As we prepare to attend the CRN conference in Charleston, SC, Luke and I have been reflecting on what being a CRN (Commercial Relocation Network) member really means to us—and, more importantly, what it means for the people we serve.

CRN is more than a professional network. It’s an educational organization that equips us with the tools, insights, and resources to stay ahead of trends impacting commercial moving, furniture installation, and project management. From best practices in logistics to emerging technology and sustainability in the workplace, CRN helps keep us sharp and keeps our clients a step ahead.

Being part of CRN also gives us something incredibly valuable: nationwide reach with local confidence. Whether our clients are relocating across town or the country, we have trusted partners we can call on to ensure the same high level of service, professionalism, and care. That consistency matters—that peace of mind matters.

For us, CRN isn’t just a badge we wear—it’s a standard we uphold. It makes us better at what we do and reminds us why we do it. We’re looking forward to the conference, connecting with peers, and bringing back even more knowledge and experience to share with our clients at home.

Learn more about CRN at www.officemovingcrn.com.

Whether relocating a single office or managing a complex, multi-site project, choosing the right partner makes all the difference. At Main Street Commercial Moving, we bring the experience, resources, and national reach to manage your project from start to finish—with one dedicated point of contact.

We manage many different types of relocations and installations, including office, industrial, warehouse, laboratory, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. No matter the environment, complexity, or scale, our experienced team has the expertise and resources to deliver with precision and professionalism.

Here’s what you can count on:

• Comprehensive Project Management: We coordinate every detail—logistics, labor, timelines, and vendors—to ensure a smooth, on-time outcome.

• Ecological Decommissions: Responsible solutions for responsibly removing, recycling, and repurposing assets.

• Lease Surrender Services: We help you meet landlord requirements and deliver a clean, cleared, and compliant space.

• New & Used Furniture Solutions: Tailored options to fit your needs, timeline, and budget.

• Space Planning & Design: Smart, efficient layouts that make your new or existing space work better.

• Nationwide Service Delivery: Through our CRN partners, we bring local expertise to every corner of the country—backed by our central leadership and accountability.

We’re not just movers. We’re problem-solvers. Space planners. Logistics experts. And above all, trusted advisors—just as comfortable managing union labor in New York as we are at coordinating an office reconfiguration in Arizona.

Let’s talk about how we can make your next project simple, seamless, and successful.

With over 30 years in the estimating business, I’ve learned one universal truth: numbers don’t lie. But they do require a trained eye to interpret. When bids come in and there’s a significant spread between them, it’s tempting to default to the lowest number. That’s human nature. But I can tell you from experience—that’s not always the best call. The lowest bid might not be the most complete, and the highest bid doesn’t necessarily mean someone’s trying to pad their margins. The key is knowing how to dissect the estimate, not just compare totals.

Start with Scope

The first place to look is the scope of work. Is it apples to apples? A $5,000 spread might make more sense when you realize one bidder is including full-service packing while another expects your team to have it boxed and labeled. You’d be shocked how often scope mismatches are the real reason bids are off.

Read the fine print. Look for what’s included—and more importantly, what’s not. Hidden costs have a way of creeping in later, and they usually show up in change orders or service add-ons that could’ve been predicted up front.

Labor and Time Assumptions

This is where real estimating experience separates fact from fiction. If one estimate shows the job taking two days and another shows five, you need to take a closer look. Are they assuming the same crew size? The same number of hours per day? The same working conditions?

Egress—how materials actually move out of a space—is a major factor that often gets overlooked. I’ve used simple math more times than I can count to show just how improbable some low-bid timelines really are. For example, let’s say a crew needs to move 1,200 dolly loads through a single exit. Even if you could push two dolly loads through that door every 60 seconds (which is already a stretch in the real world), that’s 600 minutes—or 10 hours—of nonstop, perfectly-timed pushing.

Now tell me how that’s going to happen in an 8-hour window, with setup time, breaks, elevator waits, loading, and coordination with other trades factored in. It’s not. That kind of math doesn’t lie—it tells you the estimate is either based on fantasy, or the estimator is hoping you won’t look too closely.

