Furniture storage is often required when you are moving out of one home and into another, but there’s a time-gap in between. Perhaps you’ve sold your home and bought another, and the settlement dates have not quite aligned. Or perhaps the new house is still being renovated. Or maybe you’re downsizing to a smaller home, but haven’t yet had time to sort and declutter all your personal goods.
Whatever the case, sometimes you need to find a safe temporary home for your furniture in between moves. This is where a furniture removalist, who also offers furniture storage facilities, is your best friend. They can pack up all your belongings, transport them to the storage facility, look after them for the time you need, then bring them to your new home when it’s ready.
So how do you choose the best removalist to shift and store your possessions? It’s important to find a reliable company that can handle your belongings with care. In this guide, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a removalist with storage facilities in Melbourne. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your move will go smoothly and your possessions will be safe and secure.
What are the key requirements of a good furniture storage facility?
Make sure you choose a removalist with a purpose-built storage facility – you don’t want your prized possessions stored in any old warehouse or shed. Check each of the following:
1. Security
The facility should have an entrance that is only accessible to authorised personnel, with a code or key card, along with 24/7 surveillance cameras. Alarms should automatically notify management in case of any breach.
The facility should also have fire protection and fire alarm systems in place. Waterless fire protection is ideal, to ensure stored items are not unduly damaged when a fire is supressed.
2. Climate control
Furniture can be damaged by extreme temperatures and humidity, so it’s important to choose a facility that offers climate and moisture control to protect your belongings.
If you have a wine collection, piano, antique furniture or other items that are particularly susceptible to changes in temperature, talk to the facility provider to check they can accommodate these.
3. Size and layout
Make sure the facility has the appropriate size and layout to contain your furniture, including any bulky or particularly precious items, such as pianos, billiard tables or artwork.
Talk through the size of your household and goods with the removalist, to make sure they understand just how much will need to be stored. It’s easy to underestimate how much stuff you have, and an experienced removalist can help you accurately estimate your furniture storage requirements.
4. Insurance
Check that the removalist has insurance to protect your furniture against damage or loss, both in transit and while in storage.
5. Inventory and Tracking
Ask the removalist how they will be keeping track of all your goods. Ideally, they should take an inventory of everything, and track exactly where everything is stored in their storage facility.
6. Location and Removals
A furniture storage facility that’s close to where you’re moving to or from will generally be preferred, as it will mean you are not paying for excessive transport costs.
You also want to make sure the removalist can get your furniture to where you want it to go – if you are undertaking an interstate move, make sure you’ve chosen a removalist who can organise this for you.
How to make sure they are also great furniture removalists
Remember, you’re not just hiring a furniture storage facility, you want to make sure you’re hiring a top-notch mover too. Consider these 3 criteria:
1. Experience and reputation
Look for a removalist with a proven track record of experience. There are all sorts of removalists out there – including providers who have limited experience. This lack of experience can mean your move takes longer, is unable to be completed, or your furniture gets damaged. Experienced movers will be efficient, have all the necessary equipment, and be much less likely to accidentally damage your goods or property.
2. Services offered
Make sure the removalist offers everything you need. In addition to moving and storage, that may include packing, unpacking and moving items that require particular expertise or equipment (such as pianos, artworks and antiques).
3. Customer reviews
Read customer reviews and, if you’re still unsure, ask for references to get a sense of their level of service and quality. Look for a removalist with a proven track record and lots of genuine, glowing feedback.
Read more about how to find your best furniture removalist in Melbourne.
Finding the best removalist with storage facilities in Melbourne can make all the difference when it comes to a stress-free move, even when it happens in stages. It’s important to choose a reputable and reliable company that has experience, has a safe and secure storage facility, and adequate insurance. By considering the key factors outlined, you can ensure that your move will go smoothly and your possessions will be safe and secure.
Need a removalist offering temporary storage in Melbourne? Pinder Tower Movers is a top-rated removalist with secure, climate controlled furniture storage facilities. They offer a moisture-free environment with 24/7 monitoring systems and a waterless fire-suppression system, supported by computerised tracking.