When it comes to moving an office, whether it’s a small business or a large corporate entity, choosing the right equipment can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free move and one filled with headaches. From packing fragile electronics to relocating heavy office furniture, the tools you use will play a pivotal role in the efficiency of your move. Having the proper moving equipment not only speeds up the process but also protects your valuable assets from damage. In this guide, we’ll walk through essential equipment every commercial move needs, detailing each item’s use and benefits.
Hand Trucks/Dollies
One of the first pieces of equipment that come to mind when preparing for a commercial move are hand trucks or dollies. These handy tools are designed to carry boxes, crates, and smaller to medium-sized equipment with ease.
Types of Dollies
- Standard Dollies: Basic four-wheel dollies work best for smaller, less fragile items such as boxes of files, office supplies, and small furniture. They can easily be pushed across flat surfaces, saving time and energy for the movers.
- Office Dolly Deluxe: For heavier, bulkier items, the Office Dolly Deluxe is a great option. It has a larger platform with extra support, perfect for office machinery like copiers, printers, and even small filing cabinets.
Benefits and Uses
The biggest advantage of using a dolly is that it reduces the risk of injury by allowing movers to transport heavier loads without lifting them. Dollies equipped with ergonomic handles and deluxe rubber casters offer enhanced maneuverability, especially on smooth floors like hardwood, tile, or concrete. Many high-end dollies are also equipped with a traction bottom surface to ensure the dolly stays steady when rolling on different types of flooring, ensuring both safety and stability.
Furniture Dollies
Furniture dollies are another essential piece of equipment for moving larger items like desks, bookcases, chairs, and other bulky office furniture. These dollies are flat platforms with wheels, designed specifically for transporting larger furniture with ease.
Furniture dollies come in various styles and sizes, but it’s essential to choose one with the right load capacity and size for your furniture. A rubber tread on the wheels helps maintain traction, preventing slippage when pushing heavy furniture across floors. For heavy-duty office furniture or equipment, the New Haven’s Dual Rail H Dolly is highly recommended for its robust construction and ability to handle large, cumbersome pieces.
Moving Blankets and Pads
One of the most important elements in protecting your furniture and equipment during the move are moving blankets and pads. These protect your items from scratches, dents, and damage caused by bumps or impacts during transport.
Why Are They Important?
Items like file cabinets, electronics, and even artwork can suffer significant damage if they are not properly protected. Using thick, high-quality moving blankets ensures that your items stay safe during the process. Moving blankets made from High Density Polypropylene are durable and offer the right amount of cushion. Be sure to choose blankets that are large enough to fully cover your furniture or equipment for complete protection.
Additionally, some blankets feature water-resistant coatings, making them ideal for protecting equipment from moisture during transportation.
Straps and Tie-Downs
Straps and tie-downs are critical for securing your items during the move, particularly when transporting goods in a truck. These tools ensure that items do not shift during transit, preventing potential damage.
Types of Straps
- Ratchet Straps: These are particularly useful for securing heavy items like desks or office machinery. The ratchet mechanism allows you to tighten the strap to keep it in place, offering additional security.
- Tie-Downs: Standard tie-downs with hooks or fasteners can secure lighter items, such as stacked boxes or rolling carts.
Why You Need Them
Whether using a dolly or pallet jack, securing items with tie-downs is necessary when moving items in trucks or trailers. Straps and Tie-Downs prevent items from toppling over, ensuring everything stays in place throughout the move. They’re particularly important when using Office File Totes, which often carry sensitive documents.
Pallet Jacks
For handling heavy, stacked items such as boxes or pallets of supplies, a pallet jack is the perfect tool. Pallet jacks are designed for lifting and moving large quantities of goods at once, making them essential for businesses that need to relocate heavy items like office supplies, equipment, or even pallets of records.
Features of Pallet Jacks
Look for pallet jacks with adjustable forks, as these can accommodate a wider variety of pallet sizes. Some models also have ergonomic handles, which improve comfort for the mover, especially when lifting heavier loads.
Panel Carts
For commercial moves that involve transporting large, flat objects such as partitions, whiteboards, or glass panels, panel carts are indispensable. These specialized carts offer stability and extra protection for fragile, flat items during transit.
Panel carts are typically built with sturdy frames and durable wheels to make moving flat items simple and secure. These carts help reduce the risk of items tipping over, and they’re especially useful for businesses moving offices with a lot of cubicle partitions or decorative office panels.
Heavy-Duty Moving Boxes
To store and organize items, heavy-duty moving boxes are a must-have. Whether you’re relocating office files, books, or equipment, these boxes ensure that your goods are securely packed and easy to handle.
Reinforced Record Storage Boxes are designed to hold heavy files and documents, while 3-ply Speed Packs can carry bulky equipment or fragile items. For high-value items, Office File Totes provide an added level of security during the move.
