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.

Relocating to a new office is a major event, one that can be equally exciting and stressful. While bundling up the files and office knickknacks is a straightforward process, packing the fragile electronics requires a more sensitive approach. Here’s how to safely pack electronics of all sorts.

Digital technology has overtaken the workplace. Offices are equipped with a variety of essential forms of electronics, and their usage is important to the daily functioning of the business. Electronics in the office streamline workflow, facilitate business tasks, and free up office space.

No matter whether the office is a one-man show or a major enterprise, electronic equipment will be necessary in the new workspace. Packing up the electronics should be done with care. These investments will allow businesses of all sizes to continue to boost productivity.

What types of electronics should be safely packed?

Computers are essential for both external and internal communications. The technology allows for the transmission of emails, facilitates internal messaging systems, and allows virtual meetings to take place. Whether the office uses laptops or desktops, the computers should be packed with extra care.

Offices will need to print documents, making the printer another piece of essential office equipment. Scanners, too, allow for paperless functionality with their ability to capture, digitize, and share data. Copiers are multi-use technology with scanning, faxing, and printing capabilities.

Business projectors are still in use in contemporary offices. LED projectors, multimedia projectors, and digital projectors are used during employee training or to make business and marketing proposals. Electronic devices, like paper shredders, destroy sensitive office documents and reduce clutter.

1. Check the owner’s manual

The first step to safely packing any of the abovementioned electronics is to reread the owner’s manual. A manual provides the manufacturer’s tips for safe storage and packing. Follow the guidelines about the level of moisture exposure, outside temperature, and sunlight exposure the goods can handle.

2. Back up important data

Prior to unplugging any of the electronics in preparation for the move, back up office data to the cloud or an external hard drive. Even if the devices are protected in boxes, one misstep during handling can cause costly and irreversible damage. Having data backups is crucial to business continuity.

3. Remove batteries and cartridges

Take out the batteries from remotes or accessories before placing them in moving boxes. Batteries that overheat, corrode, or leak during the office relocation will cause unwanted damage to the electronics. Organize the batteries in one place so that unpacking and reassembly will run smoothly.

If the office utilizes rechargeable batteries, charge them a few days prior to the move. Laser printers will contain toner cartridges that must be removed prior to packing. Secure the toner cartridges in a dust-proof plastic bag and place them in the same moving box as the printer.

4. Unplug and color code cables

Before disassembling the electronics, especially computers with numerous cables, unplug the cables. Reassembly will move quicker by color coding the cables during the packing stage: Adhere a colored sticker to the cord and the same color sticker to where the cord connects to the device.

5. Vacuum electronics

Vacuum the desktop computers with a vacuum cleaner extension to remove lingering dust particles. Practicing this safety tip will prevent dust from shifting and getting trapped during the relocation. Or, as mentioned below, wrap the electronics in linen to minimize dust.

6. Wrap the electronics

Wrap the devices in layers of bubble wrap or towels to further protect them during transit. Tape a sheet of paper over the vents and fans in the electronics to keep loose particles from entering through the openings. Avoid using packing chips, which can cause damaging static electricity buildup.

7. Box the electronics

If the original boxes and packing materials in which the electronics were initially packaged are handy, use them to repack the goods. Other types and sizes of boxes may fail to hold the devices as securely. When the original boxes are unavailable, utilize sturdy boxes and clean paper for wrapping.

Ensure the electronics are tightly packed inside the boxes and the items do not shift. Fill empty spaces with packing materials or bubble wrap. Seal the boxes completely with packing tape to prevent dust particles from entering. Cover the boxed electronics with moving pads or light blankets.

Mark the boxes containing electronics as fragile. Avoid writing the contents on the boxes to prevent attracting thieves, especially if the electronics will be temporarily held in storage. Create an inventory list of the items contained in each box. Unpacking will be faster when components are organized.

Unpack the electronics and turn them on once they reach room temperature at the destination. Following these tips will help ensure the office electronics remain intact throughout transit. Further protect the office equipment by utilizing a professional mover, like Chicago Office Movers.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

We are a locally based commercial mover with a reputation for excellence. Our licensed moving crews have moved businesses of all sizes to, from, and within Chicago. Satisfied customers include major corporations, like Alcatel Lucent, and prestigious universities, like University of Chicago.

Chicago Office Movers handles a wide variety of corporate moves. We are equipped to safely and efficiently move science labs, libraries, heavy electronics, HVAC equipment, and all sizes of office furniture, such as large desks, shelving, and other office items.

Our moving services are comprehensive. Chicago Office Movers provides disassembly services at the site of origin and the setup of office equipment at the destination. We offer storage facilities so that your business can conveniently store office goods until they are ready for transit.

Trust Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming corporate relocation. You will join the ranks of countless satisfied business customers when you choose to work with us. We are available to move your office locally, interstate or internationally.

Contact us at 312-244-2246 for details and to obtain a free moving estimate.

