Businesses still have to move, even during a pandemic.  Businesses may relocate for many different reasons. These could range from more customer traffic and better growth opportunities to the possible need for more or less space. However, relocating a company can also be time-consuming, disruptive, and during a pandemic, even downright dangerous. A business relocation plan has always been an important part of a corporate move, now even more so with the extra added considerations and regulations in place.  A detailed checklist of relocation tasks is a must!

Is It Possible to Move During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The short answer to this question is yes, but there are many precautions you must take to protect yourself and your employees and ensure a safe move. We understand while you may want to hold off your business relocation until after the pandemic, you may have no choice but to move due to the end of a lease, expenses, or other factor.

When preparing your company for relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may need answers to the following questions:

Can I Hire a Moving Company?

Yes, moving companies like Chicago Office Movers are still providing business relocation and commercial moving services during the pandemic. Our professionals will take certain precautions to make your move as safe as possible such as disinfecting our moving equipment and trucks daily, using personal protective equipment like masks and gloves, and practicing social distancing. For more information, consult our COVID-19 moving guidelines.

Can I Tour New Offices and Buildings?

If your business needs to move during the pandemic but has not found a new office or building, it is still possible to find a new space. If you find a space that interests you, you may be able to take a virtual tour. This will allow you to get a good look at the new space without showing up in person. If you really want to see the new space in person before making a decision, you may be able to view the space while taking precautions like wearing gloves and a mask and practicing social distancing while on the property.

How Should I Protect My Employees During the Move?

It is probably best to involve as few of your employees in the move as possible, but we understand that some employees will need to be present during the move. Direct your employees who will be present during the move to wear masks and gloves, wash and sanitize their hands frequently, and practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet of personal space. You and your employees should take every precaution necessary and be mindful during the move to protect yourself and others.

COVID-19 Business Move Plan

Once your reasons and destinations are set forth, here are some top things to put into your plan.

1. Assign appropriate people to manage the move plan

There should be an internal leader that serves as the move coordinator, department coordinators, and your moving company single source coordinator.  All these people will be working together to plan and execute all the parts of the relocation. Keep open communication between your staff and coordinator from Chicago Office Movers.

2. Assess and compare the potential risks and benefits of relocation during a pandemic

Assuming this is something your organization must and can do during this time, make sure your staff and all parties are safe and following pandemic guidelines. Never push past the limits of what is allowed during the time of crisis. Also be aware of the moving company’s guidelines during the pandemic.

3. Have multiple contingency plans due to the unknown

There is always some sort of unknown that should be considered but in times of many unknowns, you must be as prepared as possible.  You may wonder, how should I prepare for unforeseeable issues? Check and double check the process, have a back up plan for anything of major significance, and confirm things twice before executing. Communicate with all coordinators throughout the process.

4. Use a checklist

Use our comprehensive checklist of essential activities for the countdown to your relocation including assigning responsibilities.  Include a list of important contacts for the relocation period.  This also includes things such as using our identification program for tagging items.  Schedule all meetings with department coordinators and hold meetings and training sessions via face to face or virtually during times like COVID-19.  Schedule Electric Data Processing, workstation, phone and all IT relocations.

5. Finish your packing ahead of time

Finishing your packing before your move is always an important step. However, having all of your items and equipment packed at least 24 hours before your move is essential during the pandemic. This is because the coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. Finishing your packing and leaving the boxes untouched for at least 24 hours will help ensure that the boxes are not contaminated.

If possible, get new cardboard boxes instead of using old ones that may be contaminated. Take the opportunity to clean and sanitize items as you pack. Once your items arrive to the new office or building, wait another 24 hours before beginning to unpack. Creating an unpacking plan will help reduce the time spent unpacking and lower the risk to your employees. If you need professional assistance with the packing or unpacking, talk to us about our packing services.

Work with Chicago Office Movers

If your business is located in the Chicagoland area, Chicago Office Movers is ready with sanitized vehicles, equipment and packing materials to ensure a safe company relocation. As an essential business, our union movers practice safe handwashing, social distancing, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and never work when sick. As always, we keep our commitment to provide a safe, quality move for businesses of all types and sizes.

