Month: December 2016

Storage Units for Moving Offices

Storage Units, storage units for commercial moving

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

There different types of storage units, Storage Units for Moving OfficesStorage 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.

Get insurance for your moveGetting 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. 

Moving Your Business During Winter

Moving in winter, business moving new orleans

Winter is usually a time for holiday parties, cold weather, and warm drinks. In the business world though, work carries on as usual and if a lease is up or expansion comes knocking you may have to relocate no matter the season. When moving during the winter you’ll need to consider a few more factors than if you were moving during a warmer month. For a seamless winter, move keep the following factors in mind.

When Moving Your Business During the Winter, Consider Safety and Comfort.

Office Building TemperaturesKeep the heat on when moving during the winter, Moving Your Business During Winter

Both the office building you are leaving and the one you are relocating to will be prone to chilly temperatures during winter as movers come in and out of the buildings. While you may want to save on the electric bill, you should consider keeping the heat on in both places during moving day. Not only will the movers and your employees appreciate moving furniture, equipment, and personal desk items into a warm environment, but cold sensitive electronics will be better off as well. Turning the heat on even slightly will be beneficial to your office on moving day.

The Weather and Office Equipment

Winter brings unique challenges in the form of unpredictable weather. It could rain, snow, sleet, or hail at any time and unfortunately, your office equipment still needs to go from point A to point B. Plan to cover all walkways movers will need to use to prevent your items from getting damaged. Shovel and salt all pathways to prevent slipping, and ensure your movers wrap all furniture in plastic and utilize plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes. These precautions will protect your office equipment.

Employee Conditions

Employees will want to bring their own personal desk items to their new offices either on moving day or on the day following. It is important for your employees to know the hazards of moving during winter and what they can do to protect themselves. Advise them to layer up when bringing their items so they can move freely but also stay warm. Have warm drinks available for your employees during the move and have the office set up to provide extra comfort.

Office Supply PrioritiesIcy walk ways can be a hazard when moving your business in winter, winter business moving in new orleans

While your staff may want to organize the closet with the brochures and business cards you have saved up, you should make sure they prioritize supplies that are needed for everyday operations. Set up coffee machines, computers, and phone lines before organizing materials that employees use sparingly. This will ensure your business continues to run smoothly during the winter move and employees have everything they need to work.

Plans and their Execution

Moving during the winter can be problematic due to unforeseen complications. Talk to your landlord or new property owner ahead of time and ask for leeway on move-out and move-in days in case of severe weather. Be sure to listen to your moving company’s advice during travel as they have experience in moving large equipment, furniture, and electronics during the winter months. Also, create a plan B for the company and employees for unforeseen complications so your business is not taken off guard during the move.

Moving your business in the winter can have its own benefits such as choice moving day selections, but it brings complications as well. If you are moving your business to a new location during the winter season, have a plan in mind and entrust your relocation to your trained and experienced moving company. Your new office will be up and running in no time with a moving company dedicated to providing a speedy and safe relocation. Talk to the Quality Group today for a consultation on moving your business during the winter.


The Quality Group

We have specialists who know how to move any kind of business, any time of year, regardless of the details. Whether you’re a 10 person IT company or a 200 person law firm, we’ve got experience with your unique problems. Call us about moving your business, whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall.