Recycling, donating, or selling old office equipment are ideal ways to dispose of the outdated or underutilized goods. Recycling benefits the environment as well as the company, since it promotes an eco-friendly image. Here are six ways to best dispose of unwanted office goods.

Following environmentally friendly business practices begins with recycling old office equipment. Retailers frequently accept used electronics for free. E-waste can also be disposed of at the local sanitation department during certain periods of the year.

Businesses should consider recycling their used equipment for a number of valid reasons. Companies lessen pollution when they recycle old printers, scanners, and copiers. These types of equipment contain mercury, arsenic, and lead—which can pollute the soil and leach into the water supply.

Companies also save on energy when they recycle or repurpose equipment. By utilizing the office goods to their max, businesses help save on the energy invested into manufacturing new office equipment as well as the energy associated with disposing of old materials.

Donating old office equipment, such as computers, scanners, and copiers, to charities is another benefit. Companies that give their old electronics away to qualified charities are eligible to receive tax breaks. The donations may be considered in-kind donations for tax purposes.

What types of office equipment can be recycled?

Office employees use a wide range of office equipment that can be recycled. Computers and electronics are obviously recyclable items. Furniture, too, is a type of office equipment that can be repurposed. Even smaller items without significant value can be successfully recycled.

Books have value and can be donated to charity. Paper and plastic products as well as packing materials are other types of office equipment that businesses should recycle. Batteries, especially, should be recycled, since they contain harmful chemicals that should be kept out of the environment.

1. Drop off equipment at recycling centers

Recycling any of the abovementioned office equipment can be done by bringing them to a local recycling center. Learn the recycling regulations, which can vary between centers. Call ahead to know what can or cannot be recycled in a specific geographic location.

Prior to taking the old equipment to the recycling centers, wipe the devices clean of personal and business information. Instead of hauling the equipment to the recycling center, busy company managers might also consider having a specialist from an office clean-out company come to them.

2. Utilize recycling programs

Leading manufacturers and brands offer recycling programs. Best Buy accepts e-waste in its recycling program. HP, another technology giant, recycles old desktop printers when a new one is purchased. Trade organizations, like MRM, run recycling compliance programs and offer recycling options.

3. Donate the equipment

Discard old office equipment by giving it to a charitable organization. Used furniture, electronics, and supplies are welcomed by charities that use them to cut operating costs or that refurbish them to re-sell at a profit. Consider donating to national charities with local branches.

Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Amvets are happy to accept donations of used office equipment. However, each organization has use for certain items; call ahead to determine what goods they will or will not accept. Nationwide drop-off locations make donating convenient.

Consider giving the old office equipment to the local community. Businesses can donate to technical schools and after-school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs. Children learn how to code on these old machines. High school theaters use goods, like phones, as props.

Here is a list of location in Chicago that accepts used furniture.

4. Repurpose office equipment

Outdated office goods may have little value to growing companies—however, old tablets and laptops can have incredible value to temps, interns, and contractors. Employees are not unknown to giving old computers and other hand-me-down equipment to their school-aged children.

5. Sell to employees

Business managers have the option of selling old equipment to employees. An office worker may be willing to buy a used office chair for $25, for instance, or have use for an old filing cabinet in their home office. Selling old equipment at a discount is a win for everyone.

6. Reach out to used furniture companies

Listing old office desks and chairs online can attract interest from used furniture companies. Resellers will also haul the goods away, sometimes charging a nominal price to do so. Try to negotiate a lump sum to dispose of all the furniture at once.

Whether companies recycle or donate old office equipment, they make a favorable impression. Companies that do their part to help preserve the environment are supported by environmentally conscious customers. Selling the equipment to employees at a markdown also inspires goodwill.

Discarding old office equipment can mean that companies are making room for updated equipment. If your commercial business has plans to renovate, you’ll need a professional office mover, like Chicago Office Movers, to help move the furniture, labs, equipment, and other machinery.

We offer a wide range of office relocation services to corporations that are in the midst of relocating, renovating, or constructing additional spaces to their commercial building. Convenient storage services are provided to businesses that need secure storage for large pieces of equipment and furniture.

Once your office goods are ready to come out of storage, our moving crews will carefully transport them to your building. Moving teams are also experienced in installation and assembly, so we can ensure your equipment is installed and ready to be used without further disruption to business operations.

The office equipment stored in our secure storage facilities is recorded in an inventory list, so you can keep track of your items. Our moving specialists are also available to guide businesses as they plan a move, transfer office goods, or decommission a leased space in preparation for a relocation.

Chicago Office Movers has relocated businesses of all sizes in Chicago, Illinois. Our dedicated crews have helped government agencies, commercial businesses, and educational facilities with their relocation and remodeling needs.

Give us a call at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form to receive a free estimate regarding your next move or furniture donation.