With the economy booming, businesses are thriving across the country. Not only do business owners have the opportunity to grow their small business, but they are able to sustain the growth while hiring more employees.

According to a recent study by CNBC, 10 cities were identified after studying 50 of America’s biggest “boomtowns”. Compared to the others, these cities had the strongest growth in the past 5 years. Taking into account the number of physical locations, employees, and total receipts for non-employers.

Top 10 Cities for Business Growth and Development

10. San Antonio, Texas

In addition to the growing businesses, San Antonio is at the top of the list for one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. With beautiful weather year-round and no income tax for Texas, it’s no surprise that this town is desirable.

It has also grown 11% in terms of the number of thriving businesses as well as 17.5% in the number of paid employees. If you’re currently job searching, you might want to check this place out.

9. Denver, Colorado

This is one of the best cities for small business growth employment. In fact, average wages have increased from $26.50 to $29.40, making it an annual growth of 2.6%. The fastest growing industries in Denver include: science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

While the growth has slowed in the past few months, it continues to climb the business growth scale. There has also been an increase in paid employees of 20% between 2011 and 2016.

8. Fort Myers, Florida

While this town is popular for snow birds and retirees, the business growth has reached 16% between 2011 and 2016. In addition to the business growth, this city has been growing in popularity because of the “work, play, and live” vibe.

In addition, there are a lot of opportunities and the cost of living is very low. To make it even better, the forecasts show that these trends will continue in the future.

7. Boise, Idaho

In addition to this business growth, Boise has been known as the 2^nd top spot for young professionals. The biggest factor in this trend is the climb of living expenses for Seattle and San Francisco. Boise offers a similar climate at a significantly lower rate compared to sister cities.

The number of paid employees has increased almost 19% between 2011 and 2016, according to CNBC.

6. Orlando, Florida

Perhaps due to the growth of so many theme parks like Disney World and Sea World, Americans are flocking to this city in search of jobs. With that, businesses have been thriving here.

In fact, Orlando is ranked as the fastest growing city in Florida in terms of population and housing, employment, and business growth. Top industries for this city include STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

5. Raleigh, North Carolina

Despite the unfamiliarity by most Americans, many large companies have offices here. There are also a number of large schools in this area, include UNC, Duke, and NC state. In addition, the cost of living is low.

But due to the colleges, Raleigh has many opportunities for both businesses and individuals looking for jobs. It has grown almost 21% in the number of paid employees between 2011 and 2016.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

Not too far south, South Carolina is just a little ahead with the increase of number of businesses up to 13.5% between 2011 and 2016. One of the noticeable inclines in businesses includes independent fast food restaurants, with an improvement of 7% within the last 5 years, according to CRDA.

Along with the steady business incline, new construction has boomed. If you’re looking for a brand-new building for your business, you will have lots to choose from in Charleston, NC.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Known mostly for its country music streets and venues, Nashville is also making room for growing business in the area. As more people move to this city, its easy to go straight to a concert after work.

According to Patch, Nashville has a diversified economy, having rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality for a number of years. The number of paid employees has also increased almost 21% between 2011 and 2016.

2. Austin, Texas

In addition to business growth, Austin has seen skyrocketing numbers for overall job growth, according to Biz Journals. With all this extra help, businesses have the resources to grow and expand both locally and internationally.

This city has also seen one of the highest growth trends in the number of paid employees: 21.1% between 2011 and 2016.

1. Provo, Utah

Home to the third largest private college, Brigham Young University, and a $16 billion economy, Provo has been ranked by a number of sources as the fastest growing city for business growth and development for 2018.

The New Yorker has proclaimed Provo as “the next Silicon Valley,” with 2 of the world’s 73 private venture-funded companies with valuations over $2 billion. This city is also home to a number of Fortune 500 and multi-million dollar companies, not to mention world-class recreational and sporting facilities.

To top it off, Provo has exceeded national rankings for job growth, affordability, livability, and entrepreneurship.

Moving Your Business

Looking for new opportunities for your business? You should definitely consider one of the cities mentioned above. With these trends, you shouldn’t have any problem with expansion or finding employees in these places.

Just be sure to choose the right moving company as many will not have your best interests in mind. It’s important to find one that has positive reviews, well-established, is insured, and offers each of the services for which you are looking.

Chicago Office Movers

If your business is located in the Chicago metropolitan area, check out Chicago Office Movers. Our union moving professionals are all background-checked, uniformed, licensed, insured, trained, and experienced to provide the moving services you need. We can manage your entire move, including the planning, moving, furniture assembly, heavy equipment moving, and setting up your new office.

Contact Us

From moving long distance to internationally, our commercial movers can move your business forward. Give us a call at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate or fill out a contact form.

Businesses heavily rely on digital technology to conduct daily operations. Offices typically utilize any of three general classifications of computers: thin clients (featuring a mouse, keyboard and screen), standalone computers (laptops or desktops with or without towers) and multiple servers.

