Checklist For Disconnecting And Reconnecting Computers For Moving

Checklist For Disconnecting And Reconnecting Computers For Moving

Moving computer equipment from one location to another is highly vulnerable to damage and other moving hazards. Loss of information, missing parts, and loss of time in shipping and setting up can be crucial, especially to business continuity.

Whether you are moving home or setting up a new office, it’s essential to have a plan to protect sensitive data. Disconnecting and reconnecting quickly and efficiently will ensure you can be up and running with less stress and downtime. Here’s a checklist to help you disconnect and reconnect your computer:

  1. Make a Master List

Make a list of your computers, equipment and accessories, and where they will sit in the new location. The list should include:

  • Monitors
  • TowersChecklist for disconnecting and reconnecting computers
  • Adapters
  • Keypads
  • Mouse
  • Cables
  • Routers
  • Speakers
  • Webcams
  • Headphones
  • Power cords
  • Surge protectors
  • Other special accessories
  1. Label Your Equipment

After your master list, start labeling each item. If you’re in an office setting, with multiple units, it’s important to label each piece of equipment. It ensures that each user gets the same setup and other configurations at their new location.

  1. Backup Your Systems

Backing up your data is another critical area to consider in helping to protect your information in the event of loss, damage, or delays. Some experts also suggest making more than one back up provision to ensure security.

  1. Packing

Packing computers requires careful handling and the best packing methods possible to ensure your items arrive intact.

Some materials include:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Soft wrapping paper
  • Storage Boxes
  • Blankets
  • Sheets
  • Towels
  • Plastic Bags
  • Rubber bands
  • Twist ties
  • Markers
  • Packaging tape
  • Scissors

Here’s How to Pack Each Item Successfully:

Desktops

Office desk tops for reconnect and disconnectAfter backing up and labeling your essential data, start to pack your equipment. For desktops

  1. Switch the monitor off
  2. Take out the cables from the tower
  3. Measure the monitor and tower to get the right size box to store them
  4. Observe how the connections work to help you reconnect in the correct order. You can make a separate how-to list or take some pictures.
  5. Place some soft material or bubble wrap at the base of the box
  6. Wrap the computer tower in a few sheets of wrapping paper
  7. Seal the edges with packing tape
  8. Follow up with a few layers of bubble wrap for extra padding
  9. Seal the sides of the bubble wrap with packing tape
  10. Place the tower upright into the packing box

If there are any spaces between the tower and the box, fill them in with pieces of cloth, paper, or bubble wrap to keep the tower steady when shipping.

  • Test the box with a light shake to ensure there’s no shifting. Add extra padding if necessary.
  • Close the lid and seal with tape and label it appropriately.
  • Packing the components and accessories
  • Organize the cables, mouse, adapters, power cords, headphones, webcams, and other accessories in appropriate groups. It will help save time when reconnecting.
  • Fold each part loosely to avoid any damage.
  • Wrap the parts with rubber bands or twist ties to hold them in place.
  • Use some sheets of bubble wrap to cover the parts.
  • Place in plastic bags and then in the storage boxes.

Packing Computer Monitors

Your computer monitor is one of the most critical parts of your computer system. Therefore, it’s necessary to ensure you pack it properly to protect the screen from cracks, scratches, or other damage. Here are some tips:

  1. Remove the stand base from the monitor
  2. Wrap it in sheets of paper, and finish with bubble wrapBoxes full of disconnected and reconnected computers
  3. Cover the screen with lots of bubble wrap
  4. Tape it all around, but be careful not to touch the screen with the tape.
  5. Place another layer of bubble wrap around the screen for extra padding
  6. Put the monitor in the moving box and set it upright.
  7. The screen should sit facing an inner wall of the monitor packaging box.

Next, fill in any extra spaces with paper, cloths, or bubble wrap to avoid friction between the monitor and screen.  Give the box a light shake to ensure it is stable. Close the box, tape, and label it.

Packing Laptops and Their Accessories

Here’s how to package your laptops, adapters, and chargers. A laptop bag is an ideal place to store and transport your equipment to your new location.

  • Switch the laptop off.
  • Close it down and detach the adapter, cables and other, components.
  • Gently fold the adapter and secure it with some rubber bands.
  • Place it in a plastic bag.
  • Put the package in the socket within the laptop bag.

