Office cubicles can be used for years, which is why many businesses opt to move them when relocating to a new workspace. If you're planning to bring your current cubicles along, proper disassembly is key to ensuring a smooth transition. Here's a guide to help you dismantle your office cubicles and prepare them for the move to your new corporate space.

What Are the Benefits of Reusing Cubicles?

While new cubicles offer appeal, reusing existing cubicles offers clear advantages.

• Cost savings: A new, standard cubicle with 6’ x 6’ or 8’ x 8’ dimensions has a price tag of $800 to $2,000 per unit. Larger units can cost $4,000 or more.
• Lower installation costs: In 2025, installation ranges from $240 to $1,600 per cubicle, depending on complexity and location.
• Eco-friendly choice: Reusing cubicles reduces waste. According to the U.S. EPA, reuse conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Immediate access: Employees can resume work right away instead of waiting for new installations.
• Less downtime: Companies avoid delays associated with manufacturing and shipping new units.

Reusing cubicles makes financial and environmental sense, especially for businesses on a budget or those focused on sustainability.

How to Disassemble Office Cubicles

The advantages of repurposing existing cubicles are clear. When a relocation is around the corner, it’s necessary to prepare the cubicles for the move. Companies can either delegate the disassembly task to professional commercial movers or handle it themselves. Here are the steps for a DIY disassembly.

1. Alert Staff

The first step in the disassembly process is to prepare the office staff for the move and the need to disassemble their workstations. Providing advance notice allows employees to securely pack up and organize their possessions and helps prevent chaos or confusion.

2. Gather Tools

Before starting, collect the tools needed:

• Flat-end screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Rubber hammer
• Ladder (for high panels)
• Safety gear: gloves, goggles

3. Take Photos Before Disassembling

Prior to beginning the dismantling process, take ample photos of the cubicle setup. Photos serve as visual cues that help guide the reassembly process at the new office. The images serve as detailed reference points for upper panel placement, connectors, as well as other important components.

4. Disconnect All Components

Shut off the power and disconnect all cables. Unplug cords from computers, printers, and other electronics to eliminate tripping hazards. Wrap and secure cables to prevent tangling or damage. This also helps avoid electrical mishaps during disassembly.

5. Use Color-Coded Labels

Label cables, cords, and hardware with colored stickers. Match colors with corresponding parts to speed up reassembly and avoid confusion. This simple step can save hours when setting up the new office.

6. Dismantle Built-In Features

Cabinets, desks, and shelves should be removed before accessing cubicle walls. Always use two individuals for this step:

• Unscrew the desks and overhead cabinets using the screwdriver.
• Have a second person support each component to prevent sudden drops.
• Place screws in a labeled plastic bag and seal it securely.

7. Remove Cubicle Walls

Start with the outermost panels, then work inward:

• Remove screws, springs, latches, and levers.
• Use two people to lift the heavy panels and avoid injury.
• Set aside components in a neat, organized manner.

8. Work with Connector Rails

Connector rails vary depending on cubicle design. You may encounter:

• Spring latches
• Rods
• Screws or bolts

Use an adjustable wrench to remove bolts from panels attached to connector rails. If bolts aren’t present, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the panels loose. A rubber hammer can help—just tap lightly to release stuck panels. Always work with a partner when handling panels near ladders or elevated sections.

Consider Professional Help: Chicago Office Movers

When you’re planning a corporate relocation and intend to transport your office cubicles to the new location, it helps to have a reliable commercial mover by your side.

Chicago Office Movers is your trusted moving partner who ensures your office move is as seamless as possible. We provide efficient furniture moving services that include disassembling cubicles and reassembling them at the new office.

Our skilled crews are experts in:

• Cubicle, cabinet, shelf, table, or any other furniture assembly and disassembly
• Moving computer systems, electronics, and appliances
• Handling complex equipment and assembly lines
• Keeping track of every bolt, cord, and label during the move

Whether your office has one or one hundred cubicles, our trained union movers ensure the job is completed professionally, efficiently, and safely.

