How to Safely Pack Glass Tabletops and Mirrors

Glass tabletops and mirrors offer elegance to any office space. But fragile items like these require forethought when planning a corporate relocation. Knowing how to safely pack them is key to preventing them from shattering and leaving dangerous glass shards to clean up.

Glass desks in the office are ultra-modern. Sleek and stylish, they add spaciousness and a contemporary feel to the workspace. The most visually stunning pieces can cost a few thousand dollars each. The last thing a relocating business wants is for the glass to break before it reaches the destination.

How are glass tabletops safely packed?

1. Gather the Supplies

Safe packing starts with obtaining the supplies necessary to protect the glass during the move. Gather packing paper, packing tape, and bubble wrap. Mirror boxes are ideal for housing mirrors, while cardboard boxes are required for the glass tabletops. Obtain foam corners for added protection.

2. Disassemble the Table

Disassemble the base of the table from the delicate glass top. If the table has multiple detachable parts, make note of these first with a video or photo for reference when reassembling it later. Disassembly also helps when moving large pieces through doors, narrow halls, and up and down stairs.

3. Tape the Glass

The tabletop glass is extremely fragile. Protect this part of the furniture by using packing tape to tape an X across the glass. The crisscross of tape should keep the glass from shattering during transport. If it does shatter, cleanup will be easier and less dangerous.

4. Wrap the Glass

Wrap the glass in generous layers of packing paper. Secure the wrapped glass further with more packing tape to ensure it is both scratch and fingerprint resistant. Add extra protection by surrounding the wrapped glass with bubble wrap. The bubbles should face inward for maximum protection.

5. Prepare the Box

Crumple packing paper and stuff it into the cardboard box. Place the wrapped glass into the box. Fill any gaps with additional packing paper or cloths. Test whether the glass shifts by lightly shaking the box. If the glass moves, add more packing materials until it is stable.

Creating a crate for a glass-top mirror is strongly recommended in specific scenarios, such as for a conference table or when transporting over long distances.

6. Mark as Fragile

Seal the packed box with tape. Mark the box as “fragile.” Consider writing the location in which the glass will go, such as “first floor conference room” or “lobby.” The movers will know to handle the box with care and place it in the right location at the destination.

How are mirrors safely packed?

1. Lay the Mirror Flat

The packing starts by laying the mirror flat with the reflective side up, ideally on an elevated surface, such as a countertop. If the mirror is especially large, clear space on the office floor. Keep smaller mirrors together to make the process easier.

2. Tape the Surface

As with glass tabletops, tape the mirror with painter’s or masking tape. Form an X on the mirror from the top corner to the bottom. Also tape a gride across the mirror’s entire surface. The tape helps strengthen the glass and minimizes the risk of breakage during the relocation.

3. Protect the Mirror

Affixing foam or cardboard corner shields prior to packing is an excellent way to protect the mirror. Further protect the mirror by cutting two pieces of cardboard slightly larger than its front and back. Sandwich the mirror in between them and secure with packing tape.

4. Wrap the Mirror

Wrap the mirror with various materials. First wrap it with packing paper. Follow with bubble wrap so that the bubbles face inward, which grips the mirror better and keeps it from shifting around during transit. Add an extra layer of protection by covering the mirror with moving blankets.

5. Place into the Box

Create a layer of padding on the bottom of the mirror box with crumpled packing paper. Slide the wrapped mirror into the mirror box. If gaps exist, fill them with more packing paper. Close the box and shake it; if the mirror moves, open the box, and add packing paper.

6. Mark the Box

As with all delicate packed materials, label the box as “Fragile.” Write “Do not lay flat,” on all sides of the box. The professional movers will know to keep the mirrors upright to prevent cracks or breakage. Since mirrors are strongest at the edges, never lay them on the ground.

Keep both the boxed glass tabletops and mirrors on their sides to prevent any other boxes or items from being stacked on top of them. This step is also advised to prevent heavy items from falling onto them and shattering the glass.

Packing glass tabletops and mirrors is a straightforward task. But when an office is filled with several glass desks or mirrors, it’s a time-saving measure to hire the professionals at Chicago Office Movers. As a full-service commercial mover, we offer efficient packing services to local businesses.

