Your Boston-area business has outgrown its current office space. So now you are planning a move to new digs. Getting everything moved over to the new office is only half the challenge. The other half is conducting a proper cleanout that meets your legal responsibilities and keeps the property owner happy.
Cleaning Boston-area businesses is our specialty. We would be more than happy to assist with a clean out. If you are intent on handling things yourself, we can still help with this step-by-step guide for getting it right.
Step #1: Plan and Schedule
Both moves and clean-outs go more smoothly with proper planning. Set a timeline for your move and then schedule the cleanout accordingly. You might choose to leave cleanout until everything has been removed. Or you might choose to clean as you go. Regardless, create a schedule that includes reasonable deadlines.
Also, assign responsibilities to both teams and individuals. Assignments should be put on paper so that everyone is clear about who does what. As long as everyone executes as planned, the cleanout should go just fine.
Step #2: Organize and De-Clutter
Moving clutter from one office to the next doesn’t make sense. It makes more sense to de-clutter in the months and weeks leading up to the big move. De-cluttering will also make the cleanout easier. At the very least, getting rid of the clutter will significantly reduce the amount of trash cleaners have to deal with after everything else is gone.
Encourage employees to organize. Ask them to sift through their belongings and remove whatever is not necessary. Also take a good look at office supplies, documents, furniture, etc. to determine what stays and what goes. The more you can get rid of ahead of time, the less will be left behind for cleaning out.
Step #3: Clean Workstations
A day or two before the actual move, take some time to clean workstations. Clean and disinfect desks, chairs, file cabinets, and office equipment. Start packing up items that are not currently being used. You should be left with minimal packing when moving day finally arrives.
Step #4: Clean Kitchens and Break Rooms
A day or two before the big move, have staff clear out all food from the breakroom and kitchen refrigerators. This is the time to clean kitchen appliances as well. Wipe down refrigerators, sinks, coffeemakers, etc. Also empty cabinets and clean them inside and out.
Step #5: Clean Restrooms
The remainder of the cleaning tasks is handled after the move. They include cleaning all restrooms. A cleaning crew should address surface cleaning, disinfecting, and deep cleaning of floors and fixtures. The idea is to leave restrooms as clean as possible so that landlords do not have any reason to complain.
Step #6: General Office Cleaning
While one crew is handling the restrooms, additional crews can handle general office cleaning tasks. Cleaning crews will clean windows, mirrors, and glass doors. They will remove cobwebs and dust vents, ceiling fans, and light fixtures.
This is the time to vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. It is also a time to replace non-working light bulbs.
Step #7: Final Walk-Through
The last step in an office cleanout is the final walk-through. Whoever is ultimately responsible does a walk-through with crew leaders to ensure everything has been done. This is the time to gather trash and remove it.
Boston-area businesses have trusted All Pro Cleaning Systems with their commercial cleaning needs for decades. Whether you need assistance with cleaning out or you are looking for regularly scheduled cleaning services, we are available. Contact us to learn more.