When moving an office, it’s often the case that the transfer of certain equipment, documents or furniture can’t be carried out all at once. There may be many reasons for this: the new premises are not yet ready, work needs to be carried out before the move, or certain items need to be sorted or archived before they can be put in place. In this context temporary storage to avoid unforeseen circumstances and ensure a smooth move. Here are a few practical tips on how to manage temporary storage efficiently during an office move.
Anticipate storage needs before the move
The first step to managing temporary storage efficiently is to anticipate the quantity and nature of the goods to be stored. This will enable you to determine which type of storage solution to choose and how long you will need it for. You also need to consider how items will be accessed during the storage period, especially if you need to retrieve them at short notice.
Practical tip: Make a precise inventory of the goods to be stored and divide them into categories (furniture, IT equipment, archives, etc.). This will make it easier to choose the right storage solutions.
Choosing the right storage solution
Temporary storage can take many forms, depending on the specific needs of your business. Here are some storage options to consider:
Individual storage boxes: For small businesses or departments needing to store sensitive materials or documentation, individual storage boxes can be the ideal solution. They offer secure space and rapid accessibility.
Furniture repository: If you have a lot of furniture and objects to store, a secure and easily accessible furniture repository could be an appropriate option. It allows you to store larger volumes while guaranteeing the safety of your belongings.
Warehouse storage: For larger companies, or those with a high volume of goods to move, a temporary warehouse is an excellent option. This solution can be particularly useful if you plan to store furniture or equipment while you finalize the layout of your new premises.
Practical tip: Choose a flexible storage solution that allows you to adjust the volume or duration of storage as your needs change.
Ensuring the safety of stored goods
Security is a crucial aspect of temporary storage. You need to ensure that your goods are protected against theft, damage or loss. This means choosing a storage provider offering a secure environment, with surveillance systems and strict access control.
Practical tip: Check that your storage provider offers insurance coverage appropriate to the type of goods you’re storing. Some storage solutions include insurance cover to protect your equipment and documents throughout the storage period.
Optimal storage organization
Once you’ve chosen your storage solution, the organization of the space is essential to ensure efficient management. A good layout makes it easy to find what you need, without having to rummage through the storage every time.
Labeling boxes and items: Each box or piece of furniture should be clearly labeled, with information on its contents, the department to which it belongs and its priority.
Organize by category: Group items by category (sensitive documents, IT equipment, furniture, etc.) for easy access when needed.
Practical tip: Use color codes or intelligent labeling systems to quickly identify the different types of goods stored, according to their importance or urgency.
Monitor storage trends and adjust requirements
Temporary storage is not a permanent solution. Once the move is underway, it’s important to monitor the progress of storage and readjust requirements if necessary. For example, if you’re starting to set up the new offices, you may want to reduce the quantity of items stored, or move certain items to the new premises.
Practical tip: Set up a tracking system for stored goods, using a management chart or a dedicated application. This will enable you to know where your goods are at all times, and to anticipate what needs to be done to transfer them to the new premises.
Temporary storage management is an essential step in any office move, especially when you need to manage a large volume of goods or when deadlines are tight. By choosing the right storage solutions, anticipating your needs and organizing space efficiently, you can move with peace of mind, while preserving the security and accessibility of your belongings. At AMT, we support our customers in the management of their corporate removals, ensuring efficient, flexible and secure storage logistics.
Example of storage solutions: We advise you to explore modular storage options, offering both security and adaptability, for optimal management of your move.