Tag: office moves

How To Make Your Office Greener

Posted on by jstfort

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.

What Is a Commercial Cube Sheet?

Posted on by rhunt

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

Posted on by rhunt

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

Posted on by rhunt

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.

9 Things Companies Just Don’t Need Anymore

Posted on by rhunt

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.

Announcing New Philadelphia Commercial Moving Company Location!

Posted on by olympiamoving
Philadelphia PA Moving Company
Olympia Moving & Storage is now open in Philadelphia, PA

Olympia Moving & Storage, a leading moving company in Boston and Washington DC, announced the opening of their newest Philadelphia moving company location.

“We chose Philadelphia as our newest location in response to the demand from area relocation and real estate professionals. Philadelphia’s historic homes, universities, and industry are a perfect fit for Olympia’s 25 years of experience.” said Michael Gilmartin, President and Founder of the Boston-based moving company.

Olympia Moving & Storage uses highly-trained moving experts, technology, and an extensive a-la-carte menu of services to provide companies with a move that goes far beyond lifting boxes.

In addition to local, interstate, and international moving and storage, the new Philadelphia moving company offers relocation concierge services, designed to assist companies with every aspect of their move. Olympia’s moving consultants recommend services to make the process smoother. Olympia’s concierge services include, office moving, workstation installation, electronics disconnection/re-connection, crate delivery, storage and recycling & disposal.

Olympia uses a combination of personalized customer service and technology to ease pre-move stress and ensure a seamless move. Each client is assigned both a dedicated move consultant and coordinator to plan the move, guide the whole office through the process, and be responsive to client needs. Olympia Moving customers can also track and manage their move online via the Olympia Move Portal, where they can sign and download documents, review details, access moving resources, and more.

Most importantly, Olympia Moving & Storage employs the best full-time moving professionals in
the industry. Olympia’s movers practice their skills in the fully furnished Olympia Training House before stepping foot onto a move site for the first time. The crews’ extensive training includes packing, furniture protection, moving, furniture assembly, and customer service.

“Our goal is to redefine the moving industry. We work with our customers to eliminate the stress and intimidation from the move so they can concentrate on enjoying their new home,” says Michael Gilmartin. “We’re excited to show Philadelphia that there’s a better way to move.”

If you’re in need of a move in Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, or Northern Delaware, request a free, no obligation moving estimate online or by calling 610-951-6090

3 Tips For Preparing Employees For A Relocation

Posted on by olympiamoving

Deciding to relocate your business is a big deal. There are a ton of aspects to consider, so how much should you include your employees in the decision-making and how should you be preparing them for a move?

Your employees are a huge part of your business, so it’s important to ask yourself if you know what’s important to them. You may want to create a communication plan ensure you’re in touch with their needs and get organized for the relocation.

While there are countless things you need to convey while preparing your employees for a relocation, we understand that you’ve got plenty on your plate.  We’ll keep it short with these 3 tips:

  1. The size of the new space and what they can bring

    Whether an employee has worked at a company for 6 months or 6 years it’s more than likely that their desk has accumulated more junk than they realistically need or want. You’ll want to keep this in mind when planning a relocation due to the change in space. Let your employees know if their new work spaces will be larger or smaller than the area they’re currently occupying so that they prepare for their own relocation accordingly and they aren’t over-packing.

  2. Commute Logisticspreparing your employees

    Another commonly overlooked, but important, aspect to take into account is the geography of your new office. Preparing your employees for a change is important because you run the risk of losing employees based on commute time and accessibility. Once you have a space in mind it’s important to factor in how your employees will be getting there. Have an open conversation about how commutes will change and let your employees know the best routes, transit lines, and parking options so that they feel comfortable and valued during the upcoming change.

  3. Area Amenities

    Whether or not we like to admit it, food is a huge culture builder in and out of the office. One of the main complaints from employees is lack of accessible food or coffee options in the areas surrounding their offices. Do a little bit of research on the food, drink, and fitness options new area. Let your employees know that you care by sharing a list of top spots in close proximity to your new space. They’ll appreciate your attention to detail and their caffeine needs and they’ll feel better about preparing themselves for their first day in your new office.

No matter what your reason may be for relocation, the best course of action is to keep everyone involved well informed and preparing employees is a huge part of that.

Looking to move your office or have more questions about preparing for an office move? Give us a call today at 800.222.4744 to discuss your options or request an estimate.

You might also be interested in:

  1. Countdown to a successful move
  2. Open Concept Office Positives and Negatives
  3. Employee Relocation Instructions 

 

Office Moving Mistakes

Posted on by olympiamoving

moving mistakes

Moving is never easy, but when other people come into the equation your responsibilities to the move change drastically. It’s important to know what you should be doing when planning an office move, but what about the common moving mistakes to avert?