Bubble Wrap, Packing Paper, and Foam
When packing fragile or delicate items, it’s crucial to protect them from damage. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam are great for cushioning small electronics, glassware, and other sensitive items. These materials reduce the risk of breakage during the move.
Using newsprint or bubble-wrap ensures that fragile items are protected from any bumps or impacts that may occur during the move. For electronics, wrapping them in foam helps to protect sensitive components, such as computer screens or monitors, from static or physical damage.
Shrink Wrap/Stretch Film
Shrink wrap or stretch film is an excellent way to bundle multiple items together or wrap bulky furniture. This tight, plastic film helps keep items secure and prevents dust or dirt from accumulating during transport. It also provides an additional layer of protection from moisture.
Shrink wrap can be used to secure furniture or protect groups of smaller items, such as office equipment or monitors, during the move.
Labeling Supplies (Markers, Stickers, Tags)
Efficient organization is key to a successful move, and proper labeling of boxes, items, and furniture can make a huge difference. Use markers, stickers, or tags to clearly label your boxes and items, making it easier for the movers to place them in the correct locations in the new office.
Labeling also ensures that sensitive items, such as confidential documents or HIPAA-compliant records, are properly identified and handled.
Moving Crates
For storing fragile or sensitive items like computer equipment or files, moving crates are the best solution. IT-CRATE is a perfect example of a durable crate designed to hold and secure electronics and office machinery during the move. Crates are stackable and provide a secure way to transport items without worrying about potential damage.
Ramps
When loading or unloading items from a truck, ramps are necessary for easy access. They provide a smooth transition from the truck to the ground, making it easier to move heavy or bulky items into or out of the truck. Ramps are especially useful when dealing with trucks that have a higher clearance.
File Carts
For the organized transport of files and important documents, file carts are perfect. They ensure that files stay organized and easily accessible, minimizing the risk of important paperwork being misplaced during the move.
Lift Gate Trucks
Lift gate trucks come with lift gates that make it easier to load and unload heavy or bulky items. These trucks are especially useful when you need to move heavy office machinery, filing cabinets, or equipment that doesn’t fit easily through doors.
Disassembly and Assembly Tools
Sometimes, office furniture needs to be disassembled to be moved more efficiently. Tools like screwdrivers and wrenches are essential for disassembling and reassembling furniture. Having the proper tools ensures that the move goes smoothly and that furniture can be reassembled quickly at the new location.
Computer Carts/Equipment Carts
Computer carts or equipment carts are designed to carry sensitive electronics like computers, monitors, and other office equipment. These carts ensure that valuable items stay safe during the move, providing stable transportation and protection against bumps and jostles.
Storage Bins
For small, sensitive items that require extra protection, storage bins are a great option. They come in various sizes and are perfect for storing equipment, supplies, or office accessories that need to be packed securely during the move.
Gloves and Safety Gear
Lastly, don’t forget the importance of safety. Make sure your moving team is equipped with proper gloves and safety gear to handle heavy or sharp items without injury. Gloves with padded grips are especially helpful for lifting bulky items while maintaining comfort and grip.
Conclusion
A commercial move requires careful planning and the right equipment. By having the proper tools for handling, packing, securing, and transporting your office assets, you can ensure that your move is efficient and hassle-free. From hand trucks and dollies to moving blankets and tie-downs, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in protecting your items and streamlining the relocation process. With the right equipment in hand, your commercial move will be a smooth and successful transition to your new office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is a dolly essential for a commercial move?
A dolly is essential because it helps transport heavy items like office furniture, equipment, and boxes with ease, reducing the physical strain on movers and minimizing the risk of injury. It makes the process more efficient by allowing movers to quickly move items across flat surfaces, saving time during the relocation.
- How can moving blankets protect my office furniture?
Moving blankets protect office furniture by providing a soft, cushioned layer that prevents scratches, dents, or damage caused by impacts or bumps during the move. They are especially useful for protecting delicate items like desks, chairs, and electronics from any potential harm during transit.
- What types of items should I secure with straps and tie-downs?
Straps and tie-downs are used to secure larger and heavier items like office machines, file cabinets, or stacks of boxes during the move. They are particularly important when transporting goods in trucks to prevent items from shifting or falling, which could lead to damage or injuries.
- What makes a furniture dolly different from a regular dolly?
A furniture dolly is specifically designed for moving larger and heavier items such as office furniture. Unlike standard dollies, furniture dollies often feature a larger, flat platform to accommodate bigger loads, and they may include features like rubber tread wheels for extra traction, ensuring stability when moving bulky furniture.
- Do I need special equipment for moving delicate electronics?
Yes, delicate electronics require special care during a move. Using bubble wrap, foam, and moving crates can provide the protection necessary for sensitive items like computers, monitors, and printers. Additionally, IT-CRATES are specifically designed to keep electronic equipment secure and safe during transport, minimizing the risk of damage from shocks or impacts.