Free Estimate

Get a free estimate on your next move, even during social distancing, by giving us a call at 312-244-2246 or filling out a form. We look forward to working with you.

The blistering summer days and crisp autumn months in the Windy City are filled with excitement that ripples from various unique festivals. Each of the top ten Chicago festivals is never short of bustling crowds. Chicagoans from all parts of the city, both near and far, make their way to the many local festivals to participate in the colorful presentations of food, fun, and activity. These festivals aren’t just for families or friend groups—they also make great corporate events for team-building and socializing! Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, art enthusiast, or just looking for a good time, Chicago’s festival scene has something for everyone.

Top 10 Chicago Festivals and Events You Can’t Miss

1. Taste of Chicago

Arguably the largest food festival in the country, Taste of Chicago is a culinary paradise for food lovers. For over four decades, this iconic event has been bringing together over 70 of Chicago’s finest restaurants, food trucks, and chefs. It offers visitors a chance to sample everything from deep-dish pizza to gourmet tacos and ethnic cuisine from around the world.

The festival spans several days and features more than just food. You’ll enjoy live performances from diverse musical genres, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. It’s an essential experience for anyone who wants to indulge in the rich and diverse food culture of Chicago.

2. Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is more than just a music festival—it's a cultural event. This globally recognized festival, held in the heart of Chicago, has become one of the largest and most influential music festivals worldwide. With performances from over 170 artists across 8 stages, you’ll find everything from rock and hip hop to electronic music and indie bands. Past performers have included global icons like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Foo Fighters.

What makes Lolla stand out is the vibrant energy and spectacular stage designs that complement the diverse music lineup. The festival offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience Chicago’s lively downtown, while enjoying incredible music under the summer sun.

3. Chicago Air and Water Show

This event is a spectacle of speed, precision, and heart-pounding action. The Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the largest free air shows in the country, featuring jaw-dropping aerial stunts by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and civilian pilots. The performances, including water-based demonstrations, occur right on the lakefront, offering an unparalleled view from the beach and surrounding areas.

With over 2 million people in attendance each year, this festival has become an iconic Chicago summer tradition that showcases the city’s love for aviation and the military.

3. Chicago Blues Festival

Chicago is the birthplace of electric blues, and the Chicago Blues Festival celebrates this incredible genre. It’s the largest free blues festival in the world, bringing together legendary blues artists as well as emerging talent. B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Muddy Waters have all graced the stage in the past, making this festival a celebration of authentic American music.

Held in the heart of Millennium Park, the festival features multiple stages of performances, along with food vendors, and a beer garden. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the magic of blues, the energy and passion of this festival will leave you wanting more.

4. Chicago Ginza Holiday Festival

Although smaller, the Japanese cultural event Chicago Ginza Holiday Festival is able to draw crowds. Wide-ranging entertainment keeps audiences at the edge of their seats. Minyo Japanese Folk Dance, Taiko Drumming and Judo demonstrations are just a sample of events that took place in 2019.

5. Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

Held on the grasses of Lincoln Park, the Chicago Kids and Kites Festival is a free family friendly event. Kites featuring brilliant colors soar in the city’s afternoon skies. Children have the opportunity to build their own kites or purchase and fly magnificent kites at the event itself.

The Windjammers Professional Kite Team demonstrates how kite flying is done. Included in their skills are synchronized flying techniques using uniquely shaped, oversized kites. As the sky is covered with stunning kites, the ground-level buzzes with balloon artists and circus arts.

6. Chicago World Music Festival

The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for this gem: the Chicago World Music Festival. Showcasing the world’s diverse musical cultures, music performances are scattered around Chicago. Events may be held in museums, parks, and cultural clubs with either free or low-cost admission.

7. Chicago Pride Fest

The LGBTQ community gets a festive weekend in the city with the Chicago Pride Fest. The two-day festival attracts up to 100,000 attendees. Diversity and equality are celebrated through art and song from popular artists, arts and crafts vendors, drag shows and the famous Chicago Pride Parade.