For thriving companies, time is money—which is the reason to leave the packing to us. Your employees experience less downtime with our quality packing services. At the destination, we unpack and reassemble the office goods so your business can get up and running fast.

We offer additional conveniences, such as receiving and warehousing. Your office possessions are housed in our secure storage facility. Our crews deliver and assemble the goods when they are ready to be removed from storage. We can also help with decommissioning your office space.

An office relocation is an exciting opportunity—and you need the experts at Chicago Office Movers on your side. Our experienced move specialists are available to help you coordinate the move from start to finish, including planning, packing, unpacking, and reassembly.

Whether your company is relocating, renovating, or simply needs storage space, count on Chicago Office Movers. We serve businesses large and small in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Residential and commercial moves share one basic principle: moving items from the origin to the destination. Aside from this fact, the two types of moves are vastly different. Here are the distinguishing factors that differentiate a residential move from a commercial one.

Firstly, it’s important to be aware that moving companies specialize in either residential moves or commercial moves. A homeowner relocating to a new city will hire a residential mover. A commercial move is reserved for small or large companies moving to a new commercial property.

What are differentiating aspects of residential moves?

Moving to a new apartment or family home requires the services of a residential mover. The move is scheduled once the move-in date is finalized by the homeowner. Packing can either be done by the homeowner or be delegated to a full-service residential moving company.

Furniture can likewise be disassembled by the homeowner or handled by the full-service residential mover. The moving crews load all belongings into the truck, transport them to the destination and unload. If desired, the movers can unpack and dispose of all packing materials.

Residential moves can be scheduled months in advance or on short notice. Long-distance moves, for example, are best scheduled three months ahead of the expected move date. Moves can also be scheduled a few days in advance, but at least two weeks are recommended.

A residential moving quote is based on the size of the project. A large move that fills up the moving truck and requires the skills of several movers comes at a higher cost than a smaller move utilizing only a couple of movers.

Similarly, the expected number of hours to complete the move is factored into the moving quote. If the homeowner requires packing and unpacking services, an extra charge will be added. Regardless, professional residential movers prioritize handling even delicate items with care.

Heavy lifting by residential movers is often limited to household appliances, such as washers and dryers, microwave ovens, pianos, and large artwork. Residential movers are prepared with the equipment, like dollies, and the skill to conveniently transport items like these.

What are differentiating aspects of commercial moves?

A commercial move is similar in process to a residential move but far more involved. Businesses that may hire a commercial mover include retail stores moving to a new storefront, a small office relocating to a larger facility, or an entire factory or warehouse moving across town.

Companies aim to move during evenings or weekends to minimize the disruptions to business operations. In order to accommodate business customers, commercial moving companies are often available around the clock. Residential moving companies, on the other hand, work limited hours.

When a factory or warehouse is scheduled for an upcoming relocation, special moving equipment and machinery will be necessary. Heavy, bulky items will require the commercial mover to utilize forklifts, toe jacks, and hand trucks. Professional commercial movers are skilled in operating this equipment.

Major heavy lifting is expected during a commercial move. Companies may relocate photocopiers, vending machines and heavy wooden desks. Science labs may have a significant amount of lab equipment to relocate. Universities may move large libraries, and warehouses move vast inventory.

Commercial movers are trained and experienced in packing, loading, transporting, and unloading heavy equipment and bulky office furniture. The crews’ specialized skills give them the ability to transport the goods safely and efficiently from the old property to the new one.

A company must protect its sensitive documents during the relocation. Examples of important business documents include employee records and financial statements. Reputable commercial moving companies perform background checks on their movers, ensuring they are security-conscious. Always hire a mover that conducts a thorough vetting process.

Unlike a residential move, a commercial move involves coordinating employees. Professional move counselors from a commercial moving company are available to help employees prepare for the move. They also work with businesses to finalize the layout for the new commercial space.

Commercial moves require advanced planning. A company is highly unlikely to find a commercial mover that is available on short notice. Rather, corporate moves are scheduled several months in advance. Companies must account for not only the move but their employees’ needs, as well.