5 office moving mistakes to avoid:

  1. Don’t wait to finalize your moving plans

    When you’re planning a move for your office you have more than just employees to worry about. Whether you’re moving internally or to a new building, you’ll want to have all of the details planned out ahead of time to minimize stress and room for error. Commercial moves require different types of people with specific attention to detail, and the building you’re relocating to might have special requirements from the crew you’ll be working with.

    It’s no surprise that procrastination is moving’s worst enemy, so don’t add to your workload by doing so.

  2. Don’t keep your employees out of the loop

    Employee happiness is directly related to their work environment. If you’re planning a move you should inform your employees as soon as plans are set and give your employees enough time to plan for their new office. When you keep information from your employees you run the risk of disrupting productivity and happiness.

  3. Don’t forget to do your research

    Are you really willing to risk damaging your company’s belongings or new work space after all of that effort you put into planning your relocation? Not all moving companies are the same, so don’t make the common moving mistake in thinking so.

    You’ll want to do more than just compare prices when it comes to choosing your mover. We suggest reading reviews and speaking with a representative of the company in order to make a better informed decision about who to work with. While price is always a factor you’ll want to be sure that the company you choose can handle your type of move and specific needs. Make sure you know about the quality of work and accountability your mover is putting into your relocation. At the end of the day you’ll be paying for quality and experience.

  4. Don’t forget to ask questions

    All moves are different, and that includes yours! Communicate with your movers and vendors and make sure you’re all on the same page. This will help you avoid any moving mistakes and confusion during or after your move, when it’s time to pay for services rendered.

  5. Don’t forget to budget the actual move portion into your plans

    If you’re planning an office move, you might also be involved in some other planning activities. Finding a space, renovating, or upgrading your furniture and equipment are all tasks associated with office moves, but while you’re choosing your favorite chair you’ll want to remember to leave room in your budget for the actual move.

    Many people make this moving mistake and underestimate the time and costs associated with the physical portion of their relocation causing them to be forced to settle for cheaper moving companies who are ill-equipped to deal with their needs. Keeping relocation costs in mind throughout your planning process will save you unexpected costs on what matters most, the integrity of the new items and space you’ve put time and money into.

    Here’s a tip: many vendors work together so if you’re at a loss for who to contact, ask someone you already trust.

Planning an office move or considering a relocation?
Avoid these moving mistakes and call us today at 800.222.4744 to discuss your options or request an estimate

You might also be interested in:

Olympia at the Northeast Buildings & Facilities Management Conference

Posted on by olympiamoving

NEBFM ConferenceOlympia Office Movers is a member of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), so we were a proud exhibitor at least week’s Northeast Buildings & Facilities Management Show & Conference. This two day event was an educational conference and exhibition for buildings and facilities managers in the greater New England region.

Sales manager Mike Smith and business developer Despina Sidiropoulos represented Olympia at the conference, and had a great time networking and giving away some nifty Olympia Office Movers drawstring bags.

Congrats to Ellen Fee who won our gift card raffle! She will be enjoying dinner at Legal Seafood on us!

Are you interested in networking with Olympia Office Movers? Feel free to contact us at [email protected] to inquire about joining our Boston, MA and Washington, DC area networking groups! Also be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn!

Welcome to the New OlympiaOfficeMovers.com!

Posted on by olympiamoving

Olympia Moving & Storage has been performing office, commercial, and industrial moves for over 20 years, but there’s no doubt that this division of our business has experienced significant growth. We have proven ourselves to be not just a residential mover that does commercial work, but a commercial moving company capable of providing services to a wide range of industries and projects. Our growth is not just evident in our long list of satisfied clients, but in the additional talented staff we have added to this division.

Today we are proud to officially launch Olympia Office Movers as a separate brand in the Olympia family. Clients of the new Olympia Office Movers can expect the same exceptional office, commercial, and industrial relocation services held to our high Olympia Standard. They can also look forward to the benefits of the additional resources we have allocated to this growing business.

Olympia Office Movers Website

This launch is marked by the release of olympiaofficemovers.com. This website, exclusively dedicated to our office, commercial and industrial services, is full of relevant information and resources for potential and current clients, including:

The launch of website is just the beginning, as we plan to continue to build the site over the next few months with information, videos, articles, free downloads, and more.

We’re looking forward to what’s in store for Olympia Office Movers, and we hope you find the new features useful in planning your upcoming project or relocation.