Relocating a business isnβt just about moving desks, computers, and filesβit also means deciding what to do with office furniture you no longer need. Many companies overlook this step, leading to costly storage fees, disposal expenses, or wasted resale opportunities.
At Business Moving Group, we specialize in office relocations and sustainable furniture decommissioning. This guide will help you determine the best disposal method for your office furniture, whether thatβs reselling, donating, or recycling.
Step 1: Should You Move Your Existing Office Furniture?
Before deciding how to handle unwanted office furniture, consider these key factors:
β Furniture Condition β Is the furniture in good shape and worth keeping?
β New Office Space Fit β Will it fit the layout and aesthetic of your new space?
β Moving Costs β Is it cheaper to transport or replace?
π Pro Tip: High-end office furniture retains value and may be worth reselling, while older or bulkier pieces may be better off donated or recycled.
Step 2: Exploring Your Office Furniture Disposal Options
Option 1: Resell Office Furniture to Recoup Costs
Selling used office furniture can help offset moving expenses. Certain high-demand items, such as ergonomic chairs, conference tables, and standing desks, hold strong resale value.
Best Ways to Sell Office Furniture:
β Work with professional resellers β Office furniture liquidation companies can assess and purchase bulk furniture.
β Sell on marketplaces β Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and GovDeals cater to office buyers.
β Auction large lots β Businesses moving multiple locations can sell furniture in bulk via auctions.
π Did You Know? High-quality brands like Steelcase, Herman Miller, and Knoll retain 50% or more of their original value in resale markets.
Option 2: Donate Office Furniture for a Tax Deduction
If selling isnβt an option, donating your office furniture can support local charities and qualify your business for tax deductions.
Organizations That Accept Office Furniture Donations:
β Habitat for Humanity ReStores β Accepts gently used office desks, chairs, and filing cabinets.
β Goodwill & The Salvation Army β Often take office furniture in good condition.
β Local Nonprofits & Schools β Many small businesses, community centers, and schools welcome furniture donations.
π Tax Benefit: Donations are tax-deductible, but make sure to document the fair market value and request a donation receipt.
Option 3: Recycle Office Furniture for an Eco-Friendly Solution
If furniture canβt be sold or donated, recycling is the most sustainable option. Many office furniture pieces contain metal, wood, and plastic components that can be repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill.
Office Furniture Recycling Methods:
β Work with commercial recycling services β Many waste management companies offer furniture disassembly and recycling.
β Use manufacturer take-back programs β Some brands recycle old furniture when replacing it with new models.
β Shred and repurpose materials β Metal, plastic, and composite wood can often be repurposed into new furniture.
π Did You Know? The EPA estimates that 8.5 million tons of office furniture end up in landfills each yearβrecycling helps reduce environmental waste and disposal costs.
Step 3: Comparing Your Office Furniture Disposal Options
Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Resell | Recoups costs, offsets moving expenses | Requires time to find buyers | High-quality, valuable furniture |
Donate | Tax benefits, supports community | Must meet donation guidelines | Good-condition furniture, nonprofit partnerships |
Recycle | Eco-friendly, reduces waste | May involve disposal fees | Outdated, damaged, or bulk furniture |
π Pro Tip: If you have a mix of furniture types, consider a combination of selling, donating, and recycling to maximize benefits and minimize waste.
Step 4: How to Plan a Smooth Office Furniture Decommissioning Process
π Step 1: Create an inventory β List what youβre keeping, selling, donating, and recycling.
π Step 2: Assess resale value β Contact resellers to determine which pieces are worth selling.
π’ Step 3: Contact nonprofits β Arrange furniture pickup for donations at least 2β3 weeks in advance.
β» Step 4: Schedule recycling pickup β Work with a recycling provider for large furniture pieces.
π Step 5: Keep documentation β Retain receipts for tax deductions and resale transactions.
π Expert Tip: Hiring a professional office relocation service like Business Moving Group can streamline the entire furniture decommissioning processβfrom resale coordination to donation pickups and recycling logistics.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Handle Unwanted Office Furniture
Corporate moves often leave businesses with excess furniture, but there are smart ways to repurpose, resell, or recycle it. By assessing resale value, exploring donation options, and using sustainable recycling solutions, businesses can reduce costs, minimize waste, and make a positive impact.
β Resell valuable furniture to recover costs
β Donate usable items for tax benefits & community support
β Recycle outdated furniture for an eco-friendly move
β Plan ahead to ensure a smooth decommissioning process
At Business Moving Group, we specialize in office relocations, furniture decommissioning, and sustainable disposal solutions.