If there’s No Laptop Bag:

Label each part and place similar items together with accompanying devices for easy retrieval when reconnecting.

Cover the computer with packing paper, and then bubble wrap. Alternatively, you may also use a blanket, sheet, or some towels to cushion the parts.

Place the laptop inside your luggage, carry-on bag, or packing box.

Reconnecting Your Computers      

Now that you are in your new location, here are some suggestions for reconnecting your computers:

Laptops

  1. Some experts suggest allowing at least one day before reconnecting your computer. It ensures your system can adjust to any changes in temperature at your new location.
  2. Unpack the cables, adapters, and other accessories and connect to your laptop according to your manual.
  3. Plug into the outlet.
  4. Switch on the laptop and let it boot up.
  5. Make any diagnostic tests to ensure the system is up and running correctly.

Reconnecting Desktops

Take the desktop out of the packing box.

Take off the packing material

Set the tower, monitor, keypad, mouse, and accessories in the setup area

Attach the cable to the monitor port to the back of the tower case

Plug the cable into the monitor

Attach any screws to the tower where necessary

A keyboard and mouse being disconnected and reconnected

Keyboard

Attach the keyboard by plugging in the connector cable into the socket at the back of the tower

Mouse

Attach the mouse connector to the correct portal at the rear of the computer. If the mouse is wireless, connect the Bluetooth adapter to the system as necessary.

Accessories

Attach headphones, speakers, and other accessories using the audio portal on your computer. Look for the appropriate color when attaching each item in their port.

Connect the Power

Attach the power cords to the back of the computer, and then into the surge protector. Next, connect the monitor to the surge protector. Plug the surge protector cord into the wall socket and switch on the surge protector.

If you’re not using a surge protector, plug the computer cord directly into the outlet. Turn on the computer and troubleshoot to ensure it is running correctly.

Conclusion

Moving your computer and equipment is a delicate act. It requires using the right packaging materials and techniques to ensure you protect your sensitive information and equipment from potential damage.

Making a checklist is an excellent way to keep track of your equipment, and to help you reconnect in a seamless and stress-free way. The list will help you locate the items and accompanying accessories and save on setup time. If you are planning an upcoming office move be sure to click here for a free estimate

How To Make Your Office Greener

How To Make Your Office Greener Or More Eco-Friendly

Numerous studies show employee health and well-being are inextricably linked to employers providing a clean, healthy work environment. Studies also show that employees spend a significant part of each day at work.

It is therefore important to ensure the environment is safe and conducive to mental and physical well-being and productivity. Some studies also indicate that employees in an eco-friendly workspace tend to experience fewer workplace mistakes, and accidents. Besides, a greener office seems to help minimize high staff turnover and absenteeism. All are key indicators why you should make your officer greener.

Here Are Some Ways To Make Your Office More Eco-Friendly

Facilitate Employee Buy-In

Employees who feel a part of any greening program will more than likely help sustain the initiative in the long-run. One of the best ways to make your office greener and more eco-friendly is to include your employees in your planning at the start.

Engendering employee input into green initiatives will help make them feel they constitute an integral part of the project. It may also help motivate them to come up with their ideas to make their workspaces more efficient and user-friendly.

Improve Wellness And Reduce Absenteeism

Some studies show that employers lose billions of dollars in production time yearly due to absenteeism or illness. A sick work environment may also contribute to high staff turnover, more workplace mistakes and accidents, and low motivation.

A clean work environment is a great investment in helping to improve productivity, general outlook, and employee and client relations.

Improve The Lighting

Research shows that office lighting consumes almost 20 percent of all energy use in organizations. Incorporating more natural lighting may not only help reduce energy costs but may promote more alertness and focus at workstations.

Switching to low-energy or LED lighting, and positioning workstations closer to natural sunlight may help boost energy and productivity levels among employees.

Encourage employees to turn off lights in rooms that are used less frequently, and also switch off lights at the end of the workday. Some studies indicate leaving lights on overnight may help increase greenhouse emissions in the office.

Greene plants for office that is going green

Incorporate More Greenery

An attractive work area may help boost employee perspective and foster greater interaction among colleagues and customers. Try bringing some of the greenery from the outside into the workspace to help make your office more eco-friendly.

