FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Moving Questions:
What types of commercial moves does Hoffberger Moving Systems handle?
HMS specializes in office relocations, medical and healthcare facility moves, research and laboratory moves, and warehouse relocations. Whether it’s a small internal shift or a multi-phase campus move, we have the expertise and resources to execute it safely and efficiently.
How far in advance should we plan our move?
Ideally, you should engage us 3-6 months in advance for large-scale relocations. For smaller internal moves or single-department projects, a 4-6 week lead time is often sufficient. Early planning ensures we can coordinate with your building management, IT teams, and internal stakeholders. Don’t worry if you weren’t given much advance notice, call us for our availability, we’ll likely be able to schedule your move in as little as a couple of days.
Can you store our new furniture until the new office is ready?
Yes, we offer short-term and long-term storage for any office inventory or furniture and will deliver to your new space when it’s ready.
Office Moves:
How does HMS minimize disruption to our business during an office move?
We offer after-hours and weekend scheduling, detailed move planning, and department-specific coordination to ensure minimal downtime. Our crews are trained for efficient, quiet, and clean operations to reduce interference with your daily activities.
Can you assist with IT equipment relocation and setup?
Yes. We work closely with your IT team to manage disconnect/reconnect services, cable management, and secure transportation of sensitive technology like servers, desktops, and AV equipment.
Medical, Hospital & Lab Facility Moves:
What types of medical and lab facilities do you move?
We specialize in relocating hospitals, outpatient clinics, research labs, medical office buildings, universities, and biotech facilities. This includes pathology labs, clean rooms, imaging centers, and sensitive environments such as BSL-2/3 labs.
How do you handle sensitive or high-value medical equipment?
Our trained crews use anti-static wraps, climate-controlled trucks, and custom crating to transport delicate items like MRI machines, freezers, microscopes, and centrifuges. We work with your team to ensure OEM protocols and calibration safeguards are followed.
How do you handle sensitive lab equipment?
We have protocols for handling fragile instruments like electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, and cold storage units. This includes climate-controlled transportation, vibration-reducing packaging, and trained lab relocation specialists.
Do you provide move planning and project management services?
Yes. Our experienced project managers oversee the entire relocation process, including inventory tagging, labeling systems, move schedules, and coordination with facilities and IT teams to ensure compliance and minimal disruption to operations.
How do you ensure regulatory compliance and patient safety during a hospital move?
We follow HIPAA guidelines, OSHA safety protocols, and infection control procedures. Our movers are trained to work in active hospital environments and understand the need for quiet zones, sterile pathways, and security clearance procedures.
Can you move laboratory chemicals or hazardous materials?
Yes, within regulated guidelines. We partner with licensed hazardous materials carriers when necessary and provide compliant handling of reagents, samples, and flammable or biohazardous materials as part of a coordinated move plan.
Do you offer temperature-controlled transport for lab equipment and samples?
Absolutely. We provide temperature-controlled vehicles and insulated containers for -80°C freezers, incubators, and sample storage. Our team monitors transport conditions to ensure integrity is maintained throughout the move.
How do you minimize downtime during a medical facility move?
We offer phased moving schedules (including after-hours and weekends), pre-move labeling, and swing space coordination to maintain operations. Our goal is to reduce disruption for staff, patients, and research workflows.
What type of insurance or liability coverage is included?
We carry comprehensive general liability, cargo insurance, and specialized coverage for high-value equipment. Certificates of insurance (COIs) can be provided for your building and vendors upon request.
Do you provide storage for medical or research assets?
Yes, we offer secure, climate-controlled short- and long-term storage for equipment, records, and furniture. Our warehouses are monitored and equipped to handle sensitive materials.
Can you assist with furniture installation and facility setup?
Yes. In addition to relocation, we provide services such as furniture decommissioning, modular installation, medical equipment setup, and IT disconnect/reconnect to ensure your space is fully operational.
Warehouse & Industrial Moves:
What types of warehouse moves do you handle?
HMS can relocate inventory, racking systems, heavy machinery, and industrial equipment. We also assist with layout optimization, asset tagging, and disassembly/reassembly of shelving and workstations.
Do you offer inventory management during a warehouse relocation?
Yes. We provide inventory audits, labeling systems, and logistics coordination to ensure seamless transitions. Our team helps reduce downtime and ensures operational continuity.
Project Management & Additional Services:
Will we have a dedicated project manager?
Every HMS move is assigned a dedicated project manager who will be your single point of contact. They oversee planning, execution, and communication, ensuring a smooth and coordinated move.
Do you provide packing materials and services?
Yes. We offer commercial-grade packing supplies, custom crating, and professional packing services for offices, labs, and warehouses. This includes specialty materials for sensitive equipment.
Can you assist with furniture installation and office setup?
Absolutely. Our teams handle modular furniture disassembly/reassembly, workspace setup, and fine-tuning post-move adjustments to ensure your space is fully operational.
Logistics, Safety & Compliance:
Are you licensed and insured for specialized moves?
Hoffberger Moving Systems is fully licensed and insured. We comply with OSHA, DOT, NIH, and HIPAA regulations, ensuring safe and compliant relocations.
How do you ensure the security of sensitive information and assets?
We follow strict chain-of-custody protocols, offer secure transportation options, and train our teams in data privacy and asset protection to safeguard your critical items.
Pricing & Estiamtes:
How are your moving services prices?
We provide customized estimates based on project scope, equipment needs, timing, and specialized services required. Contact us for a free, no-obligation site survey and quote.