A fun office is a more productive one, simply because employees are motivated, creative, and enjoy team-building opportunities. These happy staff members look forward to working in their team environment. Here are strategies to give the office a dose of fun.

What are the benefits of a fun office?

Employees who work in a fun office generally feel happier, which in turn fosters a pleasant work environment. When company leaders give staff members an opportunity to get to know one another personally through fun work functions, they experience an invaluable boost in morale.

An office where hobbies are encouraged inspires employees. Office staff have the chance to transfer their creativity to work-related tasks. Collaboration also increases when office workers learn to work well together—and this occurs when they participate in fun activities.

Lastly, working for a company that values a fun office culture helps prevent burnout in even the most dedicated employees. Office managers who incorporate fun activities into the workday give staff a chance to relax from stressful projects and prevent overexertion.

1. Celebrate Birthdays and Milestones

Office managers are encouraged to celebrate every chance they get to improve the enjoyability of working in the office and increasing productivity. One of the simplest ways to achieve this end is to celebrate employees’ birthdays and workplace milestones.

Extravagant parties for birthdays or work anniversaries are unnecessary. Rather, inspire employees by hosting an ice cream social or happy hour. Team members love a celebratory atmosphere, which helps them feel like family. In turn, these bonded employees enjoy more productive collaborations.

2. Organize Office Sports Teams

Motivate staff by playing sports after office hours. Friendly competition results when teams are established by department or organizational rank; for example, team up company leaders against office employees. Sports that coworkers can play include baseball, volleyball, soccer, or basketball.

On a smaller scale, foosball and ping pong can be played in an office game room. Office workers release built-up tensions as they compete. Managers might even host board or card tournaments, where teams of employees have a chance to win attractive prizes.

3. Implement a Vision Board

Organizational goals are reached when office managers set up a vision board prominently in the workplace. Incorporate the company’s branding, logo, and colors. Then ask employees to add their personal career goals, which may prompt discussion about how to support professional growth.

4. Share Jokes

Workplace jokes add joviality. Share jokes via mass emails or group chats to bring smiles to the faces of colleagues. Choose jokes that align with the company’s mission; for example, offices that work in the field of childcare can create a list of amusing things they’ve heard kids say.

5. Praise Employees Publicly

Create a Wall of Fame that recognizes the accomplishments of employees. Company leaders can post photos of staff members with captions underneath describing the reasons for their recognition. Colleagues then have a chance to congratulate them on their professional achievements.

Offering consistent praise in the workplace enhances the productivity of team members. When adding a Wall of Fame to the office, establish a schedule to ensure that recognition is given on a regular basis. Enhance the Wall of Fame’s design so that staff enjoy viewing it.

6. Introduce an Office Mascot

An office mascot doesn’t need to dress up in a costume and dance. Rather, bring a cat or dog to the office and watch as employees improve their work-life balance, nurture productivity, and decrease their stress. A pet in the office rewards staff with higher levels of happiness and productivity.

Responsibilities come with bringing a pet into the workplace. Set up a schedule for employees to walk the dog or set up a food bowl for the cat. Employees benefit from taking breaks to walk the pets and sharing their workspaces with friendly felines or canines.

7. Create Multiple Workspaces

In today’s offices, staff are no longer tied down to a desk and chair. The most fun workplaces give employees flexibility with seating and desks. Integrate adjustable-height desks, multi-person tables, and stools. Mobile technology makes it easy to work anywhere in the office.

Team members will jump at the chance for a change in scenery. Even adding an option to work standing instead of sitting can be rewarding for some staff. Offer a variety of workspace and seating options to increase employees’ flow of creative juices.

8. Utilize Natural Lighting

Rows of fluorescent lighting do little for staff energy levels and productivity. Employees respond better to natural lighting, which can be increased by opening window curtains in the office. Or, install adaptive lighting, which emits cooler tones in the morning and warmer tones in the afternoon.

Sometimes, what an office needs is to relocate to a building with numerous windows, various workstations, and more collaboration spaces. When you have big plans to move your company to greener pastures, bring in the experienced office movers from Chicago Office Movers.

Our Chicagoland commercial moving service offers companies, both large and small, a range of conveniences to meet all their relocation needs. Moving crews from Chicago Office Movers are licensed and background-checked to give you peace of mind as they handle the office goods.

We also provide packing and unpacking services, a benefit for businesses that aim to resume operations immediately upon arriving at their destination. Our specialists can help you plan an efficient corporate move, which can take months to finalize, and then execute the detailed plan.

As one of the most trusted corporate movers in the area, Chicago Office Movers is ready to give you premium services at an affordable rate. We’ve moved a range of sensitive and bulky office property, from IT systems to science labs, for prestigious area companies, including Alcatel Lucent.

When you want to work with an award-winning commercial mover, choose Chicago Office Movers. We’re based in Chicago, Illinois, and we’ll relocate your business locally, long-distance, or internationally.

