7 Questions Every Ottawa Business Should Ask a Commercial Mover

A corporate relocation isn’t just a bigger version of an apartment move; it’s a strategic operation that can boost productivity or sink morale depending on how smoothly things run.

Before signing any contract, smart Ottawa managers grill prospective movers with the questions below. The answers reveal whether the company is ready for government-grade security on Wellington Street or a tech start-up's lightning-fast turnaround in Kanata North.

1. Do You Handle Building and Elevator Bookings?

Downtown towers often require 72-hour notice and proof of insurance before they’ll reserve a service elevator. Ask how the mover manages these logistics and whether they’ve worked in PWGSC-managed buildings. A confident “yes” means you won’t be stuck wrangling property managers at the last minute.

2. Can You Provide a Detailed Move Plan with Timelines?

A commercial crew should supply a written schedule that covers IT shutdown, crate delivery, and after-hours access points. If they simply quote an arrival time and a finish time, probe deeper. A true professional maps every phase so your staff knows exactly when to pack up, and when to power up again.

3. What Steps Do You Take to Protect Sensitive Data and Equipment?

Whether you’re moving servers from Gatineau or HR files from Nepean, you need a mover that understands confidentiality. Look for answers about sealed, bar-coded bins, background-checked crews, and climate-controlled trucks for electronics. Mumbled reassurances? Move on.

4. Are You Familiar with Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) and Liability Requirements?

In Ontario, a reputable mover carries up-to-date WSIB clearance certificates and at least $2 million in liability coverage. Request copies. One accident on moving day could expose your company to costly claims if the mover isn’t properly insured.

5. How Do You Minimize Downtime?

The best teams don’t just move boxes; they engineer a plan to keep your business operational. Listen for strategies like weekend or overnight shifts, pre-labelled floor plans, and rapid desktop reassembly. For a deeper self-check, compare their approach to the pointers in our 10-Item Office Move Checklist Every Manager Needs.

6. What Sustainable Practices Do You Offer?

Ottawa companies are under growing pressure to hit ESG targets. Ask if the mover supplies reusable plastic crates, donates surplus furniture to local charities, or offsets fuel emissions. Small touches like these turn a logistical headache into a brand-positive story.

7. Can You Scale for Multiple Phases or Future Expansions?

Maybe you’re starting with one floor on Elgin Street but adding another six months later. A mover that can scale up on demand, with warehouse storage, modular furniture installation, and long-term logistics support, will save you from repeating the vetting process.

Ready to Interview the Right Team?

Use these seven questions as your quick-fire litmus test. The mover who answers with clarity, documentation, and enthusiasm is the one who will guard your data, respect your timeline, and keep staff stress to a minimum.

If you’re ready for straight answers now, check out our dedicated Office Movers service page or reach out for a no-pressure consultation. Your new workspace is waiting. Make sure you arrive without the headaches.