Research shows that plants can help improve the overall air quality by consuming carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen levels. Plants may also help disperse any chemical substances released by office cleaning products, furniture, and equipment. Cleaner air quality may also help reduce absenteeism due to illness resulting from environmental factors.

cleaning office with eco friendly productsUse Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products And Equipment

Chemical cleaning products may release harmful gases or fumes into the air and air-conditioning vents. Studies show some odors and toxic fumes from chemical cleaning products may contaminate the office environment with constant use.

Some products may also release irritants that can contribute to respiratory illnesses, burning, itching, watery eyes, and itching skin. Eco-friendly cleaning products can help employees inhale, cleaner, fresher air.

They may also help reduce dust and chemical residues that may shorten the lifespan of office furniture and equipment.

Conserve Energy

Lighting and equipment generate high volumes of energy while operating. Eco-friendly office equipment may help reduce emissions and cut costs related to high-energy output.

Switch off computers, printers, heating, and air-conditioning systems when not in use. Regulating heating and cooling systems to avoid constant cycling also help reduce energy output and expenses in the office.

Use Less WaterA faucet of running water that needs to be save for an eco friendly office

Conserving water will also help reduce wastage and utility costs. Implementing initiatives to help conserve water will also ensure a more eco-friendly work environment.

Switch out traditional plumbing fixtures with low-output or motor sensor faucets. Low-flushing toilets will also help save water. Check your plumbing system regularly to help reduce leaks and replace faulty fixtures promptly.

Reduce Wastage

Green office spaces can also help reduce office wastage and operating expenses. Let employees be responsible for providing their utensils for coffee, snack and lunch breaks. Reducing the reliance on single-use plastics will help minimize wastage, and garbage entering the landfill.

Using less paper and recycling used paper will also help reduce costs. Set up areas around the office for collecting items that can be recycled to help reduce clutter and wastage. Recycling ink cartridges, filters, drinking bottles, cans, and paper products can also help reduce the carbon footprint in the environment.

Service Equipment Regularly

Instituting a sustainable maintenance schedule can also help make your office environment more eco-friendly and productive. Periodic checks and servicing equipment will ensure they are in good working order, help reduce breakdowns, and expand their lifespan.

Improve Restroom Efficiency

Restrooms are among the hardest-working spaces in the office. Making them more eco-friendly will reap many benefits. Use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep floors, walls, sinks, and bowls clean, sanitary and pleasant smelling.

Keep washroom floors dry and clean to help reduce slips and falls that may cause serious accidents or injury. Switch to soaps and air-fresheners that emit fewer odors into the atmosphere, and reduce oils and other harmful chemicals entering the drainage system.

Clean around taps, basins, and bowls often to help minimize mold and mildew build-up. Use hand blowers or cloth towels to reduce the use of paper products for drying hands after using the washroom.

Recycle Obsolete EquipmentRecycled material from an office to make office greener

You can become a good corporate citizen by doing your part to reduce the number of machines entering the landfills. Instead of throwing them out, check to see whether you can recycle or refurbish them to extend their usefulness. You can then donate them to charitable organizations or educational institutions.

Commuting

Daily commuting may lead to fatigue, stress and less productivity among employees. Promoting carpooling may help protect the environment while promoting greater employee interaction.

Providing a clean, eco-friendly office space is one of the best ways to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees. It also demonstrates a level of corporate responsibility to clients and staff that you are serious about business and the environment.

Empowering your employees to be a part of green initiatives will help keep them invested in their workspace health and safety regulations. Eco-friendly workspaces can help reduce wastage, conserve energy, and promote a happier, healthier, more engaging employee. If you are relocating an office this is a great time to consider taking steps to make your office greener. In the event of an office relocation, make sure you hire professionals for this process. Click here to get a free estimate today.

Ideas For Decorating A New Desk Space

Ideas For Decorating A New Desk Space

You have just finished moving to a new location and now need to find a way to add some décor to your desk space.

There are ways to decorate your new desk space in such a way to be more productive, and comfortable at work. We consider a few excellent tips to make you feel more comfortable in your new desk space at work.

Take A Minimalistic Approach

You should decide on a design style before you implement any décor. While it might be tempting to get as many tools and gadgets into your work desk, giving yourself easier access to everything you need while you work will be essential. You might want to consider a minimalistic approach instead.

