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Household, Moving and Business Storage
Storage Services for Home and Business Moves
Storage can provide a practical solution when moving dates do not align, a new property is not ready, a business is relocating in phases or only part of a household is needed immediately.
You can arrange storage services that can be coordinated with household removals, office relocations, international moves and stand-alone collection or delivery projects with Move Home Easy. The service can be planned for a few boxes, selected furniture, a full household or approved business assets.
Choose the support that fits your move, from a survey, packing, collection, inventory preparation, transport into storage, recurring storage, release handling and delivery to the final address.
Customers searching for moving and storage services should compare more than the monthly rate. Collection, intake handling, packing, inventory work, access, retrieval, release and redelivery can all affect the total cost.
When assessing the most suitable arrangement, take why the goods are being stored, how long they may remain there, whether individual access is required and whether they will later move within the UK or internationally into account.
- Household storage
- Moving storage
- Furniture storage
- Short-term storage
- Long-term storage
- Business and office storage
- Storage before an international move
- Storage after customs clearance
- Collection and redelivery
- Packing and inventory services
House removals
Storage is often arranged alongside packing, collection, transport and redelivery for home moves.
Business moves
Storage can support office moves, phased relocations, furniture holding and business asset handling.
Storage Planned Around What Happens Next
The best storage plan begins with the next stage of the move. Goods being held for two weeks before delivery to a new home have different requirements from furniture being stored for several years.
Move Home Easy starts by identifying what will enter storage, how it should be packed, whether individual access is needed and where the goods are expected to go later.
A customer moving abroad may need export-ready packing and a future international delivery. A family waiting for completion may need short-term household storage and rapid redelivery. A business may need a controlled asset inventory and phased retrieval.
The written quotation should identify the collection, packing, intake handling, storage rate, minimum period, release charges, access arrangements and redelivery assumptions.
Before the arrangements are finalised, update Move Home Easy when the inventory, storage period, access requirement or final destination changes. The space, handling and cost can be affected by additional goods or a different delivery route.
Storage can help when
- Sale and purchase dates do not align
- A tenancy ends before the new one begins
- A property is being renovated
- The customer is moving into temporary accommodation
- The household is downsizing
- Only part of the household is needed immediately
- An international move is being arranged later
- A business is moving in phases
- Surplus furniture is being retained
- Probate or estate arrangements are continuing
On This Page
- Storage services
- How the storage process works
- Household storage
- Storage between moves
- Short-term storage
- Long-term storage
- Containerised and warehouse storage
- Managed storage and self-storage differences
- Packing for storage
- Inventory and labelling
- Access and retrieval
- Business and office storage
- International-move storage
- Security and facility conditions
- Storage for different situations
- Restricted and unsuitable goods
- Storage costs
- Storage checklist
- Frequently asked questions
Storage Services
The exact services included will be confirmed in the written quotation.
Storage Survey
A home or video survey can estimate the volume and identify furniture, appliances, boxes and specialist items.
The survey also helps determine whether packing, dismantling or custom protection is needed before storage.
Collection for Storage
Our team at Move Home Easy can help you collect goods from a home, office, storage unit or another approved location.
Help us assess the move by providing floors, lifts, parking and access restrictions before the collection date is confirmed.
Professional Packing
You can pack goods for short-term or longer storage using suitable cartons and furniture protection.
Fragile, high-value or unusually shaped items may require additional preparation.
Furniture Dismantling
You can dismantle suitable furniture where this improves access or storage efficiency.
The quotation should identify which items are included and whether reassembly is included in the later delivery.
Household Storage
You can store household contents during a move, renovation, temporary relocation or downsizing project.
Depending on your quotation, the available support includes boxes, furniture, appliances and approved personal belongings.
Business Storage
Approved office furniture, crates, archives and selected business assets can be stored during a workplace relocation or refurbishment.
You can include an asset inventory and authorised release contact.
International-Move Storage
You can store goods in the UK before export or held after destination customs clearance where suitable facilities are available.
Prepare the packing and inventory according to the future international route.
Inventory Preparation
Packages and furniture can be numbered and recorded for storage and later redelivery.
A clear inventory is particularly important where only part of the stored consignment may be released.
Item Retrieval
Depending on the storage method and facility, individual retrieval may be possible.
Containerised storage normally offers less frequent access than a self-storage unit or open warehouse arrangement.
Redelivery
When the goods are ready to leave storage, Move Home Easy can assess delivery to a UK address or onward international move.
Before delivery, confirm release notice, destination access and final inventory.
How the Storage Process Works
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Initial Enquiry
Provide the collection postcode, approximate volume, preferred date, expected duration and whether access may be required.
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Survey or Inventory Review
Move Home Easy reviews the goods, furniture, access, packing requirements and likely storage space.