8. Chicago’s Oktoberfest

Three spectacular autumn days are set aside to celebrate the colorful sides of Bavarian food and drink. Attendees dig into hot brats and imbibe craft beers over the course of one weekend. Chicago’s Oktoberfest is one of the city’s most popular festivals come fall.

Also in Chicago is Revolution Oktoberfest, held in the city’s Logan Square neighborhood. Revolution Oktoberfest delivers the finest in craft beers. The festival has a philanthropic bent, with proceeds going to Friends of Goethe School. Eat, drink and be merry at multiple Oktoberfest events around Chicago.

9. Christkindlmarket Chicago

Get ready for a winter wonderland at the Christkindlmarket Chicago, a traditional German Christmas market that brings holiday magic to the heart of downtown Chicago. With its festive atmosphere, artisan gifts, mulled wine, and sweets, the Christkindlmarket is a perfect way to celebrate the season.

For those seeking a true European holiday experience, the market features handcrafted ornaments, jewelry, and decorations, along with authentic food like bratwurst, pretzels, and roasted nuts. It’s the best way to experience Christmas in the city.

10. BeerHoptacular

Held in a helicopter hanger, the Beer Hoptacular festival is one to write home about. In one afternoon, attendees are surrounded by the most expansive selections of craft beers. Over 150 brews are available to sample. Homebrew competitions are held to liven up the already energized festival.

Chicagoans are out and about come summer and autumn. With an array of festivals to keep them entertained, residents in the Windy City keep their schedules full. Celebrations come and go, but one event that remains especially significant to area businesses is an upcoming business relocation.

Chicago Corporate Relocation

Sure to be celebrated once complete, a corporate relocation can be stressful to start. Chicago Office Movers takes the hassle out of moving day. With a dedicated crew of licensed and background-checked movers, our moving company is positioned to shift your office property quickly and affordably.

Chicago Office Movers is equipped with the moving gear to safely move your business long distance, locally, or internationally. Our moving trucks are also climate-controlled to safeguard sensitive equipment. With tracking available, customers have the ability to track the movement of their office possessions.

Business owners with an upcoming office relocation have immediate support from Chicago Office Movers’ specialists, who are ready to assist with planning. With a free estimate, ample support and reasonable prices, business managers have every reason to turn to Chicagoland’s most reputable and reliable commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers.

Contact Us

Looking for a quote on your next commercial move? Give us a call at (312) 244-2246 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you shortly. We look forward to working with you!

The upcoming office relocation invokes a flurry of anticipation as well stresses. One of the hassles is deciding whether or not to discard the existing office furniture and replace them with pristine ones to better suit the brand-new digs.

Reasons abound for selling off the old furniture in favor of the new:

1. Size

Businesses shift gears when their company downsizes or expands. Your future office space will accommodate the changes in business structure. For example, when companies expand, business owners are likely to invest in extra square feet, meaning the building will be larger.

Relocating to Smaller Office

When your business merges with another company or is forced to lower costs in order to stay afloat, downsizing is the solution to remaining profitable. As a consequence, relocating to a smaller office will be in the business’ foreseeable future.

In either scenario, business owners will want furniture that fits into their new workspace. Properly sized desks, chairs and cabinets add to, rather than detract from, the ambiance of the future setting. Old furniture may be either too big or exceedingly small to suit the new floorplan.

Relocating to Larger Office

Office staff may feel awkward working in a huge room fitted with tiny desks. The atmosphere hardly sits right. On the other hand, lugging the enormous desk and chairs from the previous office and stuffing them into the new, cramped room will be equally uncomfortable for employees to work in.

The solution is to invest in brand new office furniture, ones that ideally fit the new floorplan. What results are comfortable employees who can focus on their tasks, rather than letting their minds wander in either the vastness of the office space or the squeezed, snug room they inhabit.

2. Aesthetic

Akin to producing a pleasing workspace is tending to aesthetic. The parrot-green chairs from the 1960s may have served the company well for decades but introducing these outdated furniture items into a contemporary space with clean lines and neutral colors fails to incorporate style.