But here’s the flip side—math is just as valuable when defending a lower bid. I’ve won plenty of projects where a competitor overestimated the labor or missed a chance to build in efficiencies. Maybe they didn’t understand the flow of the building, or maybe they were just playing it safe due to lack of field time. Either way, I’ve been able to use the same egress math—down to the minute and the dolly load—to prove why my numbers make sense, even when they come in under a competitor’s.

The point is: whether you’re raising questions about a suspiciously low estimate or justifying one that comes in lean and efficient, the math is your best friend. It’s honest. It doesn’t play favorites. And when used correctly, it tells a story that’s hard to argue with.

Equipment, Access, and Logistics

Jobs aren’t done in spreadsheets—they’re done in the field. Ask questions about site access, parking, freight elevator usage, after-hours work, and staging. These logistical elements are often the hidden costs that separate a solid bid from a shaky one. If one bid doesn’t mention any of this and another spells it out clearly—that’s a red flag. Vague bids are risky.

Risk Management and Contingencies

A good estimate anticipates problems. A great one has a plan for them. Whether it’s weather, or coordination with other trades—estimators with field experience will bake in smart contingencies. They’re not trying to scare you. They’re trying to prepare you.

Watch for Red Flags

• Unusually low labor rates? Could be misclassified workers or a skeleton crew.
• Missing permit or insurance costs? You’ll be paying them one way or another.
• No mention of project management or supervision? That’s either an oversight—or the estimator assumes the project will run itself. It won’t.

Don’t Just Look at the Bottom Line

I always say, “A low bid that misses the mark costs you more than a high bid that delivers.” Look beyond the number. Look at the estimator’s reputation, experience, and clarity. If they’ve done their homework, the estimate should tell that story—line by line.

Final Thoughts

When reviewing competing bids, especially with big disparities, trust your gut—but verify with your head. Numbers don’t lie, but they do demand interpretation. Ask questions. Push for clarity. And if something feels too good to be true—it usually is.

Whether uncovering risk or defending value, math is your most reliable ally. It tells the truth. You just have to be willing to listen.

Moving is the perfect opportunity for businesses to clean house, especially regarding outdated documents and IT equipment. At Main Street Commercial Moving, we don’t just move furniture—we help businesses manage secure document destruction and IT asset disposal (ITAD) to ensure sensitive data is correctly handled while promoting green disposal and recycling techniques.

Why Document & IT Destruction Matters During a Move

Every business accumulates a significant amount of paperwork and outdated technology over time. Moving to a new location is a great time to assess what needs to be kept and what should be securely destroyed.

• Reduce Clutter & Costs: Transporting unnecessary documents and obsolete IT equipment increases moving costs. Destroying and recycling before the move saves time and money.
• Ensure Compliance & Security: Many industries have strict regulations regarding data retention and destruction (HIPAA, GDPR, FACTA, etc.). Secure shredding and ITAD services help protect your business from liability.
• Improve Efficiency in Your New Space: Start fresh with only the necessary documents and equipment, improving organization and workspace productivity.
• Support Sustainability Goals: Proper IT disposal and document recycling help reduce your company’s environmental impact.

Our Document & IT Destruction Services

Main Street Commercial Moving offers seamless off-site and on-site document destruction and IT asset disposal services tailored to your business needs.

Secure Document Destruction

We ensure confidential and sensitive paperwork is properly disposed of with:

✔ On-Site Shredding: We can arrange for a mobile shredding truck to destroy documents at your location while you watch.

✔ Off-Site Shredding: We securely transport documents to a certified shredding facility for large-scale purges.

✔ Certified Destruction: We provide certificates of destruction to confirm compliance with legal and industry standards.

✔ Recycling Integration: All shredded material is responsibly recycled, minimizing environmental impact.

IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) & E-Waste Recycling

Electronic devices store valuable and sensitive data—even after deletion. We ensure your IT equipment is securely destroyed or repurposed using the latest green disposal methods.

✔ Data Wiping & Destruction:

• Secure software-based data erasure (meets NIST 800-88 standards).
• Degaussing and physical shredding of hard drives and SSDs.