When your company has plans to move locally, long-distance, or internationally, call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Smart office technology is designed to improve workflow in today’s companies. Offices integrate high-tech gadgets and advancements to help employees work smarter, better, and faster. The technological frontier is vast, but certain smart office technologies are making a big splash.

Also known as the digital workplace or responsive workspace, the smart office is here to stay. A wide range of technology is utilized to the max, ensuring the work environment is intelligent and fully capable of adapting to meet the ongoing needs of employees.

The goal behind smart office technology is to automate routine tasks normally performed by human staff, thereby freeing up time for employees to tackle the work that technology is not yet capable of doing. As a result, businesses squeeze out more from employees while keeping them happy.

Smart office technology spans from refrigerators that let employees know when the cheese has run out to voice assistants that promptly answer any questions put to them. Smart technology is diverse, and not all offices need every latest gadget to stay ahead.

1. Smart Climate Control Systems

The temperature preferences among office personnel vary widely. Some staff prefer a cool work environment, while others are most comfortable in a warm space. While pleasing everyone is difficult, if not impossible, smart HVAC systems give employees control right from the office.

The detection capabilities of the smart climate control systems home in on preferences, usage patterns, outdoor weather, and company calendars. This real-time information prompts the system to regulate indoor temperatures. Increased productivity and a boost in morale are linked with employee comfort.

2. Smart Lighting

Offices that aim to reduce their energy costs use smart lighting. Installing this technology can save companies up to 90 percent on energy bills. Smart lighting automatically adjusts based on how many staff members are in the workspace as well as the degree of natural light.

Companies that are intentional about their energy usage while also focusing on promoting an environmentally friendly image benefit from installing smart lighting. The technology helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint in the office—a win-win for the company’s image and the environment.

3. Digital Assistants

Digital assistants are gaining ground in the commercial space fast. Office assistants are used for booking conference rooms, initiating phone calls, or sending emails. Ooma’s Virtual Receptionist, for instance, is a practical replacement for a full-time employee and comes at a fraction of the cost.

Like traditional human receptionists, the digital version takes incoming phone calls and instantly directs them to the right staff member. It creates automated messages that provide callers with the company’s office hours and list of employees. Staff can also check messages from a mobile device.

Companies that incorporate digital assistants are better able to streamline customer service, since the technology supports both customers and employees. Customer satisfaction spikes when customers receive immediate assistance—and digital assistants are available to help 24/7, even during hours when businesses are closed.

4. Smart Collaboration Tools

The post-pandemic era has ushered in remote work. Collaboration remains vital to the health of businesses, making video conferencing software a must-have in smart offices. Virtual meetings appear crisper and sound comes through sharper with the use of high-quality webcams and video equipment.

Virtual whiteboard software is another crucial tool in smart offices. Remote and off-site employees are able to utilize this smart technology to participate in collaborations just as they would in person. Encrypted cloud servers, too, hold data, giving team members access to information at any time.

5. Smart Security Systems and Maps

Gone are the days of staff fumbling with key fobs and keycards. Today’s companies rely on smart security systems and access control systems. Employees enter and exit the building with advancements, like two-factor authentication, built-in fingerprint scans, or facial recognition.

Visitor management is likewise enhanced with mobile guest pass credentials, which guests can access through email or text. Digital maps accessed via smartphone are useful for helping visitors find their way around large office buildings and directing them to conference rooms or halls.

These five smart office technologies improve the way employees work. While it’s expedient to have a wide range of technologies in the office, companies are encouraged to start the transition to a smart office gradually. Determine the needs of staff and what updates should be prioritized.

Ask employees what current technology is the most frustrating and which smart technology would provide the solution. Assess the company budget and choose an upgrade that will offer the biggest impact now and in the future. Choose flexible technology when business growth is expected.

Company leaders may also foresee adding offices or relocating to a newer facility. Keep these factors in mind, too, when deciding to implement possible smart technology solutions. If your company is moving, you’ll need a commercial mover with a track record for excellence, like Chicago Office Movers.

A corporate relocation is a significant event, one that needs a team of professionals to see it through to completion. At Chicago Office Movers, our dedicated crews will help your company leaders plan the move, securely pack all office goods, and unpack the items so your team resumes operations quickly.

Our office movers are licensed, trained, and experienced to ensure complete customer satisfaction. To meet the demands of business customers, we offer comprehensive services, which include short- and long-term storage options, paperwork storage, customizable add-on services, and service and insurance contracts.

Whether you are moving lab equipment, sensitive electronics, IT systems and server rooms, or cubicles, Chicago Office Movers will manage the entire move while staying on schedule and within budget. Our trucks feature climate-controlled spaces and lift gates to protect fragile office goods.

There’s a reason Chicago Office Movers continues to be trusted by prestigious area businesses: our commitment to quality during every phase of the office relocation.

When your company has plans to move locally, long-distance, or internationally, 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.