Businesses that work with a commercial mover have access to numerous services that are unavailable from residential movers. Large commercial moving crews mean that companies are ensured a timely response to unanticipated requirements. Recycling and storage management services are also offered.

Residential moves and commercial moves are dramatically different, and moving companies are structured to cater to either residences or businesses. A business that is planning an upcoming relocation should seek a highly rated commercial mover, such as Chicago Office Movers.

We are a full-service commercial mover that is prepared to help your company successfully relocate. Our moving crews are skilled in packing a range of office goods, transporting them safely in our climate-controlled trucks and unpacking the items to help you resume business as quickly as possible.

The moving crews at Chicago Office Movers are background checked, licensed, and trained to ensure that your sensitive company documents and materials are handled securely and confidentially. Our crews are experienced in handling equipment and machinery of any size during the relocation.

Our office moving services are comprehensive. We offer long- and short-term storage options, paperwork storage and add-on services that can be customized to meet the relocation needs of your business. Move counselors are available to help you efficiently plan your corporate relocation.

Chicago Office Movers has successfully moved countless prestigious local companies and universities, such as Alcatel Lucent and Northwestern University. We’ll provide your business with the equivalent level of excellent customer service and top-notch handling of IT systems, antiques and electronics.

When you are planning an upcoming corporate relocation, choose Chicago Office Movers. We’re trusted by numerous area businesses and stand behind the quality of our services. We’re available to handle your local, long-distance or international move.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) office or fill a contact form for a free estimate today.

A lease for a commercial property sets the foundation for the business. The space can be used as an attractive storefront or as a permanent, physical place in which to conduct company operations. It’s important to negotiate the lease for the property so that the agreement is advantageous.

The entrepreneurial journey starts with signing the lease for a commercial space. A lease for a business property is complex, contains numerous variables and is long-term. While the agreement is a liability, it can also be an asset when negotiated favorably.

A lease details several major components, including the lease type or term as well as the amount of rent and security deposit. The document outlines permitted and exclusive use. Terms for maintenance, renovations and exterior appearance are included, as is subleasing.

Tip 1: Know the Different Lease Types

Business owners can expect to review and negotiate any one of five different types of commercial leases. Signing a net lease means the tenant pays for rent plus property taxes; the landlord covers the costs for maintenance, repairs, and additional incidental expenses.

In a double net lease, the business tenant pays the base rent and a portion of the property taxes, utilities, insurance premiums, and janitorial services. A triple net lease stipulates that the tenant pays for all costs associated with operating the building—making it most favorable to the landlord.

A percentage lease is one where the tenant pays the base rent plus a percentage of monthly sales, making this type of agreement common for multi-tenant retail locations. The fifth type is the gross rent lease, where the tenant and landlord split the costs equally to maintain the property.

Tip 2: Research Comparable Rents

Knowing the different commercial lease options gives the business owner an advantage during negotiations. Since knowledge is power, also gather information about the local commercial real estate market. Learn about costs of comparable properties in order to negotiate a fair price.

Tip 3: Determine the Length of the Lease

Long-term leases appeal to landlords, since they do not want to negotiate every year. Being willing to sign a long-term lease can result in lower costs. Business owners should consider going long-term to gain the upper hand at the negotiation table.

Businesses that benefit from long-term leases are those that rely on security and are location-dependent, such as restaurants. Short-term leases of one to two years are ideal for small businesses; a renewal option gives the tenant the chance to see if the location is a good fit and stay.

Tip 4: Uncover Hidden Costs

Negotiations are favorable when the details of all costs are made upfront. As mentioned, a gross lease includes all costs, while a net lease includes costs in addition to base rent. In most commercial leases, tenants are responsible for maintenance and upkeep costs of common areas.

A business tenant can estimate the costs of specific maintenance systems by learning about the conditions of those systems. Negotiate caps on the costs or higher rent in exchange for the landlord taking on all costs. Determine whether utility meters are separate or apportioned among tenants.

Tip 5: Request Favorable Clauses

Certain modifications benefit the tenant, such as a clause allowing that the property may be subleased should the company relocate or close. Ask the landlord to include a clause that restricts him from leasing out nearby spaces to similar businesses.