The approach to reducing the clutter in your desk space helps to give you a larger space to work in. A minimalistic workspace has also been shown to be useful for boosting your productivity.

a desk plant for decoration your new deskAdd Some Plants

Once you have decided on a layout and design for your desk space, be sure to consider adding some plants too. There are several benefits that some plants would be able to offer you – particularly in your office space.

It has been shown that plants in an office can significantly enhance indoor air quality. Furthermore, you might find that adding some plants can help to produce a reduction in your stress levels – something that might be critical during those working hours. In addition to these, plants also add some color to your desk space and contribute to the aesthetic appearance of your office.

Add Storage Units

Another important element of comfortable desk space would be storage. We see how a minimalistic approach to your office and desk space décor would be beneficial. This, however, might mean that there is insufficient storage space for your documents, stationery items, and other essentials.

Consider the size of your office space and the desk itself. Then see how you can optimize the space to create storage units. You should consider adding some units to the wall – this can reduce the space used on the ground level, but still give you a location for files, documents, and other items to be stored. When adding storage units, do not overlook the open space underneath your desk – this can also serve as a great location for some drawers.

Pin and tack items to walls

Add a little life to your workspace by pinning and tacking different photos and items around you. Think about bringing some personality to your desk. Pin and tack some family photos, vacation getaways images or inspirational quotes. These things can help you keep your mind on the positive things in life during the tough days at work.

Add in a lampA desk lamp as a way to decorate your office

Not every office is as well-lit as we would want them to be. Things can start to seem very dim and gloomy especially at the end of a long week. Brighten things up with a nice desk lamp. It can really help lighten your mood when working late hours.

Moving into a new office might be a stressful time, but planning ahead can make things much easier. Your new office also gives you an excellent chance to explore new ways of decorating the interior of various rooms – and this includes the desk space that you will be taking advantage of. We offered a few useful ideas for decorating a new desk space – take a look at which of these will be best suited to your space. If you are in the mists of planning an office relocation, click here for a free estimate.

Considerations When Choosing a New Office Location

There are many reasons why offices or companies relocate. Whether you are expanding and growing, trying to reduce costs, or have an expiring lease, you’ll want to make sure you’re approaching your relocation in the right way. You must put together a good strategy together when creating a list of things you should consider for your office relocation.  There are many things to consider when choosing your new office location.

For Your New Office, Location Is Everything

Consider mapping out the best location for your office relocation
Mapping out your office relocation

Three of the main things that you should consider are demographic, consumer base, and resources. This may be the biggest thing to consider for your office relocation.

Demographic

Whether you are downsizing or expanding you may have to make some new hires. Choosing a location where there is a significant talent pool for your industry is very important. Hiring is one of the most difficult things for a company. Having a variety of options will help with this relocation process a lot.

Consumer base

Depending on your industry and the customers you serve, more likely than not you’re going to want to choose a location where you can easily serve your consumer base. This is where you’re going to have to get to know and understand your consumer identity. When this is understood you can identify a location that has a large enough market size for your business.

Selecting a location with the right economic status is extremely important. It’s important to be sure that the community in the market you choose can afford your product or service.

Resources

As a business owner, you know the resources that your business needs to operate day-to-day. Selecting a location where you will easily have access to those resources is vitally important. Not only is the access to these resources important but the convenience and price have to be factored into play as well.

Office Size For Your New Location

A look at office size to consider for office relocation

Identifying the goal of your office relocation beforehand will help you when choosing your office sizes. It may be clear to say that if you are expanding you will be looking for a larger office, if you are downsizing you will be looking for a smaller office. Consider the growth stage that you are in and be sure to plan around that growth. The last thing you would want to do is have to plan another relocation because you miss judged your future company size.

Budget for Choosing a New Office Location

calculating costs for your office relocation

What it all comes down to, it’s all about the numbers. You’re going to want to find an office location where the rent or lease fits your finances. In some situations, it may be smarter to own than to rent. Taking a good look at your business and deciding what path is good for your company will help you in the long run. This is extremely important to consider, the last thing you want to do is have an office relocation that hurts your business.

 

Choosing a new office location can be intimidating, so preparation is key when you are approaching this process. If you strongly consider these things during your office relocation, you should be well off to a successful office relocation. Be sure to get a free estimate on office moving services by clicking here. 

What Is a Commercial Cube Sheet?

What is a Commercial Cube Sheet?

List are one of the most common tools to make a move run smoothly. Offices will have lists of important documents that need to be saved, who will be working on which floor, and other important information. Commercial moving companies make lists too. Their lists contain all the items being moved from your business.

