Moving a laboratory is much more complex than just packing up equipment. It involves meeting biosafety standards, handling chain of custody paperwork, and managing regulated materials and sensitive instruments. A reliable lab moving company should know how to keep your team safe, protect your samples, comply with regulations, and minimize downtime. Asking the right questions early can help you avoid delays, equipment damage, and compliance problems that could threaten your research.
What experience do they have with specialized laboratory environments?
Every laboratory is different, so it’s important for your mover to know the specific requirements for your lab. Ask potential moving partners if they have moved biomedical labs, pharmaceutical research centers, BSL-rated labs, and GMP-compliant facilities before. Find out if they have experience with cleanrooms, fume hoods, robotics, cryogenic freezers, and temperature-controlled transport.
Your lab moving partner should know the rules for transporting hazardous materials, follow EHS protocols, and handle chain of custody paperwork correctly. These skills help prevent compliance issues during your move.
Tip: Ask for case studies from similar projects to make sure the team has the right experience.
What certifications, training, and protocols do they follow?
A good lab moving company will have training certifications in biosafety, chemical handling, and hazardous material response. Ask if their teams are trained to handle sensitive instruments, controlled environments, and approved transport methods. Also, make sure the company follows ISO-certified quality systems or other industry standards.
You should also ask about how they handle lab decommissioning, such as cleaning surfaces, neutralizing chemicals, and working with your biosafety committee. Following the right steps makes sure the old space meets all regulations.
Tip: Ask for a list of staff certifications and training programs to make sure the team stays up to date.
How do they handle preparation, packing, and lab equipment transport?
Ask your lab moving company about their planning and coordination processes. They should be able to provide a lab relocation checklist that covers packing and preparing every item, including centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, freezers, incubators, and analytical instruments. Check to ensure that crews use specialized crates, vibration-reducing materials, climate-controlled vehicles, and validated routes for valuable equipment.
It’s important to know how the company packs and calibrates lab equipment. Some machines need to be shut down in a certain order or secured before moving. Others may need to be recalibrated after the move to stay accurate.
Tip: Request a sample packing plan to ensure your sensitive equipment is properly protected.
What is their plan to reduce downtime and manage project coordination?
A good lab move plan should have a clear timeline, set communication guidelines, and include a risk assessment. Ask how the company will reduce downtime, keep important research items accessible, and organize each step of the move. The best companies assign a project manager to handle scheduling, staffing, and any issues that arise.
Your moving partner should help your staff prepare by setting up labeling systems, managing samples, and ensuring ongoing experiments continue to run smoothly.
Tip: Find out how they work with different departments to keep the move safe and make sure everything runs smoothly.
What insurance, liability protections, and compliance measures are in place?
Labs often have equipment and materials that can’t be replaced. Make sure the moving company has insurance that covers scientific equipment, valuable instruments, and regulated materials. Ask how they record the condition of each item, handle chain of custody, and address issues such as temperature changes, spills, or equipment failures.
Also, find out who is responsible for compliance during the move, including handling hazardous materials, meeting safety standards, and making sure the new site is ready.
Tip: Ask for a clear explanation of insurance limits so you know exactly what is covered during your move.
Choose a moving partner who will protect your research.
Moving a lab takes careful planning, special training, and a team that knows how to handle regulated environments. After doing your research, choose a moving partner with expertise in scientific equipment, temperature-controlled transport, and reliable processes to protect your assets to help you plan your research facility move confidently and keep downtime low so your work isn’t interrupted.