Negotiate a co-tenancy clause, which stipulates that the tenant may break the lease if a large, existing tenant that drives business to the company leaves. Be aware that prospective tenants may ask the landlord to be responsible for structural improvements before moving in.

Tip 6: Examine Termination Conditions

Reviewing the termination clause gives prospective business tenants an understanding of the circumstances under which they may terminate the lease. Negotiate an early termination right that allows a business owner to end the lease before the lease term officially ends.

A termination clause will be beneficial if the landlord sells the building, or the business grows at an exceedingly rapid rate and the business owner must move to a larger space. Without negotiating this clause, tenants who are forced to end the lease will be subject to contractual charges.

Tip 7: Utilize a Lawyer or Tenant Rep

Commercial leases are complex, making it wise to involve an experienced real estate lawyer or tenant rep. Legal professionals understand commercial leases and help business owners negotiate favorable lease terms and save costs in the long run. Tenant reps negotiate on the business owner’s behalf.

Negotiating a lease should be done right the first time, considering the agreement will affect the company in several important ways, including profit potential. Favorable negotiations impact rent, employee parking spaces, and other perks that can help the business run smoothly.

Once you’ve settled on a prime business location and have signed the lease, you’ll need a commercial mover to help you transition to the new space. Businesses large and small count on Chicago Office Movers to provide dependable, efficient corporate relocation services.

Our experienced office movers are ready to pack, load, and unpack your company equipment, whether that includes fragile IT servers, sensitive electronics, valuable artwork, or bulky office furniture. Background-checked crews load all goods carefully and securely into our climate-controlled trucks.

Chicago Office Movers offers comprehensive corporate moving services to ensure your complete satisfaction. Included in the relocation are convenient short- and long-term storage, paperwork storage, insurance and service contracts, and specialized moving experts to help you plan the corporate relocation.

Given our years of commitment to helping businesses relocate, we have garnered multiple five-star ratings and awards. Recognizable companies that utilize our services include University of Chicago and Alcatel Lucent. We’ll deliver the same unmatched customer service to your business.

Choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming local, long-distance, or international move. With affordable moving services and a dedication to excellence, we’re instrumental in ensuring your company relocates to greener pastures as smoothly as possible.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, office at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) today.

The ideal office layout skyrockets productivity and enhances communication between staff. In the most effective layout, all space is utilized. While office managers are flooded with varying office layout options, the most popular remain so for a reason. Here are the best office layouts.

A functional office layout should meet certain standards. One is to make use of all available floor space. Managers will be able to supervise employees and control their workforce. Communication is facilitated between departments and provides provisions for future expansion.

Employees, too, benefit significantly when they work in the right type of office layout. A wholesome environment increases workers’ feelings of comfort and safety. Staff who work on confidential projects can work in privacy. The right office layout is disturbance-free from external noises.

1. Open-Plan Layout

Most popular with tech startups, creative firms, and growing companies, the open-plan layout enhances collaboration between team members. Walls and separations are not installed between workstations. Desks are stacked up side by side, or work-tables may facilitate meetings between multiple staff.

The benefits of the open-plan layout include reduced cost and saved space. The flexible seating arrangements allow for easy reconfiguration. Disadvantages also exist in an open-play layout: Distractions are constant, and some staff may feel anxious about the lack of privacy.

2. Private Office Layout

Mostly reserved for executives, managers, and other upper-level staff, the private office layout is sealed off entirely from the rest of the office floor. The interior walls reach up to the ceilings, providing a cellular style workstation. Sometimes multiple managers share a private office.

A private office layout is suitable for confidential projects and discussions. Senior managers enjoy a comfortable layout that facilitates the ability to concentrate and focus. The cons are that this isolating type of layout is uneconomical and makes it difficult to supervise employees.

3. Team-Cluster Layout

A popular office layout for team-based work, the team-cluster layout or team-oriented office layout, gives groups of employees plenty of collaboration opportunities. Depending on the nature of the work, staff share a single table for meetings, discussions, and a range of employee interactions.

