As you’re prepping to move office spaces, you may find yourself asking a lot of questions. Why are we hanging onto obsolete tech? What office supplies can I downsize? Do I really need all of these paper files? The answer to that last question is likely no, especially if your team has gone digital. However, you may still want to hang onto some files as backups. But what’s the best way to move them? Should you empty file cabinets before an office move? Generally speaking, yes, you should. Moving filing cabinets can be a pain even after they’ve been emptied. Leave moving the bulky, hard-to-navigate-around-a-space furniture to the professionals. 

With over 10 decades of experience, Maffucci Moving has been a trusted partner for companies in office relocations. As the Northeast’s leading relocation company, we have the necessary experience and tools to ensure a smooth and problem-free move. We understand that your business is your livelihood, which is why our full-service moving solutions are designed to get you set up and back in action as soon as possible. From checking out your new location to doing the heavy lifting on move-in day and more, Maffucci does it all. 

Why Empty a Filing Cabinet?

When your business is relocating, there’s much to do on your agenda. That’s why it’s important to make things easier for yourself when possible. Though you might be tempted to leave files tucked away when moving cabinets, we caution you against doing so. The wider your filing cabinet is, the more lightweight they tend to be. Leaving them filled could potentially warp the frame. This means that by the time you get it to your new office, it will literally be bent out of shape, rendering it unusable– leaving you annoyed that you moved it for no reason. 

How to Relocate a Filing Cabinet

Now, about actually relocating filing cabinets. We’ve got a few tips and tricks on streamlining the move based on your cabinet type. As a general rule, keep the bottom three drawers loaded for stabilization. However, with larger cabinets, the fourth and fifth drawers from the bottom must be emptied and packed to move. Let’s review our other tips:

• Two-Drawer Cabinets. Because of its smaller size, this type of stand-up filing cabinet can be moved with all its files inside.
• Four-Drawer Cabinets. This type of stand-up filing cabinet must have the top two drawers emptied to prevent the weight of the files from bending the bottom of the cabinet, especially if it’s wooden. 
• Lateral Cabinets. All files must be removed from this filing cabinet to ensure safe transport. 

What to do with the Files 

Once you’ve unloaded the files from their rightful place, keep them as organized as possible. Label the files in a heavy banker box or reusable tote with which cabinet they belong if moving several of them. To do this, put a sticky note or piece of tape with the corresponding number on the cabinet; do the same with the box. This will help you put them back correctly once move in. 

Additional Office Relocation Tips

Files and records aren’t all you’ve got to worry about when moving spaces. Review our related office relocation tips to keep the overall process under control and organized as best you can. 

• Make a list. You should do this before you even start packing. Take Inventory of everything in the office and make a list of what needs to go to the new office, what can be donated, and what can be thrown away. 
• Buy supplies early. Start purchasing moving equipment such as boxes, labels, scissors, tape, foam padding, or bubble wrap as soon as possible. Early preparation will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth office relocation. 
• Clean equipment. Before packing items, be sure to clean them well. Sanitizing your equipment will prevent bacteria from following you to your new location and enable you to set things up quickly.
• Pack with a plan. Using your inventory list, pack like items together. For example, paper, pens, sticky notes, and other such supplies should stay together. 
• Label, label, label. Remember to label boxes clearly with their contents and whether or not they’re fragile for quick identification when unpacking.

Maffucci Moving & Storage. Relocating Has Never Been Easier. 

Office furniture relocation doesn’t have to be a long-winded, stressful process, especially when you partner with Maffucci Moving. You can relax while we handle the hard stuff. From de-cluttering to organizing, packing to loading, and even helping to unpack, our team of dedicated movers does it all. We’ll ensure your items make it to the new place on time and damage-free, giving you peace of mind during this transition. 

Planning an office move? Let Maffucci Moving handle the heavy lifting. Our expert movers ensure a smooth, efficient relocation while keeping your files and furniture secure. Contact us today for a free quote and customized moving plan.