Last Updated on May 26, 2021 by Kari-Ann Ryan
While some companies have successfully shifted to open offices, this type of layout is rarely suitable for all businesses. A team may still require privacy and noise reduction, which make cubicles a worthwhile investment. When shifting existing cubicles to a new location, follow these seven steps.
Moving Office Cubicles: What to Know
Cubicles are a large financial investment. In 2021, the cost of new office cubicles ranges from $410 to $2000. Used cubicles range from $220 to $750. High-end cubicles, such as those manufactured from solid wood, cost anywhere from $5000 to $8000.
Due to the high price tag of cubicles of all types, from freestanding to panel-based, moving the partitions should be done carefully to avoid physical damage. Fortunately, these workstations are flexible and designed to be assembled and disassembled relatively easily.
Cubicles feature several internal components, such as springs, rods, levers, screws, latches, and connector rails. The various parts inside the cubicle walls should be individually addressed, otherwise reassembling the cubicles in the new office space will be an insurmountable challenge.
Despite the practical nature of disassembling cubicles, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional office mover to help with the task. Experienced crews can get the job done quickly. Plus, skilled office movers will prevent damage to the cubicles before, during and after transport.
When attempting a DIY route to disassembling the cubicles, business owners should be prepared with the necessary and appropriate tools and equipment. Sufficient manpower will also be needed to safely lift and shift the heavy, bulky cubicles onto the moving truck.
1. Notify Employees
Before disassembling the cubicles, employers are encouraged to notify team members well in advance that their workstations will be temporarily disrupted. Staff who are aware of the upcoming relocation have time to adjust their work schedule and pack up miscellaneous office knickknacks.
Schedule the cubicle disassembly on a weekend or a day when employees are not in the office. Alternately, choose a day when the office is the least busy. Send out periodic reminders to employees, so that they clear workstations before the scheduled cubicle disassembly.
2. Determine Setup
The new office layout is likely to be dissimilar to the current one. Determine the setup for the cubicles in the future space before disassembly. Measure the cubicles as well as the new office space. Use these measurements to design a fitting cubicle layout for the new office.
3. Gather Tools
Tools needed for the cubicle disassembly include a flat screwdriver, wrench, rubber hammer, and ladder. Cubicle disassembly should not be attempted singlehandedly. Staff tasked with disassembly should work with at least one other person to prevent injury while lifting the bulky partitions.
4. Take Photos
Visual cues are helpful during the reassembly phase. At each step of the disassembly, take photos. The photos will provide guidance when trying to piece together the cubicle pieces at the new office. Without visual references, reassembly, and, consequently, workflow, may be delayed.
5. Unplug Cables
The next step in disassembly is to unplug all cords and cables in the cubicles. Assess the cubicle’s structure. The cubicles may be secured with rods, screws, levers, or springs. Also determine the number of cubicle panels that must be taken apart.
6. Remove Panels
A visual inspection will determine how the middle cubicle panels are attached to the outer panels. Once this is noted, remove fastenings, like screws and levers, from the outer panels first. Remove the middle panels last. A ladder is useful when dismantling the upper panels.
When cubicle panels are bolted to connector rails on the floor, a wrench will loosen them. In panels that lack a bolt, pry the panels off the rail with a screwdriver. Tap with a rubber hammer if the panels fail to budge. Continue the process until all cubicles are disassembled.
7. Relocate Cubicles
An office relocation likely involves a professional office moving service. The movers will pack the disassembled cubicles onto their truck. At the destination, the moving crews will provide reinstallation services so that employees can resume work from within their cubicles without delay.
Office movers are critical to ensuring the cubicles are configured and aligned properly in the new workspace. Most office walls feature variations that can affect how well the cubicles function. Drawers and storage drawers can stick, for instance, in poorly installed cubicles.
Moving crews who are familiar and experienced with cubicle installation, however, will ensure common issues are corrected. Professional movers will also handle the task of disassembling the cubicles prior to the relocation if the business aims to save time.
Work with a Reliable Commercial Mover
Relocating office cubicles is a complex job. Disassembly alone requires skill and physical strength. However, reusing existing office cubicles in a future workspace saves a company money. Simplify the task of relocating cubicles by hiring experienced commercial movers from Mid-West Moving & Storage.
Mid-West Moving & Storage is a Chicago-based company with decades of professional experience in relocating businesses to and from the area. Our reliable crews are licensed and experienced. We move a variety of office furniture and equipment safely and securely.
Work with us to streamline your office move. Your company will be assigned a project manager who will oversee every aspect of the relocation from start to finish. Our project manager will be your main point of contact and keep you updated on the various phases of the move.
Crews from Mid-West Moving & Storage handle all types and sizes of office goods, including cubicle panels, with care. Our priority is to prevent damage to furniture and equipment. We also ensure sensitive company information, including confidential documents and paperwork, is kept secure.
Get a Free Estimate
Count on Mid-West Moving & Storage for all your corporate relocation needs. We also offer dependable moving services for trade show equipment and moving manufacturing. Our crews are proud to help Chicago businesses move to or from the city.
Call us at 847-593-7201 or fill out a contact form when you are planning an upcoming office move.