A major advantage of the team-cluster layout is the minimized need for meeting rooms. Team building is strengthened between employees. Workflow is streamlined and productivity is boosted. Drawbacks are that staff are prone to noises, distractions, and a lack of individual spaces.

4. Cubicle Office Layout

The most cost-efficient layout is the cubicle office layout. Workspaces are separated by partitioning walls forming the shape of a cube. Oftentimes, the cubicle layout is combined with private offices for senior staff as well as built-in meeting rooms. This layout remains popular across corporate offices.

Equality is promoted in the cubicle office layout since all employees receive an equal amount of private space. Staff are able to focus without distractions. A large area can hold multiple workspaces. The downsides are that workers have fewer opportunities to interact, and the layout requires more space.

5. Low-Partition Office Layout

The modernized version of the cubicle layout is the low-partition office layout. This type of office design features cubicle walls that are lower in height than the partitions in standard cubicles. The low-partition office layout, in effect, fosters collaboration between employees.

Another benefit of the low-partition office layout is how it enhances the work environment. Lower partitions allow more natural light to enter the cubicles. However, this design can make chitchat frequent and distract employees from work. Privacy may also be lacking.

6. Hybrid Office Layout

Fully customizable, the hybrid office layout blends the pleasing aspects of multiple types of office layouts into one. This design is the newest of all available styles and is the ideal solution to the disadvantages prominent in open offices and cubicles.

The hybrid office layout facilitates a dynamic work environment. Office managers can mix and match any of the abovementioned layouts, creating a versatile space. For example, an innovative office design may include a few cubicles, open-plan spaces, and co-working areas.

The benefits of a hybrid office layout are many. Being customizable is the biggest draw. Employees enjoy more control over where and how they work, thereby contributing to their work satisfaction. Mood improves in a hybrid layout, boosting productivity. More noise, however, can lead to distractions.

Office layouts come in diverse shapes and sizes. Choosing the right one that suits the needs of a particular company culture is vital to ensuring optimum productivity and employee well-being. Consider the workplace culture, number of staff, and workflow when evaluating potential office layouts.

For some businesses, optimizing the workspace may mean simply moving desks and installing a few partitions. Other companies may need to embrace a holistic approach and carefully design the office based on the needs of their employees and the business.

Transforming an office layout to one that better suits your company’s needs may require professional assistance from Chicago Office Movers. Our experienced crews are available to move bulky office furniture and equipment so that you and your team work in a space that meets your needs.

When you are relocating to a new office altogether, Chicago Office Movers will make that important transition happen as seamlessly as possible. Our commercial movers are licensed, background-checked, and trained to protect your valuable office equipment and deliver professional service.

We fully protect office belongings with sturdy boxes and crates. Our climate-controlled trucks feature lift gates and air-ride suspensions to further safeguard fragile items during transport to the new corporate location. Convenient short- and long-term storage options and packing services are available.

Chicago Office Movers has successfully moved large corporations, like Alcatel Lucent, as well as smaller companies. Our dedicated office movers have safely transported cubicles, IT systems, electronics, artwork, antiques, and office furniture. We’ll provide you with the same excellent quality service.

Whether you are planning a local, long-distance, or international corporate relocation, choose Chicago Office Movers. We provide comprehensive moving services tailored especially for commercial businesses.

Call our Chicago office at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) for an estimate and join the ranks of our satisfied customers.

The office is where the majority of a company’s success happens. Colleagues brainstorm and collaborate, making the workspace an important part of productivity. But when the size of the office seems inadequate, it’s important to get the most out of it.

When planning the office layout, do so well in advance of moving in. This step saves the company time and money and simplifies the task of choosing office furniture and other essentials for the new office space. The layout should ideally meet the demands of how the team operates.

1. Foster Collaboration and Privacy

If office employees frequently collaborate, brainstorm, or meet with clients, then the layout should encourage these important work activities. Prioritize comfort. Cushiony couches and ergonomic chairs put staff members at ease, allowing them to focus on contributing to the discussions.

Not every office worker performs well in a team environment. Private and semi-private rooms are beneficial for staff members who are unable to focus in large groups. When planning the office, incorporate areas that feature both shared spaces as well as private areas.