✔ IT Equipment & E-Waste Recycling:

• Secure disposal of old computers, servers, network equipment, and mobile devices.
• Environmentally responsible e-waste recycling

✔ Printer & Copier Hard Drive Destruction:

• Many printers store sensitive data—our team ensures secure removal and disposal of internal hard drives.

✔ Asset Tagging & Inventory Tracking:

• We provide detailed reports of all disposed IT assets, ensuring compliance and accountability.

Why Choose Main Street Commercial Moving?

At Main Street Commercial Moving, we provide end-to-end move management services, ensuring a smooth transition to your new space with security, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.

✅ Turnkey Solutions: We handle document shredding and IT disposal as part of your office move—no need for multiple vendors.

✅ Compliance & Security: We adhere to strict industry regulations to protect your business from data breaches.

✅ Eco-Friendly Approach: We prioritize responsible recycling and green disposal methods.

✅ Convenience & Efficiency: We coordinate the entire process to minimize disruption, whether you need on-site or off-site services.

Get Started Today

If your business is preparing for a move, let Main Street Commercial Moving handle your document destruction and IT disposal needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make your transition seamless, secure, and environmentally responsible.

📞 Call us at 801-90-4059

📧 Email us at mike@movingonmain.com

🌐 Visit our website at www.movingonmain.com

Commercial real estate is constantly evolving, shaped by economic trends, population growth, and industry shifts. In Salt Lake City, where Main Street Commercial Moving operates, we’ve seen significant changes across office, industrial, retail, and multifamily sectors. Meanwhile, some of the country’s largest commercial markets continue to experience rapid growth and investment.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in Salt Lake City’s commercial real estate market and how it compares to the top five largest commercial markets in the U.S.

Salt Lake City: A Dynamic Commercial Hub

Salt Lake City has long been a hub for business and innovation, attracting tech companies, logistics firms, and retailers. The city’s real estate market has shifted in response to economic trends, remote work, and industrial growth.

Office Market: A Period of Transition

The office sector in Salt Lake City is in flux. By Q3 2024, office vacancy rates hit 25.2%, reflecting continued adjustments in how businesses use space. Class A buildings with modern amenities remain in demand, while older office spaces struggle to attract tenants. Median asking rents hover around $24 per square foot annually, with prime locations exceeding $40 per square foot.

📌 Read more about Salt Lake City’s office market.

Retail Market: Strong Demand, Limited Supply

Retail real estate in Salt Lake County is thriving. By Q3 2024, vacancy rates dropped to 2.57%, with lease rates rising to $21.93 per square foot annually. Major new developments, like Academy Village in Herriman, are expanding the retail landscape.

📌 See the latest on Salt Lake City’s retail real estate.

Industrial Market: A Cooling Trend

After years of rapid expansion, Salt Lake’s industrial market saw a slowdown in 2024. Leasing activity dropped to 957,838 square feet, the lowest since 2014. The availability rate reached 7.2%, due to high levels of new development.

📌 Learn more about Salt Lake’s industrial market.

Multifamily Market: Tight Vacancy and Rising Rents

Salt Lake City’s apartment market remains competitive, with a 2.2% vacancy rate and average rents climbing 15.1% year-over-year to $1,632 per unit. With over 12,000 new units under construction, developers are racing to keep up with demand.

📌 See the latest on Salt Lake City’s multifamily sector.

The Top 5 Commercial Real Estate Markets in the U.S.

Salt Lake City is a key player in the national real estate market, but some cities are experiencing even more dramatic growth. Here’s a look at the top five commercial real estate markets in the U.S.

1. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX: The Nation’s Hottest Market

With 7.1% population growth since 2020, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is booming. High demand for industrial, data centers, and multifamily properties is driving record development.

📌 Learn why Dallas is leading the U.S. real estate market.

2. Houston, TX: A Powerhouse for Industrial and Retail Growth

Houston is thriving, adding 60,200 jobs in 2024 and seeing 2% population growth. The city’s industrial sector remains strong, with new developments supporting continued expansion.