No matter what computer device your business uses, when moving day is around the corner, you’ll need to know how to safely pack the equipment.

1. Obtain Proof of Purchase

Take a few necessary steps before you unplug the cords and buy sturdy moving boxes. Gather all the purchase receipts associated with the business computers, software and accessories. Proof of purchase is helpful if the need to verify the cost of replacement arises.

If receipts are unavailable, obtain a professional estimate of the value of your business’ computer equipment. If the office computers are lost or damaged during the relocation and you enroll in the mover’s protection plan, the value of the equipment is compensated.

2. Back Up Data

Important files are irreplaceable. Prior to loading the computer equipment into boxes, back up all the business files, including financial documents, research files, and work data. External hard drives can be a dependable place to back up the business data.

You’ll digitally protect the business’ records in the event the physical computer equipment is lost or damaged during the move. When you start packing, ensure the external hard drive is packed into a box separate from the computer equipment.

3. Be Aware of Climate

Technology equipment is susceptible to variances in weather. Extreme hot and cold conditions can damage electronics. Shortened battery life, warping, cracking, condensation and data loss are possible consequences of dramatic shifts in temperature.

Moving vans are not typically climate-controlled. Keep this fact in mind when you are moving in the subfreezing winter or scorching summer months. If possible, keep the box holding your computer equipment in a temperate environment, like a personal vehicle.

4. Label the Computer Cords

With the advanced preparation out of the way, you can focus on the physical activity of packing the computer equipment.

Electrical cords are an unseen jumble behind a desk. When you are prepared to move, the mess of wires is in full sight. Keep the various cords organized with color coded labels. After relocating, re-assembling the electrical devices is quick and easy.

Prior to unplugging the computer cords, stick-colored labels on each cord. For example, adhere a yellow sticker to the mouse, and another yellow sticker to the mouse’s electrical cord. Perform this step for each of the many wires that enable the computer to function.

5. Visually Record the Setup

At this stage, ideally, you have not unplugged the computer’s electrical wiring. While all the electrical components are plugged in, snap a digital photo of the color-coded setup.

Your smartphone will hold a record of the computer’s mish-mash of wires and serve as a helpful guide when setting up the configuration after the move.

6. Unplug and Pack the Cords

Now that you’ve created a digital map with your camera, the next step is to unplug the computer. Wrap each cord separately using a Velcro wrap to prevent tangles.

7. Buy Dish Pack Boxes

Unlike standard boxes, a dish pack box offers double-layered walls to protect the most fragile of items. The extra thick dish pack box is perfectly suited to move computer equipment. Due to the added layer of protection, dish boxes are also pricier.

8. Pad the Box

The key to preventing breakages in the dish box is padding. Crumpled packing paper is the optimal packing material, because it can easily wedge into corners and thoroughly pad every inch of space. The goal of using ample amounts of paper is to prevent the computer equipment from shifting during the moving process. Layer the bottom of the box with plenty of crumpled paper.

9. Wrap the Equipment

All computer monitors, hard drives and accessories, like keyboards should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Optimally wrap the technology by facing the bubble wrap’s pop side toward the computer equipment, such as the computer screen and tower. Secure the wrapped items with shipping tape.

10. Pack the Computer

Place the heaviest computer equipment on the bottom of the disk pack box, above the bottommost layer of packing paper. Add a second layer of crumpled packing paper to the top of the heaviest items to sandwich them.

The lighter-weighted accessories, like the bubble-wrapped keyboard, should be placed on top of the second layer of crumpled paper in the same box. Add additional layers of fill before adding the lightest of items—the cords.

Once the box is full, look for any empty spaces that could allow for possible shifting when the box is carried. Tightly stuff all empty areas with additional packing paper.

Seal the packed box with double layers of packing tape.

11. Label the Packed Box

The last task is to properly label the box holding the computer. Using a thick marker, write down what room the box should be moved into. Most importantly, write on the box all the contents it holds, i.e., computer, cords and keyboard. Be sure to write “Fragile” on the box.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

When you lack the time to carefully pack the computers in your office, give the task to a reputable, professional mover, like Chicago Office Movers. Our IOMI-certified and insured movers are trained to handle this moving specialty service with safety, security and ease.

Comp-U-Wrap

Specializing in commercial moves, Chicago Office Movers carefully packs your business’ computer equipment using protective, anti-static bubble-filled bags, known as Comp-U-Wrap. This eco-friendly option allows us to streamline not only the packing process, but overall downtime as we move the rest of your items.

Our experience in quickly and efficiently packing and moving miscellaneous office goods, furniture, and machinery solidifies our local reputation for professional excellence.

Serving the needs of Chicagoland for over 35 years, Chicago Office Movers is qualified to handle packing computer equipment and other office possessions using Comp-U-Wrap bubblewrap. No job is too small or too large for our dedicated movers.

Get a Free Estimate

Chicago Office Movers offers a free estimate on professional packing and moving services for local businesses. Give us a call at (312) 244-2246.