If your business is moving site, restructuring or simply running out of space, the question often arises: do we buy new mobile shelving, or relocate what we already have? In nine cases out of ten, the answer is straightforward — relocating your existing roller racking will save you between 40% and 60% versus buying new.
Where the savings actually come from
New mobile shelving carries the cost of steel, powder coat, carriages, tracks, decks, controls and freight. A typical 200-linear-metre system costs £35,000–£60,000 new. By contrast, a professional relocation of that same system — survey, dismantle, transport, reinstall and PUWER inspection — typically lands between £8,000 and £18,000 depending on distance and floor levels.
The hidden value of your existing kit
Mobile shelving is engineered for a 25-year working life. If your system is less than 15 years old and well-maintained, the structural and mechanical integrity is essentially as-new. Painted finishes can be touched up; worn castors and bearings can be replaced for a fraction of full carriage cost.
Five steps to maximise the saving
- Survey before you sign a lease. Floor loading and lift access dictate cost — check both before committing.
- Photograph everything. Manufacturer plates, end panels, control gear — the more we know up front, the tighter the quote.
- Plan a phased move if you can split the system in two — out-of-hours phasing usually beats a single weekend lift.
- Reuse the tracks. Track lengths can normally be re-cut to suit a new room — only the absolute end caps may need replacing.
- Bundle a PUWER inspection. Including the post-install inspection in the same project removes the cost of a separate visit and keeps insurers happy.
When buying new is the right answer
Honest answer: if your existing system is over 25 years old, was poorly maintained, or the new room is fundamentally a different shape, new might win. We'll always tell you when relocation isn't the right call — see our parent company's mobile shelving options for new supply.