9 Things Companies Just Don’t Need Anymore

We’re almost two decades into the new millennium, and some companies are still stuck like it’s 1999. Nostalgia might work for old records and bell-bottom jeans, but not for office spaces.

It’s time for a declutter. You company is likely wasting money on a larger office space to accommodate things you just don’t need. Olympia Office Movers is here to help you evaluate and move to a smaller, cost effective, and modern office space.

Here is Olympia’s list of things in your workplace that just need to go.

Fax Machines to Email and USB

Fax machines are out and digital transfers like email, local cloud storage, and Dropbox are in. Only Joe Shmoe at Radioshack is still using a fax machine, and he’s just doing it to be different.

 

 

Mail Rooms to Digital Communications

Mail rooms became obsolete with email, but some companies have kept them around gathering dust. All that wasted space is the best place to set up a game room or relaxation area.

 

 

 

Fluorescent Lighting to Natural Light

Not only are fluorescent lights an energy drain, they also hurt the eyes. Most offices try to do the most they can with natural sunlight these days, with LED bulbs as an alternative.

 

 

Analog Registers to Multi-Use Registers (Card tap and Apple Pay)

Cash rhymes with past for a reason! The classic push-button register is being retired across the country. Now full-digital systems like Square are taking over point of sale systems, as well as payments, capital management, and payroll.

(Disclaimer from the author: Actually, carrying cash is very important and you should still do it even if you don’t ever use it).

 

 

Water Cooler to Water Bottle Fountain

Though the water cooler is legend in the stereotypical office, more and more companies are switching to filtered water bottle stations. This reduces plastic waste from disposable cups. Encourage your team to convert to water bottles full time and access to crisp, filtered water.

 

Drip Coffee Machines to Keurigs and Tea Pots

The drip coffee maker lost favor with the caffeinated masses long ago. Keurig brewers are usually the first suspect in drip coffee’s decline, but traditional and electric teapots are also seeing a resurgence as tea reasserts itself.

 

Meetings Over Dinner

Nobody wants to talk business while they chomp on a medium rare steak. As the concept of ‘work-life balance’ gains popularity, less people are wooing clients in the evening.

 

Stationary Storage to Free Space

Physical marketing materials and company stationary are out of favor. Offices need less storage space than ever nowadays, so the old closets full of paper have lost their relevance. As email and social media marketing take over, say goodbye to the pamphlets of yesterday.

 

Closed Cubicles to Open Floor Plans

Cubicles are reaching the age of retirement in certain industries. Now, open concept offices are the cutting edge of innovation.

 

 

 

Are You Hanging On to Old Stuff?

If you read this list and felt called out, maybe its time to call in the professionals. Olympia Moving and Storage can help you declutter your office with our trained disposal crews. Unwanted furniture, appliances, papers, and trash will be out of your office without any hassle on your part.

 

If your company has thing it just doesn’t need anymore, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

What Are the Benefits of Outdoor Business Events?

What Are the Benefits of Outdoor Business Events?

Weddings, baby showers, and barbecues all bring people together outside—why not a business event? Charity bike rides and 5K’s, employee parties, volunteering events, and networking are outdoor business events that offer unique experiences.

Activities Create Connection

Instead of sitting for an evening, outdoor business events give attendees the opportunity to engage with their peers in a variety of activities.

A charity 5K or a lawn networking event with cornhole and giant Jenga involve participants in memorable ways, all while building your own brand. Additional ideas include:

  • Lawn Bowling
  • Build-A-Plant
  • Charity Softball Game
  • Charity Kickball Game
  • Office Olympics
  • Bocce Tournament
  • Team Clean-Up Your Neighborhood
  • Concerts and Musical Acts

For more event ideas, read 20 Creative Corporate Event Ideas That Feel Anything But Corporate from Peerspace.

Grillmaster

Shake things up with a serve-yourself spread. Break away from the traditional ‘steak, chicken, and vegetarian’ menu with grilled fish tacos, grilled broccoli, and summer salads. Popular food trucks can also be hired to cater to larger events like 5K’s and bike races.

Food can make or break an event. Ensure that whatever your choice for catering is has the capacity to meet demand.

Making #Memories

Attendees are much more likely to share content about your outdoor business event in a more relaxed setting. Drive social media engagement with an event hashtag or geotag to increase awareness of your event and brand. Investing in a photobooth or photo props to increase the shareability of your event.

Necessities of Successful Outdoor Business Events

Regardless of the type of event you’re hosting, there are several basics you’ll need:

  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • Coolers
  • Trash Cans
  • Storage
  • Tents
  • Food Serving Equipment (grills, buffet containers, etc.)
  • Stereo Systems/Speakers
  • Port-a-Potties (if there are no bathrooms available)

These simple factors are key to hosting a successful event, especially when food is involved. Missing one can be an inconvenience for your attendees and a headache for you. Don’t let poor logistics keep you from capitalizing on day of fun and business development.

When Should You Call a Professional Moving Company?

Only you know your own capacity. Much like how caterers are called when you need large quantities of food, professional movers can assist you with the set up and break-down of an event.

Olympia can help by providing transport for event equipment or simply by providing labor. Even for a relatively small event, hiring a team of professional movers can take pressure off of you and your event organizers so that everyone can enjoy your event alongside your attendees. We can set up and break down equipment and supplies while you focus on what really matters: making good memories!

For all your event logistics needs, contact Olympia Moving at 800.222.4744 or get a free quote.

Downsizing Your Office

Downsizing Your Office for Increased Efficiency

Downsizing is a major reason companies move offices. When it comes to office space, less is sometimes more. With rent on the rise, downsizing your office can be an effective way to reduce fixed costs. If downsizing and relocating offices is a possible fit for your company, consider these reasons companies are making this move:

Photo by Alesia Kazantceva on Unsplash

Eco-Minded

Downsizing your office space means that less energy is needed to heat, cool, and keep the lights on in your office space. Not only does this save your company money, but it also reduces overall energy consumption.

Remote Work, Rotating Desks

A changing technological landscape allows many people to work from the comfort of their home. If your employees spend half of their days working out of the office, a permanent desk can be more of a placeholder than a necessity. One solution is to designate a certain number of desks as ‘free to use’ for a rotating crew of remote employees. This allows you to remove extraneous seating space without removing in-office work space entirely.

Downsizing Your Office with Open Space

Open concept offices can give the feel of more space without the extra expense. A balance between open collaboration and private work space can increase efficiency. Consider what would work for your company. For a deeper look into open concept office space, see our blog post Open Concept Office Positives and Negatives.

An Opportunity for Simpler Design

Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash

Feeling cluttered? Changing the layout and design of your office can get employees out of a rut. Downsizing your office can provide the impetus to ditch the old, out-of-date furniture and decorations for something fresher. Don’t send those items to landfill, though—let Olympia Moving and Storage take them off your hands and Recycle Old Furniture Instead of Trashing It.

Choosing a new office can be daunting. If you’re not sure what is best for you, check out our post How Much Office Space Does Your Company Need?

If you are ready to downsize your office space, contact Olympia Moving and Storage at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form to schedule a free quote for your move.