📌 See Houston’s commercial real estate trends.

3. West Palm Beach, FL: A New Business and Finance Hub

West Palm Beach is no longer just a vacation destination—it’s now a major financial center. Developers are investing in over 6 million square feet of new office space and 1.4 million square feet of condos, retail, and hotels.

📌 Read how West Palm Beach is transforming.

4. Phoenix, AZ: A Manufacturing Boom Drives Growth

Phoenix is benefiting from a manufacturing explosion, with $65 billion in new factories, including investments from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. This has led to a surge in industrial, housing, and retail demand.

📌 See how Phoenix’s manufacturing sector is reshaping real estate.

5. Salt Lake City, UT: A Fast-Growing Tech Hub

Salt Lake City rounds out the top five, thanks to its booming tech sector, known as Silicon Slopes. Over 1,000 tech companies, including Google, Adobe, and PayPal, have set up operations, increasing demand for commercial spaces.

📌 Discover why Salt Lake City is a top tech hub.

What This Means for Businesses and Investors

The commercial real estate market is evolving, with some cities seeing rapid expansion while others face high vacancies and shifting demand. Salt Lake City remains a key market for retail, multifamily, and tech-driven office space, but it faces challenges in the industrial and traditional office sectors.

For businesses, investors, and service providers like Main Street Commercial Moving, these trends highlight opportunities for growth. As we move through 2025, staying informed and adapting to market shifts will be crucial.

What trends are you seeing in your market? Let us know in the comments!

Relocating an office is a significant undertaking that can disrupt daily operations if not properly planned. A smooth transition requires careful coordination, strategic timing, and the right moving partner. At Main Street Commercial Moving, we specialize in making office moves efficient and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your business relocation goes off without a hitch.

Step 1: Start Planning Early

The key to a successful office move is early preparation. Ideally, planning should begin at least 6 months in advance for small to mid-sized offices and up to a year for more significant corporate moves.

Key Tasks:

• Establish a moving committee to oversee logistics.
• Create a budget for moving costs, including packing, installation, and downtime expenses.
• Set a realistic timeline to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Step 2: Choose the Right Moving Partner

Selecting an experienced commercial mover can make all the difference. A professional moving company will transport furniture and handle packing, installation, and workspace reconfiguration to minimize disruption.

What to Look For:

• Experience with office furniture installation
• A detailed move plan outlining packing, transportation, and setup.
• Ability to work after hours or on weekends to avoid business interruptions.

Step 3: Conduct a Workspace Audit

Before the move, take inventory of everything in your current office. This helps determine what needs to be moved, replaced, or disposed of.

Consider:

• Which furniture and equipment will be relocated?
• Do you need new furniture or a different office layout?
• Should employees take home personal items to reduce clutter?

Step 4: Communicate with Your Team

Keeping employees informed is crucial for a smooth transition. Clear communication prevents confusion and ensures everyone knows what to expect.

Tips for Effective Communication:

• Provide moving schedules and key deadlines to all employees.
• Assign department move coordinators to help with packing and organization.
• Send regular updates via email or team meetings.

Step 5: Minimize Downtime with Smart Scheduling

Consider moving during off-hours, weekends, or holiday breaks to keep business running smoothly. If a phased move is necessary, prioritize setting up critical departments first.

Downtime Reduction Strategies:

• Use temporary workstations or remote work options if necessary.
• Set up IT and internet services at the new location before moving day.
• Have a professional moving team handle furniture installation to quickly get employees back to work.

Step 6: Test and Optimize Your New Space

Once the move is complete, test everything before full operations resume. Walk through the office to ensure power, internet, and phone lines are working properly.

Final Checks:

• Verify that furniture placement aligns with your office plan.
• Ensure technology and equipment are set up correctly.
• Collect employee feedback to make final adjustments.

Partner with Main Street Commercial Moving for a Stress-Free Move

At Main Street Commercial Moving, we understand that time is money. Our team specializes in efficient office relocations, furniture installation, and workspace reconfigurations to ensure your transition is seamless. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and keep your business moving forward without missing a beat.

