Relocating your office in Calgary is a major business decision. Whether you're moving to the downtown core, Beltline, or further south to industrial hubs like Fairview or Manchester, one thing is clear: a poorly managed move can seriously disrupt your operations .
At Calgary Movers ABPro , we’ve helped hundreds of local businesses relocate across Alberta. Based on years of hands-on experience, here are five critical mistakes companies make during an office move — and how to avoid them .
1. Delaying Contact with a Professional Office Mover
Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to hire movers.
Why it matters: Office moves require precise planning. In Calgary, this can involve coordinating with building management for elevator access, street parking permits, or scheduling around major downtown traffic events like the Calgary Stampede.
Our tip: Start planning 3 to 6 months in advance , especially if your company has more than 10 employees or sensitive IT equipment. Early planning helps prevent last-minute hiccups and allows time for a pre-move site visit by professional movers.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Moving Company
Mistake: Hiring residential movers for a commercial job.
Why it matters: Office relocations are vastly different from household moves. You’re dealing with bulk furniture, expensive tech infrastructure, and specific layout needs in your new workspace.
Our tip: Partner with Calgary-based commercial movers who understand the city’s business environment and can provide:
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- Secure packing for electronics
- After-hours or weekend moving options
- Insurance for office equipment
- Coordination with IT teams
3. Overlooking the Complexity of IT Infrastructure
Mistake: Letting employees handle their own tech gear.
Why it matters: Disconnecting and reconnecting IT systems is one of the riskiest parts of any move. If servers, computers, or VoIP systems aren’t handled properly, you risk losing data or delaying your reopening.
Our tip: Hire movers who work with your IT department to ensure proper shutdown, transport, and restart of servers, routers, phone systems, and cloud-based devices. If needed, create a temporary business continuity plan during the transition.
4. Failing to Notify Stakeholders Early Enough
Mistake: Forgetting to notify utility providers, landlords, or service vendors in time.
Why it matters: Without proper notice, you might face service outages or billing issues. In Calgary, some services - such as internet or energy providers - may require weeks of notice to terminate or transfer accounts.
Our tip: Prepare a master checklist and notify:
- Internet and telecom providers (e.g., Telus, Shaw)
- Calgary utilities (ENMAX, water services)
- Canada Post and business partners
- Property managers and access/security teams
5. Trying to Operate Normally During the Move
Mistake: Expecting staff to work during the relocation.
Why it matters: Moving is disruptive. Trying to maintain productivity while employees are packing and relocating leads to frustration, missed deadlines, and lost equipment.
Our tip: Plan a short operational pause . Schedule the move for evenings or weekends, and communicate a realistic downtime window with clients and stakeholders.
Expert Insight from the Owner
“After more than 20 years in the Calgary moving industry, I’ve seen how overlooked details can derail even the best-intentioned office move. Businesses don’t just need trucks - they need strategy, precision, and a moving team that truly understands what’s at stake.”
Adam O’Keefe, Founder & CEO, Calgary Movers ABPro
This direct insight from the company’s founder reinforces our commitment to experience and trust - core elements of successful commercial moving.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Office Move in Calgary
- Label every box clearly: Use floor plans and color-coded labels to mark items for each department.
- Double-check building access: Coordinate loading docks and elevator times with your current and new buildings.
- Review your insurance coverage: Ensure your commercial policy covers damages or losses during the move.
- Schedule a walkthrough: Before fully reopening, verify that everything is set up — from workstations to Wi-Fi.
Planning an Office Move in Calgary? Trust Local Experts.
Calgary’s business landscape is unique. From downtown high-rises to industrial complexes along Deerfoot Trail, you need a moving partner that understands local regulations, building layouts, and traffic patterns.
At Calgary Movers ABPro , we specialize in:
- Corporate relocations across Alberta
- Weekend and after-hours service
- Secure handling of confidential files and IT systems
- Full packing and unpacking support
Final Thoughts
An office move is more than just a change of address - it's a chance to streamline operations, reduce clutter, and optimize your new workspace .
Avoiding the five mistakes above will not only protect your business from downtime but also set the tone for a smooth transition into your next chapter.
