Relocating a business isn’t just about moving desks, computers, and files—it also means deciding what to do with office furniture you no longer need. Many companies overlook this step, which can lead to costly storage fees, unnecessary disposal expenses, or missed resale opportunities.

At Business Moving Group, we specialize in commercial office relocations and sustainable furniture decommissioning. This guide will walk you through how to properly handle unwanted office furniture—whether by reselling, donating, or recycling—so you can reduce waste and recover value during your move.

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Step 1: Should You Move Your Existing Office Furniture?

Before choosing how to dispose of unused furniture, ask yourself the following:

• Furniture Condition – Is it in good shape and still functional?

• Fit for the New Office – Will it match the design, layout, or branding of the new space?

• Cost vs. Benefit – Is it more cost-effective to move or replace it?

📌 Pro Tip: High-end office furniture brands such as Herman Miller or Steelcase retain strong resale value, while outdated or bulky pieces may be better suited for donation or recycling.

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Step 2: Explore Your Office Furniture Disposal Options

Option 1: Resell Office Furniture to Recoup Costs

Selling quality used furniture can offset your relocation expenses.

Best ways to sell office furniture:

• Partner with office furniture liquidators – They handle bulk purchases and logistics.

• Use online marketplaces – List items on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or GovDeals.

• Hold an auction – Great for businesses vacating multiple locations.

📌 Did You Know? Premium brands like Knoll, Steelcase, and Herman Miller can retain up to 50% of their original value on the resale market.

Option 2: Donate Furniture and Qualify for a Tax Deduction

If resale isn’t practical, donating is an efficient and community-driven option.

Organizations that accept office furniture donations:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStores – Accept desks, chairs, and storage items.

• Goodwill and Salvation Army – Common drop-off spots for lightly used items.

• Local schools and nonprofits – Many need office furniture but lack the budget to purchase new.

📌 Tax Tip: Document the fair market value and get a donation receipt to claim a tax deduction. Learn more about IRS guidelines.

Option 3: Recycle Furniture for an Eco-Friendly Solution

When donation or resale aren’t viable, recycling reduces landfill waste.

Common recycling methods:

• Commercial recycling providers – Many offer disassembly and pickup.

• Manufacturer take-back programs – Brands like Haworth and Steelcase offer return programs.

• Material-specific recycling – Metals, plastics, and engineered wood can often be repurposed.

📌 Sustainability Insight: According to the EPA, over 8.5 million tons of office furniture end up in landfills each year. Recycling helps reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

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Step 3: Compare Office Furniture Disposal Options

📌 Pro Tip: For mixed inventories, use a combination of all three methods to maximize value and minimize waste.

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Step 4: How to Plan a Smooth Office Furniture Decommissioning Process

A structured plan ensures nothing is overlooked and maximizes efficiency.

1. Create a detailed inventory – Note items you’ll keep, sell, donate, or recycle.

2. Assess resale value – Contact commercial resellers or liquidation companies for quotes.

3. Schedule donations early – Many nonprofits require 2–3 weeks’ notice for pickup.

4. Coordinate with recyclers – Plan recycling for heavy or disassembled items.

5. Track documentation – Save receipts for resale transactions and tax filings.

📌 Expert Tip: Hiring a professional office relocation company like Business Moving Group can handle every part of this process—inventory tracking, resale logistics, donation coordination, and eco-friendly recycling.

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Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Handle Unwanted Office Furniture

A successful commercial relocation includes furniture decommissioning as part of your overall move plan. Don’t let excess desks and cubicles become a burden—turn them into an opportunity to save money and support sustainability.

• Resell high-quality items to recover value.

• Donate usable furniture for tax deductions and community impact.

• Recycle unusable pieces for environmental responsibility.

• Plan ahead to simplify logistics and avoid costly delays.

Learn more about our office decommissioning services or request a quote to get started.

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Contact Business Moving Group today for a free consultation!
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