BICOM Communications, for example, renovated its office spaces to include contemporary wood paneling and faux grass. Imagine bringing in heavy, antique desks and chairs. You can see how the resulting mood would undermine the designer’s original vision of creating a space that inspires creativity and collaboration.

Or, take a cue from Google Japan. The company renovated its workspace to feature bold wall colors and splashy patterns. Bringing in dated furniture from a prior space would hardly sit ideally in this new one. Colors would clash, making moot the point to create a fun, upbeat office environment.

Rather than repaint the new office walls to suit old furniture, the more sensible approach is to exchange the existing furniture for items that meet the aesthetic requirements of the new setting. Even natural lighting, or the lack thereof, can alter the look of the furniture and the overall space.

3. Condition

Practicality has its place during a relocation. Old furniture may be so worn that it begs for an update. When shifting to a new building, seize this prime opportunity to invest in new furniture. Your mint desks and chairs will last far longer than the tired ones from years prior.

Plus, what employees would want to put forth their best effort while sitting in ripped chairs, working from dented, scratched desks and pulling paperwork from file cabinets that stick? Your staff will experience a boost in happiness and productivity from a simple, timely furniture update.

4. Surplus

An office move inspires change and evaluation. When considering the layout of your new office space, factor in what is necessary and what is not. Over time, office buildings can accumulate a medley of excess furniture, including broken chairs that have yet to see the insides of a trash bin.

Or, during the process, you discover your staff requires only one cabinet instead of four. Relocating prompts business owners to re-evaluate. You are forced to toss the surplus and nonfunctional. Shifting gears provides excellent reasons to purchase furniture that is more relevant to the new workspace.

5. Convenience

Matters of convenience can spark change. Consider that wrapping the shaky cabinet with loose hinges in order to prepare for moving day will cost business owners more in time and money than investing in a new, functional one. Avoid the hassle and sell the old goods.

Selling used office furniture can provide business owners with some cash, especially if the furniture is desirable and in high demand. However, companies are rarely in the know when it comes to understanding what items are in demand and at what times. Demand is extremely unpredictable.

If 150 office chairs need to be sold and there is no demand or interest from third-party companies, some services will provide the labor and time to remove these goods from your workplace. You may feel satisfied getting rid of the old furniture, even if there is no monetary payout.

Work with a Commercial Mover

When a corporate move is on the horizon, Chicago Office Movers has you covered. Our experienced team of union, commercial movers have successfully relocated common office equipment, like heavy electronics, HVAC equipment, assembly lines, libraries and various standard furniture items.

As dedicated, professional office movers, the team at Chicago Office Movers does not stop with simply shifting your office property to a new building. We will also help you set up your new furniture and equipment in the new space. Plus, our dependable storage solutions are ideal when your new office is not yet ready to be moved into.

Chicago Office Movers reliably serves the Windy City. We’ve helped our customers move from the city, into Chicago and within the metropolitan area. No matter how large or small your business happens to be, Chicago Office Movers is prepared with the skilled manpower and equipment to safely and efficiently relocate your business.

Contact Us

A free estimate is available at 312-244-2246 for business owners who are ready to plan their upcoming office move.

The instances of fraudulent movers across the country are rampant, making it especially important that offices and companies seeking to relocate hire a trusted office mover.

Beware of Rogue Movers

Recognizing a rogue mover is just as key as knowing the characteristics of a reputable one. Spotting a dishonest mover at first glance may be a challenge, since some moving companies rack up hundreds of poor reviews and still manage to attract unwitting customers.

Bad experiences with incompetent movers include losing thousands of dollars during the moving process as movers arbitrarily hike up the moving costs after they load customer possessions, holding items hostage until additional funds are supplied and simply failing to deliver.

Given that 38 percent of corporations use professional moving companies to relocate, it is crucial to recognize an honest commercial mover. Here are a few characteristics that point the way to an ethical moving company.

1. Good Reviews

Online review sites are a treasure trove of information that could lead to doing business with a reputable moving company. Most moving companies will have a handful of negative reviews, some deserved, and others based on petty matters. Red flags should fly up when the majority of reviews are poor.

