When getting ready to move your business to a new location, it’s important to research storage units to find one that works best for your company, how to pack effectively, and what items should be insured.
Storage Units and You: Finding the Best Options for Moving Your Business
Storage Units:
Deciding what type of storage unit is best for your move comes down to what type of items you’ll be storing. Consider the pros and cons of indoor versus outdoor storage units:
If you will be storing valuable items, personal possessions, furniture, or anything that you’d like to have maximum protection for, an indoor storage unit will be your best option. This type of unit is perfect for protecting your items from water damage, rust, and light. Finding storage units for moving offices is not like renting out a storage unit as an individual. Approaching it that way will cost far too much money.
Keep in mind that temperature control does not mean humidity controlled. If you will be storing artwork, antiques, or other collectibles, it’s best to consider special humidity-protected storage options for those items. Most moving and storage companies partner with third-party vendors, who can ensure your items, especially collectibles, are stored in a proper environment. Discuss your options with the moving company and be aware of any special requests or accommodations that need to be made.
If you need to store vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, or other bulky items, an outdoor storage unit will do the job. Generally, this is the less expensive option and is better suited for larger items that do not require an indoor setting or temperature-controlled protection. If affordability is your primary concern, an outdoor storage unit may be the right option for you.
Packing Effectively:
To eliminate unwanted moisture that could lead to mold while in outside storage, wipe down the inside of machines that hold water with baking soda. Also, avoid using cardboard boxes for long-term storage unless it is inside a temperature-controlled unit. Cardboard is susceptible to humidity and could also attract unwanted pests to your belongings. Generally, the best storage containers are plastic boxes or totes with tightly secured lids.
When storing items in a unit for long-term storage, will you need to have access to any of those items while they are in storage? If you think you will need to retrieve items from the storage unit, store those items last or consider self-storage.
Moving heavy and cumbersome appliances will sometimes require third-party assistance from experts. It is important to hire a professional to remove any appliances that require disconnecting hoses and sealing gas valves to prevent leaking. For example, refrigerators and dishwashers require emptying water and drain lines and can cause damage to floors during the removal process if not done properly.
As a general rule of thumb, the less you have to pack, the less stress you are likely to endure. Because costs are based on the amount of equipment you have, the best time to organize and decide what items to keep and what items are no longer needed is before the moving truck pulls up.
Getting Insurance:
Getting Insurance:When considering what items to insure in your storage units, consider the most valuable and irreplaceable items. Any valuables that will be transported or stored for long periods of time stand the possibility of damage and/or devalue. Because there are generally many levels of protection to choose from, it’s best to research all of your options and pick the insurance plan that works for your business. Try to pick an insurance plan that will provide reimbursement if your items are damaged in transportation or storage.
Before the big move, do your research on insuring your equipment, determine the type of storage unit you’ll need, and use these tips to pack effectively so your move will go smoothly and efficiently.
Work With The Quality Group
The Quality Group is your commercial relocation specialists. That’s why we know so much about storage units for moving offices. We were founded in 1987 in New Orleans, but The Quality Group now serves the Gulf States with comprehensive business moving services from move planning to furniture installation.