Ready to move? Call us at 801-990-4059 or visit www.movingonmain.com to get started!

Relocation—whether for an office or a home—often comes with a heavy environmental cost. The process involves packing materials, fuel consumption, and waste disposal, all contributing to a larger carbon footprint. However, with proper planning and sustainable choices, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your move.

At Main Street Commercial Moving, we prioritize green relocation strategies to help businesses transition while minimizing their carbon footprint. Here’s how you can do the same.

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Office Furniture

A major contributor to waste during relocations is old or unwanted furniture. Rather than discarding office desks, chairs, and cubicles, consider refurbishing, donating, or reselling them.

Carbon Footprint Savings Example

By keeping furniture in use instead of sending it to a landfill, you avoid the emissions associated with producing new items. Here’s what that looks like:

• 1 office chair saved from disposal = 50 lbs of CO₂ avoided
• 10 chairs saved = 500 lbs of CO₂ avoided
• 50 workstations refurbished instead of replaced = 10,000+ lbs of CO₂ saved

Recycling furniture also saves raw materials like wood, metal, and plastics, further reducing environmental impact.

2. Opt for Eco-Friendly Packing Solutions

Traditional packing materials such as bubble wrap and Styrofoam contribute to long-term waste. Instead, use:

• Reusable moving crates instead of cardboard boxes
• Use biodegradable packing peanuts instead of Styrofoam
• Recycled paper wraps instead of plastic bubble wrap

Carbon Footprint Savings Example

• Using 50 reusable moving crates instead of cardboard boxes saves up to 1,500 lbs of CO₂ emissions
• Switching from bubble wrap to biodegradable wrap for a single move reduces plastic waste by 50 lbs

These alternatives reduce waste and make the unpacking process more efficient.

3. Plan Efficient Transportation to Reduce Emissions

Fuel consumption during moving is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Choosing efficient transportation options can make a substantial impact:

• Consolidate shipments to minimize multiple trips
• Plan the most efficient route to reduce fuel consumption
• Ensure trucks are properly loaded to maximize space and reduce unnecessary hauls

Carbon Footprint Savings Example

• A fully loaded moving truck emits ~100 lbs of CO₂ per 100 miles
• Reducing unnecessary trips can cut emissions by 30%

Careful route planning and load optimization help reduce environmental impact without requiring alternative fuel sources.

4. Digitize and Minimize Paper Waste

Moving offices often means clearing out files and documents, leading to excessive paper waste. Instead of printing or storing hard copies, transition to digital storage solutions.

Carbon Footprint Savings Example

• 1 ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and reduces CO₂ emissions by 60 lbs
• Scanning and digitally storing 1,000 pages prevents the emission of 120 lbs of CO₂

Shredding and recycling paper responsibly ensures it doesn’t end up in landfills.

5. Donate or Resell Unwanted Items

Many businesses discard electronics, office supplies, and furniture during a move. Instead of sending these items to the landfill, donate them to schools, charities, or resale organizations.

Carbon Footprint Savings Example

• 1 refurbished desktop computer = 300 lbs of CO₂ saved
• Repurposing 10 office desks = 1 ton of CO₂ savings

Reusing and donating items not only benefits the environment but also supports communities in need.

6. Partner with a Sustainable Moving Company

Choosing a mover that prioritizes green initiatives can amplify your sustainability efforts. Look for companies that:

• Offer sustainable packing solutions
• Have waste diversion programs
• Utilize efficient planning to minimize trips and fuel consumption

At Main Street Commercial Moving, we integrate these strategies into our relocation services to ensure businesses move efficiently while reducing environmental impact.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Impact

Sustainable moving doesn’t require a drastic overhaul—small changes add up to significant savings in carbon emissions. You can make a measurable impact by choosing to reuse furniture, use sustainable packing materials, reduce waste, and optimize transportation.

Whether relocating a small office or a corporate headquarters, adopting green moving practices benefits your business and the planet. If you’re ready to move sustainably, reach out to Main Street Commercial Moving today to learn how we can help.

