Posted on by Bradley Boland

How to Plan a Portland Commercial Move That Keeps You Open

Moving a business is completely different than moving a house. Your operation needs to continue working. Not to mention, your office equipment all needs to arrive in one piece and in the right place. 

Planning means everything when it comes to a commercial move. This guide covers what commercial movers in Portland, OR do, how to build a simple timeline, what to know about Portland moving day rules, and how to pick the right Portland commercial movers.

What Do Commercial Movers in Portland Do?

Commercial movers help businesses relocate. If you searched for “commercial movers near me in Portland,” this blog is exactly the help you are looking for. Moving a business could mean an office, shop, clinic, studio, or warehouse. A good crew plans the move, protects your equipment, and sets up your new space so your team can get back to work fast.

Commercial movers can help with:

  • Moving desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and cubicles
  • Packing and moving office supplies and files
  • Moving computers and other equipment with care
  • Setting furniture where your floor plan says it should go
  • Storing items that do not fit in the new space yet

If you are moving a smaller office, you can read more on our office movers in Portland page.

Signs It Is Time to Hire Professional Movers

Some small businesses try to move themselves with their own truck and a few friends. That can work for a tiny space. However, this approach often goes wrong when:

  • You have heavy items like safes or large printers
  • You’re moving over a weekend or after hours
  • Your building has an elevator or a loading dock
  • You cannot afford to lose a full week of work
  • You are worried about damage to expensive equipment

A Simple Timeline for Your Business Move

The sooner you start, the smoother the move. Here is an easy timeline to follow:

8 to 12 weeks before

  • Pick one person to lead the move
  • Set a budget
  • Get quotes from at least three moving companies
  • Tell your team about the move date

4 to 6 weeks before

  • Make a floor plan for the new space
  • Order packing supplies
  • Plan when your internet and phones will be set up
  • Book any parking or building access you need

1 to 2 weeks before

  • Back up all your computer files
  • Label every box, desk, and room
  • Pack things you do not use every day
  • Confirm the plan with your movers

Moving day and after

  • Walk the new space with your mover lead
  • Check that every item arrived
  • Test computers, phones, and the internet
  • Update your address everywhere (see the list below)

What Does Downtime Really Cost?

Every hour your team cannot work costs you money. One well-known survey of more than 1,000 companies worldwide, the ITIC 2024 Hourly Cost of Downtime Survey, found that a single hour of downtime now costs over $300,000 for more than 90% of mid-size and large companies. The main point is that time offline is very expensive.

A few easy ways to protect your time:

  • Move during your slowest week or over a weekend
  • Move one department at a time
  • Set up the most important desks and phones first
  • Have a clear checklist so no one is guessing

Tell your movers when your doors have to be open, and ask them to build the schedule around that.

Portland Moving Day Details to Plan For

Portland has its own rules for moving trucks. If your truck needs to park on the street, you may need a permit. The Portland Bureau of Transportation says that temporary street use permits can reserve on-street parking spaces for residential or commercial moves, including moving trucks, trailers, or storage containers. People who use the street without the right permit can be fined.

Update Your Business Address After the Move

There are a number of updates you need to make before relocating into your new space:

  • The IRS. Businesses with an EIN use Form 8822-B to report a new mailing address or location.
  • Oregon Secretary of State. The state asks business owners to keep their mailing address current. You can update your business registration online.
  • Your online listings. Update your website, Google Business Profile, and any directory listings.
  • Banks, insurance, and licenses. Call each one and give them the new address.

Commercial Movers in Portland, OR: Frequently Asked Questions

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. O’Neill Transfer & Storage is fully licensed and insured. For moves in Oregon, our USDOT number is 103317, and our ODOT number is 251555. Our Washington UTC number is THG071990. For moves across state lines, our USDOT number is 70719 and our MC number is 87113.

How long have you been in business?

We have been family-owned and operated since 1920. That is more than 100 years of moving in Portland. Our office is at 7631 N Upland Dr, Portland, OR 97203.

What do your reviews and ratings say?

We are BBB Accredited with an A+ rating, and we have a 4.7 rating on Google from 96 reviews. Customers often mention careful handling, on-time crews and clear communication. We are also proud to be an American Trucking Association (ATA) Certified ProMover, a Wheaton Customer Loyalty Award winner in 2024 and 2025, and a 2024 Spire Quality Award winner.

Will I get a written estimate, and what does a commercial move cost?

Yes. Our estimates are free and not binding, and they start with a virtual or in-person survey of your space. We do not charge hidden fees. Our current hourly rates are:

  1. Two movers and a truck: $187.50 per hour
  2. Three movers and a truck: $259.95 per hour
  3. Four movers and a truck: $332.60 per hour

Your final price depends on your space size, how much furniture and equipment you have, how far you are moving, and extras like packing or storage.

Who will be on my crew, and can they move our computers?

Our crews are background-checked. They are trained to pack, move, and set up computers, servers, and other business tech. They can also disassemble and reassemble desks and cubicles, wrap cords and equipment, and seal confidential documents.

Can you work around my schedule?

Yes. We offer evening and weekend moves to cut downtime. Call six to eight weeks before your move. Many downtown buildings also require elevator reservations, and we can help arrange those.

Do I need a permit to park the moving truck?

Yes, you will probably need a permit to park the moving truck. It usually takes a couple of weeks to get a permit. Portland also limits street use during the holiday season, so it is best to move before or after these festivities. 

Do you offer storage if my new space is not ready?

Yes. We offer a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled 77,000-square-foot warehouse for any storage need.

Why Portland Businesses Choose O’Neill Transfer & Storage

O’Neill Transfer & Storage has been one of the Portland commercial movers families and businesses have trusted since 1920. We are family-owned and operated. That is over 100 years of moving in Portland. Here is what sets us apart:

  • A trusted name. We are BBB Accredited with an A+ rating and an ATA Certified ProMover.
  • Backed by a national van line. We are an agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving.
  • Specialty move training. We are certified by the National Association of Specialty Move Managers (NASMM).
  • Storage when you need it. If your new space is not ready, our warehouse storage can hold your items until it is.
  • Local and beyond. We handle local moves in Portland and long-distance moves for businesses that are growing out of town.

As commercial movers in Portland, OR, we serve Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tigard, and nearby cities in Oregon and Washington.

Ready to Plan Your Business Move?

Looking for Portland commercial movers you can count on? Tell us about your space, your timeline, and what has to be up and running first. We will help you build a plan that fits your business.

Call (503) 270-3393 or request your free quote online.