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Storage Recommendation
The moving team recommends a suitable storage and handling arrangement according to the goods and expected access.
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Written Quotation
The quote identifies collection, packing, intake handling, storage rate, minimum period, release and redelivery assumptions.
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Pre-Collection Preparation
The customer removes restricted goods and separates anything that should remain accessible.
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Packing and Labelling
Goods are packed by the customer or Move Home Easy and labelled according to the agreed inventory.
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Collection
The crew protects, loads and transports the goods to the approved storage facility.
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Storage Intake
The goods are received, recorded and placed into the allocated storage arrangement.
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Storage Period
Recurring charges and any agreed access or retrieval requests are managed according to the storage terms.
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Release Request
The customer gives the required notice, confirms the destination and approves the release inventory.
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Redelivery
The goods are loaded and delivered to the agreed address or prepared for another moving service.
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Final Check
The customer checks the delivered inventory and reports visible issues under the applicable procedure.
Household Storage
Household storage can include normal furniture, cartons, clothing, books, kitchenware, appliances and approved personal belongings.
The volume should be estimated after deciding what will be moved, sold, donated or retained at the current property.
Typical household items
- Sofas and chairs
- Beds and bedroom furniture
- Dining tables and chairs
- Wardrobes and storage units
- Books and household records
- Kitchenware
- Clothing and household linen
- Televisions and approved electronics
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- Garden furniture where accepted
Downsizing
Storage can give a customer time to decide which belongings fit a smaller home rather than making every decision before moving day.
Temporary accommodation
Most furniture can remain in storage while essential personal goods travel with the customer where a customer moves into furnished temporary accommodation.
Probate and estate storage
You can store goods connected with an estate while valuations, distributions, sales or property arrangements continue. The authorised customer should confirm who can request access or release.
Storage Between House Moves
Moving dates do not always align. A property sale can complete before the new purchase, or a tenancy can end before the next home is available.
Collection before completion
Our team at Move Home Easy can help you collect and place the household into storage before the customer receives the new keys.
Later delivery
The final delivery is planned when the new property, date and access are confirmed. This is usually clearer than trying to keep goods on a loaded vehicle for an uncertain period.
Split delivery
The customer can request that selected essentials travel to temporary accommodation while the main household enters storage.
Property renovation
Storing furniture during building work can create safer working space and reduce the chance of dust or accidental damage.
Chain delays
Storage can provide a practical contingency where a property chain changes. Availability, additional handling and revised delivery costs should be confirmed.
Short-Term Storage
Short-term storage can mean a few days, several weeks or a small number of months. When assessing the minimum charging period, take the storage provider and arrangement into account.
Common short-term uses
- Waiting for keys
- Temporary accommodation
- Property cleaning
- Minor renovation
- Delayed completion
- Office fit-out
- University term changes
- Short overseas assignments
Rapid redelivery
Ask how much release notice is required and whether the storage method allows straightforward retrieval if the goods may be needed at short notice.
Minimum charges
Even a very short storage period can involve collection, intake and release handling. The total cost may therefore be higher than the weekly rate alone suggests.
Long-Term Storage
Long-term storage can be suitable for extended overseas assignments, downsizing, retained family furniture, archives or assets that may be reused later.
Reviewing what is stored
The longer the expected period, the more important it is to compare the ongoing storage cost with the value and likelihood of reusing the goods.
Packing for a longer period
Long-term storage may justify more detailed packing, furniture protection and condition records than a short holding period.
Contact information
Keep the storage provider updated when the customer's telephone number, email, billing address or authorised contact changes.
Periodic review
Businesses and households should review the inventory periodically and decide whether all items still need to remain in storage.
Containerised and Warehouse Storage
Storage providers use different systems. The quotation should identify the actual storage method rather than using the word “storage” without explanation.
Containerised storage
Goods are normally packed into dedicated storage containers or modules and handled as a unit. This can reduce repeated handling when access is not required frequently.
Access to individual items may require the container to be retrieved and opened by appointment.
Warehouse storage
Goods can be placed into an organised warehouse arrangement using pallets, crates, racks or allocated floor space.
Assess warehouse storage can offer more flexible inventory handling, but the exact protection, access and pricing in light of the facility.
Open or mixed warehouse areas
Ask how the customer's goods are separated, identified and protected from other stored consignments.
Storage modules and pods
Some facilities use portable storage modules that are loaded at the property or warehouse. Before booking, establish whether the goods remain in the same module until redelivery.
Managed Storage and Self-Storage
Managed storage and self-storage are not the same service.
Managed storage
The removal company collects the goods, prepares them for storage and places them into the facility. Access and release are arranged through the provider.