That is where a commercial cube sheet comes in. The commercial cube sheet will list quantities of inventory, then use the corresponding volumes of those items to generate a price estimate for the move. Generally, these items include common office furniture like desks, computers, and cubicles and their volumes.

Why Does My Business Need One?

Estimators will use a commercial cube sheet to create an inventory of items that need to be moved. For example, common items like chairs will be recorded for quantity under the same category of ‘desk chair’. Generally, items that have no category on the sheet will be marked by the size of box they require. Once everything is accounted for, a total volume is calculated that a price estimate can be based on.

Do I Complete the Cube Sheet?

No. A sales representative will complete the cube sheet for you.

However, understanding how a cube sheet works will make it easier understand how your movers look at your business. You will be in charge of telling our rep what will move with you and what won’t. Making those decisions early will better organize your business for the moving process.

How Is a Cube Sheet Completed?

Again, your sales rep will handle the completion of the cube sheet from start to finish. They will work with either you or whomever you designate to manage your move. Then, they will go room by room, discussing with you/your manager which items will be moved and what will not. This is the time to provide greater detail to your sales rep so that there is clear understanding between you, the rep, and the moving crew.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Cube sheets are a very simple part of your moving process. The only thing you should keep in mind is whether the scope of your move has changed vs. what’s recorded on the cube sheet. If there are significant changes of what is or isn’t going, the sales rep will usually need to adjust the move plan and maybe even your price. The cube sheet is a record you can reference to recall the agreement of what’s included in the service. If the basis of the service has changed, be sure to let the sales rep know so he or she can prepare.

Any questions you have about cube sheets can be directed to an Olympia sales representative.

Contact us today at 800-222-4744 for more information or to schedule a proposal meeting.

Where to Donate Old Office Furniture

Typically, office furniture that has reached the end of its life goes into a dumpster after liquidation. Most businesses just want their old stuff out of sight and out of mind. However, there is another option: donation.

Olympia helps many different organizations liquidate their unwanted inventory and funnel it to charities and non-profits. Here are some organizations you might be able to partner with to donate your gently used office furniture.

International Recycling Network

The International Recycling Network is a recycling network out of New Hampshire that works with colleges, corporations, hospitals, and other large organizations. Olympia has been in partnership with the IRN for over five years. We assist them in loading, storing, and delivering large quantities of furniture to classrooms and offices in need of supplies.

Green Standards

Green Standard is a recycling company that has worked with companies like Adobe and KPMG to recycle and re-purpose old office furniture. Their method combines recycling, resale, and donation to prevent large amounts of furniture going to landfill. For more details the process, visit their How It Works page.

Food for the Poor

Food for the Poor is a non-profit organization working out of 17 countries in the Caribbean and South America. Their primary activities revolve around providing food for impoverished communities, but they also build and furnish safe homes in said communities. In May 2019, Olympia facilitated the delivery of gym lockers and sports equipment liquidated from Boston University to Jamaica.

My Brother’s Keeper

My Brother’s Keeper is a Christian ministry in Massachusetts that provides furniture and food to those in need. In the past, Olympia has assisted their volunteers with loading and transporting inventory.Unfortunately, they do not accept deliveries. However, they will come and pick up unwanted furniture.

A Wider Circle

A Wider Circle is a Maryland-based organization focused on raising families and individuals out of poverty. Although they mainly look for donations of basic need items, Olympia has worked with them on bulk furniture donations.

Clearly, there are a variety of organization to choose from. Depending on what your business needs, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Of course, location is key to making the donation process work for you. If the examples provided don’t make logistic sense, a little research will help you find a suitable option closer to your business.

Regardless, when it comes to furniture liquidation, a professional moving company can help handle the heavy lifting.

Want to donate your office’s old furniture? Call Olympia to schedule a proposal meeting at 800-222-4744 or request a quote online.

Best New Technology for Your Office

Moving to a new office is a the perfect opportunity to upgrade your tech. When you move out, all the old, out of date stuff crowding your desks and closets can be disposed by your moving crew. In a previous post on our blog, 9 Things Companies Just Don’t Need Anymore, we outlined common office fixtures and furniture that have run their course. Why not jump at the opportunity to change things up? Even you’re content to remain in the same office space, making the leap to the cutting edge can make your current space brand new.