Building privacy pods, for instance, is an opportunity for managers to get the most out of their office space. These dedicated personal spaces can be used for activities other than work, such as making phone calls or reading. The pods give employees private time while being at the office.

Take into account the unique needs of the office staff when attempting to maximize the office space. Give the employees different options for where they’d like to work. Keeping all members of the team happy helps them stay engaged and productive throughout the workday.

2. Use Functional, Movable Furniture

Furniture and its layout should also encourage ongoing brainstorming sessions. The furniture must be plentiful so that all office staff are accommodated. Arrange the couches in a circle to foster the idea of equal exchange and give everyone the ability to easily view their collaborators.

The aesthetic appeal of office furniture can create the desired mood for any type of company, whether it is one that is traditional or fun. However, the functionality of office desks and chairs is equally vital. Movable furniture offers office managers flexibility, while enhancing the office space.

Today’s employees require flexibility. Long gone are the days when fixed furniture overwhelmed the office. Nowadays, flexible furniture, such as ergonomic chairs, better meet the needs of employees, who can move the furniture around as needed. Plus, movable furniture adds extra space to the office.

3. Maximize Storage

An organized workspace is achieved through shelving and storage units. In fact, each office employee should be provided with a personal storage unit. Pedestals, for instance, can be tucked underneath the desk, thereby saving valuable office space. Mobile pedestals are not only useful but can be relocated.

Shelves installed above each desk give office staff easy access to everyday supplies. Dry-erase boards can be hung to communicate important messages. Wall-mounted shelves keep reference books and fun office knickknacks, like photos, within easy reach while not taking up floor space.

Personal storage systems help keep desks neat and uncluttered. An efficient space promotes organization in employees as they work. Desk drawers can be utilized to store pens and highlighters if the staff frequently use paper; similarly, hanging wall pockets keeps supplies within reach.

When optimizing storage spaces within the office, keep in mind their visual appeal. Some office storage options are large and bulky, and others are small and slim. Choose storage systems that complement the office layout, while also meeting the needs of the team.

4. Light Up the Office

Lighting and ventilation are essential when large numbers of employees share a work space. Both features are important to enhancing employee productivity, even going so far as to reduce the number of staff illnesses. A healthier work environment can be achieved by installing LED lighting.

While artificial lighting helps staff members work comfortably, natural lighting is equally beneficial. Employees enjoy having an outside view; so, when possible, choose an office space with windows on both sides. Natural lighting and adequate vents improve productivity without consuming space.

5. Choose Simple Designs

Bold colors, fun patterns, and outlandish artwork can distract even the most dedicated employees. Rather than cause stress and frustration to staff members trying to focus in small groups or independently, choose a neutral design to enhance the office space.

A neutral design features a limited number of colors and patterns and minimizes distractions. After all, it’s difficult to tune out the ostentatious art on the walls when trying to focus on work tasks. A minimalistic aesthetic in the office keeps office staff calm while working and boosts productivity.

Making the most of an office space can be done, even when the office is limited in size. But if you are planning to move your company to a bigger facility or considering downsizing to a smaller one, you’ll need the expertise of the commercial movers at Chicago Office Movers.

Our moving service has a long history of excellence. We’ve moved renowned customers, like Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent, and we provide the same level of superior customer service to every single customer who schedules a corporate move with us.

The unionized moving crews at Chicago Office Movers are top-notch—trained, licensed, and background-checked—to ensure your peace of mind. We pack and unpack all office goods carefully, whether they are heavy office furniture, delicate artwork, sensitive electronics, IT systems, or fragile equipment.

We load all office items onto our climate-controlled trucks, featuring lift gates and air-ride suspensions, that fully protect your goods. Our customers receive tracking information to monitor the progress of the office relocation. Short- and long-term storage options are also available.

While Chicago Office Movers provides high-quality customer care, our trusted office moving services remain affordable. We proudly help Chicagoland businesses of all sizes relocate with success. Check out our multiple five-star ratings and give us a call today for a free estimate.

Call us at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) for a free estimate regarding our office moving services.