March 21, 2024
What could be better than the need to move your business due to growth? It can also be a stressful time with the lists of things that need to be handled for the move to take place while simultaneously maintaining business operations. You may even have to move into some swing space temporarily if the timing doesn’t align just right. Before your big move you’ll have lots of decisions to make; not the least of which is what to keep and what to store. We’ve come up with some organizational tips for moving stuff into business storage units that can be very helpful in weeding out what you need to bring with you, and what you might be able to move into storage to save yourself some space.
Organizing Tips for Moving to Business Storage Units
Rather than just grab everything, stick it in boxes, and haul it off to your new location, this is the perfect opportunity to take some time to decide what you really need. The best way to begin is to get yourself several trash barrels, and then designate four areas to sort your business belongings into categories: Trash, Sell / Donate, Transport, and Store.
Trash
This might seem obvious - get rid of what you no longer need or what is broken. This can include paper files but also furniture and electronics. But it’s not as simple as it seems. First, decide on old paper files that need to go. Can they be recycled? Can they be sent to the landfill? Do they have sensitive information that needs to be shredded? There’s little value in paying for storing items you’ll never use again. Second, take stock of your furniture. Is it still in good operable condition or is it time to retire it? Third, electronics. Does it need to be digitally shredded? Does the landfill or transfer station accept old electronics? Is there a limit on what you can trash? Do your research. Then lastly, trash it. Sometimes the hardest part of a move is letting go.
Sell or Donate
This pile is for anything you no longer need or use that is in good condition and/or that you are willing to let someone else use. If your new office space comes furnished, you may want to sell or donate your current office furniture. You could try to earn a little bit of cash to offset storage costs by selling these items, or you may want to explore the possibilities of a tax write-off if you are donating. Many Goodwill and Salvation Army locations offer free pickup services – check your local donation center for details. For any advice regarding the preparation of your taxes, please consult a reputable tax advisor.
Transport
These are items that you will need immediately or soon after the move is complete. Creating this pile will be integral when giving your moving company an accurate assessment of how much there is to move.
Store
This pile is for things you don't use or need daily, but still need to hang onto. Renting storage units in Milford NH is a great way to keep your office clutter-free. Some business items that could be stored are old files that you need to keep but may rarely refer to. Seasonal office décor, tools, electronics, and furniture can be kept in off-site storage. The ideas seem endless.
Best practice is to store paper items in clear plastic containers. Plastic provides the best defense against yellowing and moisture. The clear containers make it easy to see what’s inside without having to dig through a bunch of boxes. You could even put a piece of paper inside facing outward that has an inventory of what’s in the container. Keep it short and make the font plain and large for easy reading.
Keep an inventory of what’s in your storage units. Digital pictures of where the items are stacked in the unit can help expedite the search when you need to retrieve it.
Storing business items is also a great temporary solution if there is lag-time between when you need to be out of your current space, and when your new office space will be ready. Storage facilities can be a big help when using a temporary swing space.
Red Oak Coworking Office Suites at 409 Elm Street in Manchester NH are luxury lifestyle office suites, many with floor to ceiling or oversized windows, where you can be successful and productive. Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s largest city, this location offers office suites, Team Suites, conference rooms and dedicated desks. Amenities here include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, shared kitchen, business center, off-street parking with available EV charging stations, and a reception area with greeter.
Also available is our 66 Hanover Street location downtown, which offers a variety of workspaces ranging from private or shared offices to open space coworking desks with parking nearby. Both locations have kitchen space, free coffee, tea and filtered water, free utilities and WiFi, and janitorial services. Lounge areas and conference rooms are also available. Contact Red Oak Coworking for more information on these two great swing space options.