 

Charging Office Chairs

The future is here! The OFM Model 2201 is an office chair with two USB charging ports and one AC outlet built into it. As more offices are ditching walls, this chair is the answer to extension cords and power strips.

USB 3.0 Docking Station

This beautiful little port changes the way you use laptops. It can connect two additional displays to your laptop while providing additional USB ports and headphone jacks. Your laptop can be your main workspace without sacrificing the functionality of another monitor.

Wireless Charging Trays

While the docking station revels in cord, the wireless charging tray rejects them. Drop your phone, smart watch, or any other wireless charge-capable device on the pad and go about your day.

Treadmill Desk

Exercise improves brain function and lowers stress. The successor to the standing desk, the treadmill desk allows you to keep the blood flowing while you work on your latest project.

Smart Windows

Smart windows, aka windows that change tint based on the intensity of sun hitting them, are beginning to replace their suddenly outdated counterparts. They aren’t cheap, but they are said to reduce eye strain from glare and save energy costs by keeping unwanted heat out.

Electronic Whiteboards

Smart boards have existed for many years, but in recent times this versatile technology has become crucial to any office. The ability to write on Powerpoint presentations or draw diagrams aids communication, and nothing is more important to a company’s success than communication.

Portable Conference Rooms

Conference calling is the bread and butter of companies with multiple offices. The need for conference calls has only increased with more people working remotely. Poor connection, however, can be the death of clear communication. Portable wireless conference systems remove the risk of missing key information with speakers that connect to your various devices.

Garden Spaces

There’s nothing new about green spaces, but a new push from productivity experts highlights gardens and green spaces as crucial futures to office design. Greenery promotes productivity and positive mental health in workers, which translates into better returns for your company.

Moving Quick…

If you need one of the innovations on this list, don’t wait. Olympia Office Movers can liquidate your existing furniture and equipment and replace them with newer models. Then, Olympia can receive the your new tech and deliver it to your offices. From there, our crews will install your new furniture or equipment and get you on your way to the future. For more on what we can do for an office in transition, see our most recent case study on Office Resources and Cengage in Boston’s Seaport.

 

If you are looking to make a change to your office, call Olympia to schedule a proposal meeting at 800-222-4744 or request a quote online.

How Can Moving Services Help Colleges and Universities?

Olympia Office Movers participates in hundreds of interesting projects for colleges and universities. We have helped schools from Austin to Boston with a variety of unique challenges. Here is quick overview of some of the services we provide.

Dorm Move-In Services for Colleges and Universities

At the start of the semester, Olympia helps students move into their dorms. Our services have been used by Northeastern University and Bentley University, among others. We also donate our moving services to Special Olympics Massachusetts to assist athletes being housed on participating campuses.

Student Summer Storage Services

With our long-term client, College Boxes, Olympia has helped students move out of their dorms for over a decade. Students pack their own belongings with College Boxes’ packing supplies and then Olympia picks them up and brings them to storage. Harvard, Boston University, and Georgetown have all relied on Olympia and College Boxes to clear their dorms for the summer.

Read our Harvard & College Boxes Case Study for more on this partnership.

Installation

Olympia crews can install desks, furniture, and other fixtures in classrooms, dormitories, and buildings around campus. Whether a university is opening a new building or refreshing an old one, our team can meet the school’s installation needs.

Resource Shuffling

Olympia provides crews to shuffle the contents of dorms, classrooms, and laboratories. These services are especially crucial for schools with multiple campuses. For example, in the event that the desks of Classroom A are being replaced with new models, Olympia can move the older desks into Classroom B on a different campus.

For a closer look at the depths of our service, check out Tufts University Facilities & Logistics.

Asset Management and Storage

A few universities have used Olympia’s services to reuse furniture and save money and the environment. Olympia has worked with some schools to move their old inventory, such as desks, chairs, tables, and cabinets, into storage. When a need for these items arises elsewhere on campus, the school checks the online inventory with Olympia to see if there are items to reuse before purchasing new ones. The school “orders” the old inventory, and Olympia delivers the furniture to its new home on campus.

Renovation and Liquidation Services

Renovations often include the disposal of furniture and inventory that has reach the end of its life. Olympia can remove then liquidate or recycle unwanted furniture. For a more detailed look at our furniture recycling work, read this Brandeis University Furniture Removal case study.