Self-storage
The customer normally rents a unit and controls the lock and access. The customer or mover transports the goods into and out of the unit.
Which option is more suitable?
Managed storage can suit customers who do not need frequent access and prefer collection and redelivery to be coordinated. Self-storage can suit customers who need regular access and are willing to manage the unit.
Compare the complete cost
A self-storage monthly rate may exclude van hire, labour and packing. Managed storage may include or separately charge collection, intake, handling and delivery.
Packing for Storage
Goods entering storage should be packed according to their fragility, the expected period and the likely handling.
Furniture protection
Furniture can be protected using suitable covers, wrapping and blankets during collection and storage handling.
Cartons
Use strong cartons in suitable sizes. Normally, heavy books should be packed into smaller boxes than clothing or bedding.
Labelling
Each carton should have a useful description and package number. Avoid relying only on the word “miscellaneous”.
Appliances
Appliances should be disconnected, drained, cleaned and dried according to the manufacturer's instructions before storage.
Refrigerators and freezers
Normally, these appliances should be empty, defrosted, clean and dry. Doors may need to remain slightly open to reduce odour and moisture.
Upholstered furniture
Sofas, chairs and mattresses should be clean and dry before packing. Moisture trapped under covers can create problems during longer storage.
Wooden furniture
Avoid placing damp or recently treated furniture into storage. Loose parts, shelves and fittings should be labelled.
Electronics
Back up data, remove personal or confidential media where appropriate and keep cables labelled with the correct device.
Storage Inventory and Labelling
A clear inventory helps track what entered storage and what should be released later.
Package numbering
Each carton, wrapped furniture item and separate object should have a unique package number where an itemised inventory is being used.
Useful descriptions
- Books
- Adult clothing
- Kitchen utensils
- Household linen
- Children's toys
- Office files
- Dining chairs
- Television
- Bed frame
- Wooden sideboard
Condition records
Photographs and condition notes can be useful for high-value, antique or already damaged items.
Business assets
Business inventories can include asset numbers, departments, owners, retention dates and authorised release contacts.
Updates
Any item added, removed or retrieved should be recorded so that the storage inventory remains accurate.
Access and Retrieval During Storage
Access arrangements depend on the facility and storage method. Check the actual position rather than assuming that stored goods can be visited or opened at any time.
No-access storage
This can suit a household move where the complete consignment will remain stored until one final delivery.
Appointment-based access
The provider can retrieve a container, pallet or allocated area for access by appointment. Handling or access charges can apply.
Individual-item retrieval
Retrieving one item is easier where the inventory identifies its package number and storage location.
Regular access
Customers needing frequent access may be better suited to self-storage or another access-focused facility.
Authorised persons
You should identify who is allowed to request access, retrieve goods or authorise release.
Notice periods
Ask how much notice is required for access and whether appointments are available during weekends or public holidays.
Business and Office Storage
Businesses can use storage during an office move, lease transition, refurbishment, downsizing or multi-site consolidation.
Office furniture
Desks, chairs, tables, storage units and approved modular furniture can be stored for later reuse.
Archives and records
Archive boxes should be labelled according to the agreed department or reference system. Confidential records require suitable access controls and retention procedures.
Moving crates
Reusable crates can be held temporarily during a phased move, although rental and collection periods should be controlled.
IT equipment
Approved computers, monitors and printers can be stored where they have been prepared properly. Data protection, backups and technical requirements remain the client's responsibility.
Surplus assets
Storage can provide time to decide whether furniture will be reused, relocated, donated, recycled or disposed of.
Phased retrieval
A business can retrieve assets by department, floor, project stage or destination where the inventory and storage arrangement support it.
Storage for International Moves
International relocations often require storage because the customer leaves the UK before the destination property, visa, customs records or shipping date are ready.
Storage before export
Goods can be collected and stored in the UK until the international route and documents are confirmed.
Export-ready packing
Sea or air, the packing and inventory should be prepared for the intended international service where the goods will later travel by road.
Part shipment and retained goods
A customer can ship part of the household abroad and retain selected goods in UK storage. The two inventories should remain clearly separated.
Destination storage
Some destination agents can store goods after customs clearance. In other destinations, customs or port storage is expensive and should not be treated as normal household storage.
International redelivery
The future route can use European road transport, groupage, a dedicated container or air freight according to the destination and volume.
Storage Security and Facility Conditions
Before the arrangements are finalised, understand how the proposed facility controls access, identifies stored goods and responds to incidents. Security arrangements differ between facilities and should not be assumed from the word “storage” alone.
Controlled access
Ask who can enter the storage area, how visitors and contractors are authorised and how access requests are recorded. Managed storage normally limits access to authorised staff and customers attending by appointment.