In today’s fast-paced business world, companies are constantly evolving—expanding, downsizing, relocating, or reconfiguring their office space to adapt to new demands. Managing a commercial move at any scale is a complex operation, requiring precise coordination, experienced labor, and a strategic approach to minimize downtime and control costs.

At Main Street Commercial Moving, we offer a single-source solution for businesses needing nationwide relocation services. Through our carefully curated network of the industry’s best commercial movers, we ensure seamless execution across multiple markets, all managed under the guidance of our experienced Project Management Team.

Why Choose Main Street Commercial Moving for Your Nationwide Relocation?

✔ A Trusted Nationwide Network

We’ve built a powerful network of commercial moving professionals across the country, allowing us to provide consistent service quality wherever your business needs to go. Instead of working with multiple vendors in different locations, you can rely on a single point of contact to manage all aspects of your move.

✔ Dedicated Project Management

Our skilled project managers collaborate closely with your team to develop a strategic relocation plan that fits your timeline, budget, and operational needs. We oversee every phase of the move, from site surveys and pre-move planning to installation and final walkthroughs—all while keeping costs under control.

✔ Comprehensive Services

Whether you’re relocating a corporate office, industrial facility, or retail space, we provide a full suite of services:

• Pre-move Planning & Logistics
• Decommissioning & Liquidation
• Furniture Installation & Reconfiguration
• Technology & Equipment Relocation
• Warehousing & Asset Management

✔ Cost Efficiency & Risk Mitigation

By working with a dedicated nationwide project management team, you benefit from consistent pricing, transparent budgeting, and optimized logistics—helping your company avoid unnecessary costs, delays, or disruptions.

A Proven Partner for Complex Relocations

From multi-location corporate consolidations to large-scale facility relocations, Main Street Commercial Moving has the expertise to streamline the process, mitigate risks, and keep your business running smoothly.

If your company is planning a move—whether across the state or across the country—contact us today to learn how our nationwide project management solutions can support your business. (801) 990-4059

Refreshing your office space doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Choosing used office furniture offers numerous benefits, from significant cost savings to environmental sustainability and quick availability. Whether you’re relocating, expanding, or simply upgrading your workspace, pre-owned furniture is a strategic, budget-friendly choice.

At Main Street Commercial Moving, we work alongside our sister company, Main Street Office Furniture, to provide businesses with high-quality used office furniture solutions that align with their needs. Let’s explore why this option is worth considering.

1. Significant Cost Savings

New office furniture can be expensive, eating up a large portion of a company’s budget. Pre-owned furniture, on the other hand, can often be purchased at 50%–70% less than new while still offering the same functionality and durability. These savings free up funds for other business investments, such as technology, employee development, or marketing.

2. Immediate Availability and Quick Setup

Unlike new furniture, which can come with long manufacturing and shipping delays, used office furniture is readily available. Whether you need desks, chairs, cubicles, or conference tables, we can help you get your office set up quickly and efficiently—minimizing downtime and keeping your business operations on track.

3. Environmental Sustainability

Choosing pre-owned office furniture is a green alternative that reduces landfill waste and minimizes the demand for new manufacturing. By extending the life cycle of office furniture, businesses can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

4. Access to High-Quality and Unique Pieces

Many businesses assume that buying used means sacrificing quality—but that’s not the case. Much of the pre-owned office furniture available comes from high-end manufacturers known for their durability and craftsmanship. Additionally, shopping for used furniture can uncover unique, stylish pieces that set your office apart from the standard commercial setup.

5. Flexibility and Customization

Used office furniture offers the flexibility to mix and match different styles and configurations to create a workspace that reflects your brand. With options ranging from modern to traditional designs, businesses can design a custom layout that meets both aesthetic and functional needs—without the premium price tag.

6. Supporting a Sustainable Circular Economy

By investing in pre-owned office furniture, businesses contribute to a circular economy, where products are reused, refurbished, and repurposed instead of discarded. This reduces waste, conserves resources, and promotes a more responsible approach to office design.