Dorm Reset

In order to prepare for new residents in the next school year, universities need the man power to reset hundreds of dorm rooms at the end of the semester. This means setting bed frames back to their original heights, ensuring the correct arrangement of furniture in each room, and taking notes on room condition for repairs over the summer. Our crews halve the workload of campus facilities so that repairs and updates can be made much quicker.

Learn about a dorm reset with Boston University.

Disconnect/Reconnect

Our crews can handle sophisticated operations like technology disconnects and reconnects. Classroom renovations and resource shuffles usually require these services. Our crews have experience disconnecting and reconnecting technology for many departments and colleges.

Event Logistics

Graduations, conferences, and other events need careful planning. A professional team of movers can provide the logistics support required for things to run smoothly. Set up, break down, and every task in between can be assigned to a moving crew. Olympia has picked up, stored, and later delivered event furniture for organizers who’ve lacked sufficient storage space.

Could your university use the help of a moving crew? Call Olympia to schedule a proposal meeting at 800-222-4744 or request a quote online.

6 Ways Restaurants Can Use A Professional Moving Company

Restaurants are rarely need to move. In fact, the measure of a restaurant could be whether it has become an institution in its current location. Tacconelli’s Pizzeria in Philadelphia has been in the same spot since the 1920s and is still so popular that customers have to call ahead to reserve pizza dough. Tune In, a local favorite in Washington, D.C, has sat in the same spot on Capitol Hill  since 1947.  And, J.J. Foley’s Cafe in Boston has been a city-wide favorite for Irish pub food since 1909.

Clearly, moving usually isn’t a hallmark of the most successful restaurants. However, there is still a lot that a professional moving company can do for your restaurant. Here are just a few:

Updating Interiors

Old, cracked vinyl diner booths still hold just as much charm today as they did in 1950. However, not all old restaurant furniture can say the same. If you need to ditch your worn tables and chairs, a professional moving company can be very helpful. If you plan on getting rid of larger items like stoves, bars, large dining tables, and appliances, a professional moving company becomes crucial.

So, you’re getting rid of old furniture, what are you going to do with it? Common practice would be to just throw it out, but using a professional moving company means you might have other choices. Furniture is an under-looked but highly sought after donation to non-profit organizations looking to furnish public spaces. A professional moving company can remove unwanted furniture from your restaurant and then store it and transport it to those in need.

Installing New Interiors

Just as your old furniture in going out the door, new furniture is coming in. In that flurry of activity, you might realize that your restaurant lacks the space to accommodate a delivery of that size. Not to worry! A moving company like Olympia has the storage capacity to receive large deliveries and then delivery and install your new furniture or equipment in your restaurant.

Seasonal Furniture/Patio Furniture Storage

The same applies to patio furniture. It’s not likely to fit in the supply closet nor should it stay out to face the elements year-round. Olympia has provided many restaurants with winter storage for their patio furniture, with disassembly and reassembly included. Your furniture can be picked up at the first sign of frost and returned when spring has sprung.

Fire or Flood

Tragically, it’s not always a good thing when furniture needs to be moved. If your restaurant has experienced a fire or a flood and needs space to make repairs, a moving company can be on hand for removal and delivery to repair professionals or storage. Or, in the worst case scenario, they can be called on to junk ruined furniture so you can focus on fixing what survived.

Restaurant Logistics for Large Catering Events

If your restaurant is catering its own event, a professional moving company can help you handle time-consuming logistics. You and your staff need to focus on providing delicious food, so hiring a professional moving company relieves pressure.

For more information on outdoor events for your business, read some of Olympia’s best tips.

Moving In or Moving Around

A professional moving company can help a restaurant at all stages of life. If you are opening a restaurant, hire a moving company to take over furniture delivery and set up, allowing you to focus on all the other factors of a grand opening. And, after huge success leads to multiple locations, a moving company can transport large equipment like ovens or freezers between locations if a shuffle is required.

With just these six examples, its clear a professional moving company can do a lot to help restaurants of all sizes. Olympia Office Movers is proud to work with a range of restaurants in Greater Boston, Washington DC, Austin and Philadelphia. If you have a similar job or something totally unique to your business, it’s important to find a moving company that works for what you want.

If your restaurant needs logistic support, call Olympia to schedule a proposal meeting at 800-222-4744 or request a quote online.

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.