Disassembling office cubicles requires planning, the right tools, and some teamwork. While a do-it-yourself approach is possible, many companies save time and avoid risk by working with a professional office mover.

For reliable, affordable corporate relocations—local, interstate, or overseas—Chicago Office Movers is ready to help. Contact our office today for a free estimate and expert support.

Call now 312-244-2246 or request your free quote online.

Office relocations require careful planning, especially when moving fragile office items. Whether you’re relocating glass-topped tables, sensitive electronics, or valuable artwork, proper packing is essential for minimizing the risk of damage during the move. Here’s a guide on how to pack delicate office equipment and furniture for a safe and efficient office relocation.

What are Fragile Office Items?

Anything described as fragile can be easily broken or damaged. Offices contain an abundance of fragile goods and equipment. The conference room may contain glass-topped tables, and the management offices may be furnished with glass-topped desks—all of which are extremely fragile.

Today’s offices operate on complex electronic systems. When relocating, it’s necessary to pack up sensitive tech equipment, such as computers, monitors, and printers. Fragile items like these can be damaged by the impact if dropped during the moving process.

Offices with sophisticated designs may need to move marble or stone worktops. These fragile goods should be handled with special care to prevent damage. Similarly, framed artwork and antiques that decorate offices require careful packing to remain in pristine condition.

Packing Fragile Office Items: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing for a relocation means it’s necessary to pack up the whole office. While employees can pack their own belongings and contribute to packing the rest of the office, it requires time during working hours. Conversely, let professional movers handle the packing to save time.

1. Packing Glass Tables

When opting for DIY packing, disassemble glass tabletops. Remove the legs and dismantle the fragile glass frames. Pack these components separately. When unscrewing the table legs, drop the screws into a sealable plastic bag and tape it to the table so it does not become lost during the move.

Wrap the glass top with packing paper. Secure the paper with tape but be sure to prevent the adhesive from coming into contact with the glass. Next, cover the tabletop with bubble wrap, with the bubbles facing inward. Place the wrapped glass into a specialty telescopic box for maximum protection.

2. Packing Tech Equipment

Sensitive electronics should be packed with care to streamline the reinstallation process at the new office. Before packing, back up all important files to an external hard drive or cloud-based storage to prevent data loss. Also take photos of the setup, which can be invaluable during reassembly.

Disassemble and label cables and cords. Box the devices in the original packaging, when possible, which is designed to provide optimal protection. Wrap the tech in bubble wrap and place them in boxes with cushioning. Pack keyboards and mice in smaller boxes or bags to maintain organization.

Utilize anti-static bubble wrap for packing the electronics. If the original boxes are unavailable, select sturdy, corrugated boxes to pack the equipment. Choose boxes that are slightly larger than the devices to allow room for protective padding, such as packing peanuts.

3. Packing Office Artwork and Antiques

Office artwork and antiques are vulnerable to the bumps and jostles of the moving process. Appraise the valuables prior to packing them, in case they are damaged during the relocation. Avoid wrapping wooden antiques in bubble wrap, since multiple layers can damage the porous wood surface.

Secure fragile parts, such as drawers or doors, but avoid using tape to do so. Cover the antiques with moving blankets, which can keep these parts securely closed. Next, add padding to the outside of the moving blankets. Remove any small pieces and store them carefully.

4.Marble-top Tables

Marble is a heavy material but can be easily damaged during a move. Protect these fragile goods by wrapping them in moving blankets. Ensure the blankets cover the pieces from the top and wrap around the bottom. A wardrobe box can be effectively used to further protect the marble.

Upon purchasing a special carton or crate to house the marble components during the relocation, pack no more than one marble piece inside. Keep the carton or crate upright and never lay it flat while storing or moving it. Clearly mark the carton as fragile.