Main Street: Your Trusted Source for Pre-Owned Office Furniture

At Main Street Commercial Moving, we understand that refreshing your workspace is about more than just moving furniture—it’s about creating an environment that enhances productivity and reflects your company’s identity. That’s why we’ve partnered with our sister company, Main Street Office Furniture, to provide high-quality, budget-friendly office furniture solutions.

Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply upgrading, our team can help you source, deliver, and install affordable, durable, and sustainable office furniture solutions that fit your needs.

Let’s Make Your Office Refresh Simple & Cost-Effective

Looking for top-quality pre-owned office furniture? Contact Main Street Commercial Moving today! Let’s discuss how we can help you save money, reduce waste, and create a workspace that works for you.

Michael A. Hastings
Main Street Commercial Moving

Client Overview

Main Street Commercial Moving (MSCM) recently partnered with a trusted moving partner in Georgia to assist with relocating sensitive laboratory equipment from the University of Utah to Georgia Tech and Emory College, two valuable accounts managed by our Georgia-based partner. This collaboration required precise handling of high-value and delicate laboratory equipment, including specialty microscopes, centrifuges, freezers, ovens, and other precision testing tools. Our partner entrusted MSCM to handle the origin services, relying on our expertise to support their clients’ delicate moves.

Project Challenges

• Sensitive Equipment: Ensuring safe handling and transportation of fragile, high-value laboratory items.

• Tight Timelines: Adhering to strict schedules to minimize downtime for research operations.

• Collaboration Across States: Supporting our partner in Georgia with seamless origin services and coordinated timelines.

• Custom Packing Needs: Providing tailored packing materials and services for pre-packing conducted by lab personnel.

Process & Solutions

1. Site Surveys and Planning

MSCM began each project with thorough on-site surveys at the University of Utah labs to assess the equipment, facility layout, and logistical requirements. This step ensured a comprehensive understanding of the scope of work, enabling the creation of a detailed move plan.

• Identified specialized packing materials needed for sensitive equipment.

• Evaluated personnel and equipment requirements.

• Developed a job costing proposal, ensuring transparency with all stakeholders.

The move plan and timelines were shared with our Georgia-based partner, who coordinated with representatives from Georgia Tech and Emory College to align expectations and ensure seamless execution.

2. Coordination of Pre-Packing Efforts

Both labs opted to handle some pre-packing before the move. MSCM worked closely with lab personnel to determine their specific needs and provided:

• Recommendations on packing techniques for delicate items.

• Delivery of necessary packing materials, including custom crates, foam inserts, and other specialized moving containers.

3. Packing and Loading Sensitive Equipment

On move day, MSCM deployed a skilled team of professionals trained in handling delicate laboratory equipment. Highlights of the process included:

• Specialized lift equipment to relocate a Sub-Zero freezer.

• Use of roller lifts for a long carry from the lab to the loading dock, ensuring safety and efficiency.

• Meticulous packing and stabilization of specialty microscopes, centrifuges, and other sensitive equipment using custom cushioning and crating.

4. Collaboration with Our Partner in Georgia

Throughout the project, MSCM maintained close communication with our Georgia-based partner, providing updates and supporting their coordination efforts with Georgia Tech and Emory College. Our role focused on ensuring the origin services were executed smoothly and in alignment with the overall timeline.

Results

• Safe Transport: All laboratory equipment arrived in Georgia without damage, maintaining its integrity and functionality.

• On-Time Completion: The project was completed ahead of schedule, minimizing research disruptions.

• Budget Efficiency: The relocation was executed under budget, delivering cost savings for all parties involved.

• Client Satisfaction: The University of Utah, the receiving institutions, and our partner in Georgia all expressed satisfaction with MSCM’s professionalism and efficiency.

Conclusion

This case highlights MSCM’s expertise in handling complex laboratory relocations and our ability to collaborate effectively with trusted partners. By managing tight timelines, ensuring the safe transport of sensitive equipment, and delivering under budget, MSCM demonstrated its value as a reliable partner for specialized relocations.

If you’re planning a sensitive or large-scale relocation, contact Main Street Commercial Moving for tailored solutions that deliver results.