeds up setup.

• Send an Internal Move Checklist to Your Staff
  This should include:

1. What they are expected to pack themselves

2. What items will be moved by the crew

3. The timeline of move day

4. Any instructions for labeling or desk clearing

• Coordinate with Building Management
  Ensure elevator bookings, loading dock access, and any required security forms are arranged in advance. This helps the movers stay on schedule and avoid extra charges.

• Prep a First-to-Set-Up Box
  Label a box that includes routers, modem, extension cords, and office-wide power bars. This should be the first thing unloaded and installed, so your team is not left waiting on Wi-Fi.

  
  

  
  

  Frequently Asked Questions (IT Office Moves)
  
  

  1. Do I need to disconnect everything before the movers arrive?
  Not necessarily. If you want to speed things up, you can unplug and bundle cords ahead of time but our team can handle this for you. Just make sure files are backed up in advance.

  
  

  2. How do you keep my servers and computers safe during the move?
  We use anti-static wraps, heavy-duty padded crates, and labeled boxes for sensitive electronics. Servers are handled upright and secured in transit to avoid damage.

  
  

  3. Will you label my IT items so I know where they go after the move?
  Yes. We offer detailed labeling for all tech equipment monitors, desktops, cables, docks so setup is fast and organized on the other side.

  
  

  4. Can you move our office overnight or on a weekend?
  Absolutely. We specialize in after-hours and weekend moves to avoid disrupting your workflow or customer service.

  
  

  5. What happens if something gets damaged?
  We are fully insured and transparent about claims. If damage happens, we document everything and take real steps to fix it no fine-print runarounds.

  
  

  6. Should I back up important data before the move?
  Always. While we handle your hardware carefully, backing up your files protects you from accidental data loss just in case.

  
  

  7. Can you move our server racks or network cabinets?
  Yes. Our movers are trained to disassemble, pad, move, and reassemble server racks properly. Just let us know what equipment you have during the quote process.

  
  

  8. How far in advance should I schedule my IT relocation?
  We recommend 2 to 3 weeks in advance for IT-heavy moves. This gives us time to plan cable maps, equipment needs, and scheduling with your building if required.

  
  

  9. Will I need to hire a separate tech person for reconnection?
  If you have a complex setup, it’s helpful to have your IT team available. But we can handle basic reconnections and workstation setups based on your instructions.

  
  

  10. What cities do you offer IT office moving services in?
  We serve Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal including all surrounding business hubs.
  
  
  

  
  
  Conclusion: Your Office IT Move Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

  
  

  Moving your IT setup doesn’t need to mean chaos, downtime, or fried equipment. With the right prep, labeling, and a professional team that knows how to handle sensitive electronics, your office can transition smoothly without losing a single file or a single cable.

  At Hustlers Moving, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses relocate everything from tiny tech setups to full-scale server rooms. Whether you need us after hours, over a weekend, or on a tight deadline we get it done safely and professionally.

  
  

  Ready to move your office IT gear without the stress?
  Let’s make a custom plan that keeps your business running and your equipment protected.

  Get a Free consultation with our moving experts to get a tailored plan for you at cheapest rate in the whole industry.