If your business is relocating you need to know when and how long you can expect to store your items. There are many different factors that will influence the timeline for storage. Even if you’re moving down the street rather than across town, proper storage during the relocation process will ensure that everything gets moved in a timely and efficient manner without risk of damage or loss.
Here are some tips for storing office contents during relocation.
Rent A Storage Unit
The first thing you should do is find the right storage unit. Make sure there’s one that will be big enough to hold your items. You’ll want to put them in a Self Storage Unit with a temperature-controlled environment because humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and pests can cause damage over time. It’s also important that the storage unit is secure because it may contain equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars or more.
A storage facility should have 24/7 access so you can get inside at any time if necessary. If this is not possible, ask where you can park a truck or van so you can load and unload from weekdays only when the office is closed.
Move Your Office Contents Yourself or Hire Movers?
Moving office contents yourself is an option, but hiring movers to do the job might be a better plan. You can decide what is best based on your timeline and budget. If you move the contents of your business yourself, it will save money, but may take more time than you have available. Hiring movers will enable you to get things done faster and with fewer hassles and headaches along the way. Here is what to look out for when hiring a moving company:
Insurance Coverage
The company you choose should have both worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. In case of damages, these types of coverage will protect your business from possible lawsuits. The mover should guarantee your shipment against damages and shortage in delivery on an “all-risk” basis. From arrival at pick-up location until final delivery at the destination, your shipment is covered by their insurance policy (excluding acts of God).
Related: Business Moving 101 Checklist
Company Reputation
The state may provide recommendations for safe movers, but there are other ways to research a company’s reputation online or through friends and colleagues who have used their services before. Make sure that the business has been around for a while and they have references from previous clients if possible. Check Yelp reviews and Google them to see if any negative comments come up under recent news articles about the company.
Proper Equipment
Movers need to be equipped with the right equipment to move heavy items safely. If a mover is using a hand truck for a large piece of furniture or an appliance, it could easily be damaged in this way. The same goes for carts without wheel locks, which can also lead to damage during transport.
Get Written Estimates
Request written estimates from at least three different movers before making a decision on which one to hire. This will help ensure that no hidden fees or costs come up later that aren’t included in the price quote.
How To Pack Properly in Storage Units
If you’re packing equipment, be sure to wrap it in an outer layer for protection against scratches and dents. Wrap the cord safely around the machine and place it inside a plastic bag before placing it in a box with styrofoam padding on all four sides.
Wrap paintings and other expensive wall hangings tightly with plenty of cushioning materials between layers. It’s also important to use shock-absorbent material such as bubble wrap or foam peanuts when packing fragile items like crystal and glassware. Fill empty space around the item with small pieces of crumpled paper until completely surrounded on all sides by padding.
Boxed office contents should always be secured on both ends with tape to prevent the weight from shifting during transit. Double-sided tape is best because it takes longer for items to tear through. Make sure that all boxes are clearly marked on all sides, including arrows indicating which way they should be carried and pushed out of storage unit doors. Tape one long strip of paper across the top and write “FRAGILE” in large letters with a marker or dot stickers. This will ensure that moving crew members go directly to fragile and valuable items and place them at the top of the stack, somewhere where they can’t get crushed under other boxes.
Be sure to keep an inventory list along with photos of your contents for reference if needed in the future. Don’t forget to put important documents, financial records, computer disks, etc. in a safe place away from the main flow of packing activity.
Renting a storage unit is a great option, When hiring a moving company, it’s important to look for companies with insurance coverage in case of damages. It’s also crucial to only hire companies with good reputations and references from previous clients. Lastly, pack all items properly by securing them on both ends with tape and placing them in boxes that are clearly marked “FRAGILE” using large letters or dot stickers.