A reputable commercial mover will feature mostly positive reviews. Potential customers should actually read the full reviews, rather than merely glance at low or high grades or stars, to determine if the information is applicable to their situation or can be judiciously disregarded.

Various social media sites also offer a wealth of opinions from actual customers who willingly voice their experiences with the commercial mover in their service. Dig through the reviews to paint a clearer picture of the company you are considering dealing with.

In addition to online review sites and social media reviews, investigate further by having staff ask their friends and family members about any experiences they had with commercial movers. Responses from employees’ contacts can lead to hiring the right commercial mover.

2. Professional Sales Representatives

The first point-of-contact with a commercial moving company should be indicative of future interactions. Did the sales representative arrive on time? Was the individual appropriately dressed? Trivial as they seem, these signs can hugely relay the company’s level of professionalism to potential customers.

Interview administrative personnel thoroughly. Honest commercial movers will have no qualms about confidently answering any and all questions to your satisfaction. Their livelihood, after all, depends on good customers. Sketchy and unsure answers are likely to point to a fraudulent mover.

3. Fair Prices

Lowball quotes are a solid indicator of subpar service. As with any industry, customers receive what they pay for. Obtain several written estimates when hunting for a legitimate commercial mover. The idea is to compare several quotes to properly gauge the market average.

4. Accurate Quotes

In order to receive a correct estimate, representatives from ethical moving companies will visit the commercial space and assess the weight of the goods to be shipped. If you receive a quote over the phone without an onsite assessment, an incorrect quote is likely to be presented.

A mover who attempts to persuade a customer to sign a blank or incomplete estimate, especially on the scheduled move date, is a definite sign of an unethical company. Such a deceitful practice is utilized to add surplus charges and extract more money than initially agreed to.

5. Professional Gear

Safely transporting sensitive machinery and office equipment, like computers and other electronics, is essential to any relocation process. An experienced and reputable company moves items with care, using professional equipment, like dollies, padding to wrap and protect goods as well as clean moving trucks.

When the moving van arrives, it should clearly display the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) number. The lack of a DMV number on the moving vehicle should raise a red flag. The moving truck should also feature the company’s name; an unmarked truck is a sign of an illegitimate mover.

6. Dedicated Crew

Quality commercial movers wear company uniforms. Honest professionals will be fully engaged with their customers while loading the goods onto the truck. Rogue movers are likely to waste time texting or wandering away from the truck when they should be invested in preserving the security of its contents.

7. Licensed and Insured

Licensed, legitimate commercial movers provide insurance for the goods being relocated. Moving office equipment is risky and can lead to high financial losses if items are damaged during the process or while belongings are held in storage. The written estimate spells out the type of insurance offered.

8. Inventory Checklist

Commercial movers with a solid reputation provide a full inventory list of the office equipment being moved. Before the relocation, be sure to review a copy of this cube sheet for accuracy. The list should also include the quantity of boxes being moved.

Work with a Reputable Commercial Mover

Hiring a trusted commercial mover is as easy as contracting Chicago Office Movers to relocate your office equipment. With a professional team of licensed union movers, our staff will ensure a seamless commercial move, whether it is across the country or to the other end of town.

Chicago Office Movers is experienced in securely moving a wide range of office equipment, including lab equipment, electronics, HVAC equipment, assembly lines, machinery, and libraries. We also specialize in office decommissioning of all sizes in the event of remodeling.

A distinct feature that separates us from the competition is our dedication to the environment. As a green company, we utilize recycled packaging and employ best practices to significantly reduce energy consumption—all while ensuring peak performance from start to finish.

When an office relocation is on the horizon, consult Chicago Office Movers. Our commercial moving services include help with planning, guidance throughout the move and assistance with identifying contents of packed boxes once the move is complete.

Contact Us for a Free Estimate

Reasonable prices, industry expertise and assistance with every step of the journey are just a few of the benefits when you work with Chicago Office Movers. Contact Chicago Office Movers at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate and the Windy City’s most efficient office relocation service.