Storage And Moving 101: What You Need To Know Before You Move

Relocating your home or office can be overwhelming with packing, organising, and transport logistics—especially when storage is also a concern. The stress can build up fast without the right plan. But don’t worry—this storage and moving 101 blog is here to guide you through the essential steps, making the process as smooth as possible.

Need a hand with your office or business move? ER Logistics specialises in providing professional, stress-free office moving services. From packing and moving to secure storage, we ensure your business stays on track.

Call us today on 020 8665 0660 or email info@er-logistics.com to get started!

Storage And Moving 101: 6 Essential Steps

Step 1: Plan Ahead—Start Early To Avoid Stress

Planning is crucial, no matter how large or small your move may be. The more time you allow yourself, the less likely you’ll find yourself scrambling at the last minute. Creating a timeline is one of the first steps in storage and moving.

Timeline Checklist For Moving

• 6-8 weeks before moving: Begin sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or throw away.
• 4-6 weeks before moving: Start packing non-essential items. If you’re moving your business, arrange for professional movers or a relocation team.
• 2-4 weeks before moving: Organise your storage solutions. If you need temporary storage, ensure it’s secured and accessible.
• 1 week before moving: Confirm arrangements for your move and storage. Finalise packing and make sure all logistics are covered.

Knowing how to plan your move efficiently is a game-changer, especially if you’re handling the logistics independently. When you start early, you avoid last-minute rushes, allowing you to implement moving hacks and tricks that streamline your entire process.

Step 2: Packing And Protecting Your Belongings

Proper packing is essential for a successful move, whether personal or office-related. Incorrectly packed items can break, become lost, or even create unnecessary delays. Proper packing involves more than just throwing things into boxes. Here’s what you need to do to ensure everything is ready for transport:

Packing Tips For Storage And Moving 101

• Use quality packing materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and furniture covers. Proper materials ensure that fragile and expensive items stay safe.
• Label everything: Label each box with its contents and the room in which it belongs. This will help during both the move and while in storage.
• Disassemble large items: Disassemble large furniture like desks, bookshelves, and tables. This saves space and reduces the risk of damage.
• Pack heavy items in smaller boxes: Don’t overload boxes with heavy items. Packing smaller boxes with heavy items makes them easier to carry and reduces the risk of box breakage.

In storage and moving, you’ll also want to follow some storage unit packing tips to ensure your belongings are securely stored, whether in a short-term or long-term unit. Make sure to pack delicate items in smaller boxes with plenty of padding. This will help avoid unnecessary damage while in storage.

Step 3: Secure Storage Solutions During The Transition

Whether you need to store your items for a few days, weeks, or months, having secure storage solutions is vital during the moving process. Storage services are beneficial if you cannot move directly into your new space or need temporary storage for particular items.

It’s important to choose proper storage solutions. Here’s how to approach it:

Choosing The Right Storage Option

• Climate-controlled storage: If you have delicate items, such as electronics, artwork, or documents, climate-controlled storage is essential. These units maintain a constant temperature and humidity to protect your belongings from damage.
• Self-storage: Self-storage may be the best option to access your items directly. These units allow you to store your belongings and access them whenever necessary.
• Business storage solutions: For businesses, ER Logistics offers secure storage for office furniture, documents, or equipment. You can opt for short-term or long-term storage, depending on your needs.
• Security and access: Look for storage options with 24/7 security, including surveillance cameras and gated access. You want to ensure your items are safe while in storage.

Choosing the proper storage solutions is integral to planning your move efficiently, ensuring that your items are safe and easily accessible when needed.

Step 4: Hiring Professional Movers To Save Time And Effort

Hiring professional movers is often the best way to ensure everything runs smoothly when handling a business or a large residential move. They have the experience and equipment to safely pack, load, and transport your items. A professional moving company can also provide storage solutions, so you don’t have to worry about your items during the move.

Benefits Of Professional Moving Services

• Expert packing: Movers can carefully pack and wrap your belongings to minimise damage.
• Movers can minimise heavy Lifting: Professional movers are trained to handle heavy items, which reduces the risk of injury and damage.
• Time-saving: With experienced movers handling the logistics, you save time and reduce the stress of moving independently.
• Integrated storage options: Professional moving companies often provide storage solutions, so you don’t have to worry about finding separate storage facilities.

Hiring professional packers to help with your move is one of the best ways to ensure everything is done efficiently and safely. These experts know how to handle delicate and valuable items, smoothing the process.

Also Read: Benefits Of A Professional Office Moving Company

Step 5: Moving And Settling Into Your New Space

It’s time to move once you’ve packed everything and arranged for storage. Whether business or personal relocation, unloading and settling into your new space requires careful organisation.

Tips For Efficient Unpacking And Setup

• Unpack essentials first: Start by unpacking the essential items you need immediately, such as your computer, documents, kitchenware, or toiletries.
• Organise your new space: Take time to arrange everything neatly in your new office or home. The way you set up your space can significantly affect your productivity and comfort.
• Revisit your storage: If you used a storage solution during the transition, revisit your items after a few weeks. You may no longer need certain things or want to donate them.

Remember, beginners need a moving checklist to help them stay on track. It will help you stay organised and ensure you don’t overlook essential steps like revisiting your storage solutions once settled.

Step 6: Dispose Of And Recycle Unwanted Items

One of the best things about moving is that it’s an opportunity to eliminate things you no longer need. Whether it’s old office furniture or personal items, it’s a great time to declutter.

Sustainable Moving And Storage Practices

• Donate: Give away unwanted items that are still in good condition.
• Sell: Consider selling things like furniture or electronics that can be repurposed.
• Recycle: Many moving companies offer recycling and upcycling services for unwanted furniture, electronics, and materials. This ensures that your discarded items are disposed of responsibly.

Local moving and storage solutions can ensure that unwanted items are recycled or repurposed responsibly.

By following these simple steps and tips in our storage and moving 101 guide, including planning your move efficiently and choosing the proper storage solutions, contact ER Logistics, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and organised transition.

Smooth Moves Begin With ER Logistics

With over 20 years of industry expertise, ER Logistics delivers trusted relocation, storage and office clearance services backed by certified professionals. We’re fully insured and accredited, ensuring your office move, storage, and packing needs are handled precisely and carefully. Our proven track record and commitment to quality make us the go-to choice for seamless, stress-free business relocations.

Call us on 020 8665 0660 or email info@er-logistics.com to learn how we can make your move hassle-free!