When it’s time to upgrade your office or relocate to a new building, dealing with old furniture can be frustrating. It’s also really difficult to pack office items safely. Whether it’s bulky desks, awkward chairs, heavy cabinets or enormous conference tables, proper furniture disposal is important in making sure that there’s a smooth transition between the old and new.
For offices that are trying to stick to the green movement, it’s even more important for you to understand all of your options to decrease your carbon footprint.
Read on for more information on how to dispose of your office furniture in a way that helps your office, helps others, and also helps the environment.
Why Proper Furniture Disposal Matters
Old furniture takes up a lot of space in landfills, but more often than not, old furniture can actually be recycled or repurposed. By choosing disposal methods that are responsible, you can contribute to nearby communities or sustainability in ways that you never thought possible.
Donation: A Charitable Way to Dispose of Furniture
Donating old office furniture is a wonderful way to give back to the community. Many places will accept gently used furniture (don’t go donating items that are dangerous or falling apart) and will distribute them to under-funded schools, non-profits, or low income families. Here is a list of places that will accept donations:
Local Charities
Most people have heard of Goodwill or the Salvation Army. These are great places to begin looking for ways to dispose of used office furniture. There’s also Habitat for Humanity. Each of these organizations usually offer free pick-up services which makes it very convenient for your office to donate large items.
Schools and Nonprofits
If you’d prefer your furniture to go to a certain organization or school, donating directly to them may be the way to go. Ask if teachers or staff need office furniture as many of these types of places are on tight budgets and could really use them.
Online Platforms
While this option has some cons (people who say they may be in need but really aren’t) it’s usually a very quick way to get rid of items that you don’t need. In the best circumstances, it will connect you directly with people in need and if you specify that they have to pick it up, you’re off the hook for delivery.
Websites like Freecycle, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to list your furniture for free. This option not only helps you get rid of your furniture quickly but also connects you directly with individuals in need.
Repurposing: Giving Old Furniture New Life
If your furniture is still in good condition but will no longer suit your needs or if you’re rebranding and want a different look, consider repurposing it. Here are some ideas:
Upcycling
This means transforming old office furniture into something new. For example, an old desk can be repurposed into a cool coffee table. Old filing cabinets can be renewed as new storage units. There are a lot of DIY tutorials dedicated to exactly this type of thing.
Office Redesign
Sometimes simply changing things around can make a big difference in an office space. Whether you’re inspired by the latest Feng Shui craze or want more space, different layouts can recreate a vibe within your office.
Employee Takeaways
What better way to reward employees than to offer them some cool desks, chairs, or storage options that they can take to their home office? This would work really well for employees that work from home occasionally. Think of it as a perk to working for the company!
Storage: A Temporary Solution
If you’re not ready to part with your office furniture but need to get rid of it temporarily, storage options will become your best friend. They will keep your furniture safe until you decide you need it. At the very least it will be much less expensive to grab all your old furniture rather than get rid of it now and have to rebuy it all when you are back to business.
Choosing the Right Storage
When selecting a storage facility, consider the following:
- Size Options: Make sure the place you pick is well equipped to handle office furniture and experienced at handling expensive items.
- Climate Control: You’ll want to choose a place that is climate controlled since humidity can wreak havoc on furniture.
- Security: You don’t just want your items to be set up and then unattended all of the time. Opt for a facility that people frequent to keep an eye on things.
Recycling: An Eco-Friendly Choice
If your office furniture is made of components such as metal, wood, and plastic, they can be recycled. Here’s how to go about it:
Local Recycling Centers
Call around to your city or local recycling center to see if they accept furniture. They may require you to disassemble them but it’s much better than transporting them when you no longer need or want them.
Specialized Recycling Companies
Some companies specialize in recycling office furniture. Because they’re the specialists, they’ll often pick up your items and ensure that the materials are properly used.
Hiring a Professional
Let’s say you’ve tried to think of ways to recycle, reuse, and repurpose but there are items that you just can’t figure out what to do with. Then call us at Cento Moving! If you’ve already hired us to help you relocate your office, let’s also talk about what to do with your office furniture.
We will assess the condition of your furniture and possibly end up taking it off your hands. It takes the burden of the decision and transportation off your shoulders.
Office Furniture Disposal Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing
Disposing of office furniture properly is important for maintaining a stance on sustainability, commitment to the community, and an organized office. Whether you choose to donate, repurpose, store, or recycle your old furniture, each method has its own set of benefits.
If you’re looking for an option that is stress and hassle-free, Cento Moving has options for you.
Give us a call today to schedule your office move, commercial move, and office furniture disposal. We are happy to help.