Tips for Packing Fragile Office Items

When packing fragile office items, bear in mind a few general strategies:

• Use Strong, New Boxes: Always choose new, sturdy boxes designed for office moves. Avoid old, flimsy boxes that can collapse under pressure.
• Separate Items: Avoid packing fragile items together to reduce the risk of breakage. Use bubble wrap and packing paper to cushion each item.
• Label Boxes: Clearly mark all boxes containing fragile items to alert movers. You can also color code the boxes for a better organization.

3 Materials You Can Use To Keep The Office Fragile Items Safe

When preparing for an office relocation, using the right packing materials can make all the difference in keeping your fragile items intact. Whether you're moving high-end tech, delicate décor, or glass furnishings, these three materials are the go-to choices for protecting your office essentials during transport.

Bubble Wrap:

Bubble wrap is a must-have when it comes to safeguarding breakable office items. Its air-filled pockets provide a cushioned barrier that helps absorb shocks and vibrations during loading, transport, and unloading. This makes it especially effective for wrapping fragile objects like monitors, computer towers, glass table tops, and framed artwork.

How to Use It:

• For best results, wrap the item completely with the bubble wrap, ensuring the bubbles face inward to protect the surface.
• Secure the wrap with tape, but avoid taping directly onto the item itself.
• When packing multiple items, stack them carefully and add extra layers of bubble wrap between each item to prevent shifting during the move.

Packing Paper:

Unlike newspaper, which can leave ink stains, packing paper is clean, pliable, and safe for delicate surfaces. It’s ideal for wrapping smaller items, filling in gaps inside boxes, or layering between stacked pieces to prevent scratches. Glassware, ceramics, and decorative office pieces benefit from being individually wrapped in packing paper to avoid direct contact with other items.

How to Use It:

• Roll individual items, such as glassware and small office décor, in several layers of packing paper to ensure they are fully cushioned.
• Use packing paper to fill any empty spaces in boxes, ensuring items don't shift during transport.
• For larger, more fragile items, use the paper as a cushion around the item and layer it with bubble wrap for added protection.

Sturdy Corrugated Boxes:

Using high-quality, corrugated cardboard boxes is essential when transporting fragile office goods. These boxes provide structural strength and help distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of contents being crushed. Double-walled boxes offer even greater protection for heavier or more delicate items.

How to Use It:

• Choose boxes that are slightly larger than the items you're packing to allow for protective padding, such as bubble wrap or packing paper, around the contents.
• For heavier items, like monitors or printers, use double-walled boxes for extra strength. For fragile items like glass or ceramics, use specialized boxes designed for these goods.
• Label the boxes clearly as "Fragile" to ensure they are handled with care during the move.
• To prevent crushing, pack the heaviest items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more fragile items on top.

Professional Office Movers that can Safely Handle Fragile Items

Safely packing fragile office goods for a move can be accomplished with the right skills and packing supplies. When your team is busy preparing for the relocation, save valuable time by delegating the packing and unpacking to the experienced commercial movers at Chicago Office Movers.

Our moving crews are equipped with sturdy boxes and packing supplies as well as expertise to safely pack your entire office. Whether you are moving precious antiques, sensitive IT servers, or other specialty items, we pack your possessions carefully to prevent the risk of damage during the corporate relocation.

As a part of our expert packing services, we label boxes to ensure proper placement at the new office. You receive a full inventory of all goods packed. The items are packed in boxes and crates guaranteed to protect the contents. Plus, our crews unpack your items at the destination.

Our corporate moving services include additional conveniences, such as short- and long-term storage in our secure facilities. We offer insurance and service contracts. Moving crews are licensed, trained, and background-checked to give customers maximum confidence that their goods are in secure hands.

Whether you plan to move your company locally, long-distance or internationally, choose Chicago Office Movers for safe packing and seamless relocation. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office today for a free estimate and assign your corporate relocation to Chicagoland’s most trusted office mover.

Frequently Asked Questions