5 Signs You Need a Professional Restaurant Equipment Mover

For restaurants, the right kitchen equipment is essential. Ovens, stoves, refrigerators, counters - these big-ticket items make up the heart of any commercial kitchen. However, when it comes time to move or upgrade equipment, restaurants often need to pay more attention to the task. Moving bulky, heavyweight items requires expertise to avoid damages or injuries. Rather than risking DIY equipment moves, knowing when to call professional movers can save restaurants time, money, and hassle. This article explores five signs that indicate your restaurant needs assistance from a professional equipment moving company.

You Have Large Equipment That Won't Fit Through Doorways

One of the most obvious signs your restaurant needs professional movers is oversized equipment. Ranges, ovens, and refrigerators often barely squeeze through kitchen doorways when new. Years of operation can even shift their positioning. Attempting to angle and shove large appliances through small spaces risks damaging both the equipment and the building. Professionals have the right tools and techniques, such as using dollies and lift gates, to transport colossal items safely. Take your time tilting that expensive oven or trapping your staff when movers can handle such challenging items with ease.

You Need to Transport Items Up or Down Flights of Stairs

Staircases in old buildings can create obstacles for moving restaurant equipment. Even slim fridges become unmanageable when maneuvering around narrow stairwell corners. Depending on the weight and size, improperly carried items may slip or tip when lifted upstairs. A full dishwasher can weigh 300-400 pounds. Without the proper equipment, like a stair climber or lift, injuries and accidents can occur. Moving companies have stair rigging tools to transport heavy objects safely between floors. Let the professionals handle any staircases along the moving route to avoid disasters.

You Have Finished Surfaces That Could Be Easily Damaged

Scratches, scuffs, and dents are inevitable during DIY equipment moves between kitchens or buildings. Finished floors and walls often sustain the most damage if large appliances are nudged and shoved around tight corners. Professionals pad and wrap equipment to avoid bumps and scrapes during transport and placement. They're also trained on how to navigate tricky angles and small spaces without leaving behind damaged walls, floors, or cabinetry. If your restaurant has finished surfaces like hardwood floors or tile backsplashes, hire movers to limit any moving day repairs needed.

You Need to Meet Strict Timelines or Deadlines

Restaurant openings and renovations often operate on quick timeframes to minimize revenue losses from closures. If equipment needs to be shuttled across town on a rigid schedule, using professional movers eliminates delays. They have the staff and resources to complete transports efficiently. Moving companies can also coordinate equipment swaps over the course of a single night or during off-hours. With penalty fees or work-hour restrictions, guaranteed arrival times give restaurants peace of mind. Don't gamble with DIY scrambles when movers can meet strict deadlines.

You Require Installation or Reassembly Services

Simply transporting equipment from point A to point B is only half of a smooth move. With gas and electrical hookups, most appliances and fixtures require installation and reassembly at the new location. Moving an oven or dishwasher only to have it sit unusable until contractors can come to install it leads to expensive downtime. Professional movers offer full-service options such as:

• Disconnecting appliances and fixtures from gas, electric, and plumbing

• Detaching and moving pieces like doors or tables

• Reinstalling and reconnecting everything in the new kitchen

With licensed technicians on staff, movers can ensure a seamless transition during the move.

Key Takeaways on Hiring Professional Restaurant Movers

Moving heavy commercial kitchen equipment poses risks if handled improperly. Relying on unqualified staff to shuffle around expensive or oversized appliances often ends badly. Before attempting a DIY move, look for these five signs your restaurant needs professional movers:

• Oversized equipment that won't fit through doorways

• Navigating staircases and upper floors

• Susceptible finished surfaces like hardwood or tile

• Strict timelines and deadlines to meet

• Reassembly and installation services needed

With the right tools, techniques, and experience, professional movers prevent damages and interruptions during the moving process. They also offer peace of mind by meeting deadlines and providing any required installation services immediately. Moving heavy kitchen equipment can quickly become overwhelming without support. At the first sign of trouble, call in the experts and avoid regrets down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions restaurants have regarding professional equipment movers:

1. What are some indicators we need professional assistance moving equipment?

Some clear signs include oversized appliances that don't fit through doorways, finished surfaces that could sustain damage, and any stairs or elevation changes along the moving route. Strict timelines and deadlines or the need for complete installation and reassembly services are also good indicators.

2. How much does it cost to hire professional movers?

The cost depends on the amount and type of equipment, the distance transported, accessibility, and any installation services needed. Rates range between $300 and $800 per hour or more. Get quotes from multiple companies.

3. What preparations should we make before the movers arrive?

Clear access paths and doorways. Disconnect equipment and have it ready to move. Discuss dimensions, distances, and timelines in advance. Ask about insurance and licenses. Check references.

4. Should we tip the moving team?

Tipping 10-15% of the total cost is typical for good service. However, check policies; some companies prohibit tipping. Provide water and snacks and tips after completion.

5. How can we ensure valuables don't get damaged during the move?

Inspect equipment and take photos before and after the move. Use reputable movers who are licensed, bonded, and insured. Ensure they pad and secure items. Supervise the move and speak up about concerns.

Conclusion

Moving commercial kitchen equipment is a complex and high-stakes task that requires proper expertise, tools, and planning. Oversized appliances, tight deadlines, fragile surfaces, staircases, and installation needs are just a few signs that professional movers are the right choice for your restaurant. By hiring experienced professionals, you can avoid costly damages, injuries, and operational disruptions.

Their expertise ensures your equipment is transported safely, installed properly, and operational on time, saving you stress and downtime. Whether you're relocating, upgrading, or renovating, investing in professional movers offers peace of mind and allows you to focus on what truly matters: running a successful restaurant.