One of the most overlooked—but crucial—questions during a company relocation is this:

Should you hire a commercial moving company, an installation company, or both?

Understanding the difference between these two service providers can save you time, money, and stress during your commercial move. Here’s a breakdown of what each does, when you need them, and how they work together to ensure a seamless business transition.

What a Commercial Moving Company Does: Physical Relocation

A commercial moving company is your go-to partner for the physical aspects of your move. These companies specialize in transporting your business assets from one location to another safely and efficiently.

Key Services:

  • Pack and move furniture, boxes, equipment, and supplies
  • Load/unload trucks
  • Transport items between locations
  • Provide crates, dollies, and moving blankets
  • Offer storage options if needed

Best for:

  • Straightforward relocations from Point A to Point B
  • Businesses that already have teams handling IT setup, space planning, or desk assembly

What an Installation Company Does: Setup and Configuration

An installation company focuses on setting up and optimizing your new office space. These professionals ensure everything is properly configured and functional post-move.

Key Services:

  • Disassemble/reassemble office furniture (cubicles, desks, chairs, etc.)
  • Install modular furniture, wall panels, whiteboards, monitor arms, etc.
  • Coordinate with electricians, IT, or low-voltage teams
  • Provide layout planning and space optimization
  • Often certified in specific brands like Steelcase, Herman Miller, etc.

Best for:

  • Moves into newly built or redesigned spaces
  • Companies with complex or high-density furniture systems
  • Teams looking to reconfigure cubicles or tech setups

So, Which One Should You Hire?

For a basic relocation:

If your commercial move primarily involves transporting boxes, furniture, and equipment, and you already have IT or facilities teams in place, a commercial moving company is likely all you need.

For office setup or reconfiguration:

If you’re entering a new space that needs layout planning, furniture setup, or technology integration, an installation company becomes essential.

The best solution? Partner with a commercial moving company that also offers installation services—like Sterling Corporation. This eliminates the need to coordinate multiple vendors and ensures a smoother, more efficient relocation.

Whether you’re relocating a small space or an entire headquarters, choosing the right partner can make or break your move. Sterling Corporation combines the strengths of both a commercial moving company and an installation provider, giving you a single point of contact for every phase of your company relocation.