Building and perimeter security
A facility can use locked compounds, controlled gates, alarms, lighting, CCTV or other measures. Move Home Easy should publish only the features verified for the actual facility being offered.
Fire protection
Discuss the facility's fire-detection, compartmentation and emergency procedures when agreeing the service. Goods that increase fire risk, including fuels, gas cylinders and flammable chemicals, should not enter ordinary storage.
Water and moisture risks
Goods should be clean and dry before storage. Before the arrangements are finalised, also ask how the facility manages leaks, flooding, condensation and ventilation.
Temperature-sensitive goods
Ordinary household storage is not necessarily temperature or humidity controlled. Artwork, wine, musical instruments, documents, photographs, medicines and specialist equipment can require a purpose-designed environment.
Pest management
Food, plants, waste and damp goods can attract pests. Facilities should maintain appropriate inspection and pest-management procedures, while customers should ensure that stored goods are clean and suitable.
Insurance and declared values
Facility security does not replace suitable insurance or storage protection. Ask how values are declared, what risks are covered and which exclusions or excesses apply.
Storage for Different Moving Situations
Storage during renovation
Furniture can be removed before decorating, flooring, structural work or kitchen installation begins. This creates working space and reduces exposure to dust, paint and accidental impact.
The return delivery should be scheduled after the property is safe, clean and accessible. Move Home Easy does not inspect or certify whether renovation work is complete.
Storage while downsizing
Customers moving into a smaller property may not know immediately which furniture will fit. Temporary storage allows the customer to measure the new space and make decisions after the move.
Review the storage inventory after a defined period so that low-value items do not remain stored indefinitely without a clear purpose.
Storage for students
Students can store cartons, books, clothing, bicycles and approved small furniture between tenancies or academic terms. Collection and delivery should be coordinated with accommodation check-out and check-in times.
Shared accommodation can make inventory and ownership labels particularly important.
Storage during probate
You can store household goods while an estate is administered, a property is sold or beneficiaries decide how items will be distributed.
The authorised representative should confirm who may request access, release or delivery. Move Home Easy does not determine ownership or beneficiary rights.
Storage before a house sale
Removing surplus furniture can create space for photography, viewings or property preparation. The goods can later be delivered to the new home or moved into longer-term storage.
Storage for an overseas assignment
A customer taking a furnished property abroad may store most of the UK household while shipping only essential goods. The retained and exported inventories should remain separate.
Storage for businesses during refurbishment
Office furniture, archives and approved equipment can be removed while a workplace is refitted. A phased return can follow the new floor plan and departmental priorities.
Restricted and Unsuitable Goods for Storage
Storage terms normally exclude dangerous, illegal, perishable or unusually high-risk goods. Check the exact exclusions before collection.
Goods commonly excluded or restricted
- Explosives and fireworks
- Fuels and flammable liquids
- Gas cylinders
- Illegal goods
- Perishable food
- Live plants and animals
- Hazardous chemicals
- Unsealed liquids likely to leak
- Waste and contaminated goods
- Cash and bearer instruments
- Jewellery and irreplaceable valuables
- Unapproved medicines or biological materials
Food
Perishable and open food should not be stored with household goods. Even sealed food can attract pests or create odours over time.
Plants
Plants normally require light, water and ventilation and are generally unsuitable for ordinary storage.
Valuables
Cash, jewellery, passports and irreplaceable personal documents should remain with the customer rather than entering normal storage.
Hazardous goods
Chemicals, fuels, pressurised containers and other dangerous goods require specialist handling and should not be placed into ordinary household or business storage.
How Much Does Storage Cost?
There is no single reliable price. When assessing the total, take volume, handling, storage method, duration, access and redelivery into account.
Volume
The amount of space required is one of the main pricing factors. A survey or item list helps estimate the volume more accurately.
Collection
Assess collection charges in light of distance, crew, vehicle, floors, lifts, parking and carrying distance.
Packing
Professional packing, cartons, furniture protection and custom cases can be charged separately.
Intake handling
The provider may charge for receiving, inventorying and placing goods into storage.
Recurring storage
Storage can be charged weekly, monthly or by another agreed billing period. A minimum period can apply.
Access and retrieval
Appointments, container retrieval, item picking and repacking can create additional handling charges.
Release handling
Removing goods from storage and preparing them for delivery can be charged separately from the recurring rate.
Redelivery
When assessing the final delivery price, take the destination, vehicle, crew and property access into account.
Long-distance or international delivery
Goods leaving storage for another UK city or overseas destination require a separate moving or shipping quotation.
Insurance or storage protection
Before confirming the service, establish what liability or cover is included, which optional protection is available and how high-value goods must be declared.
Questions to ask when comparing storage quotes
- What volume has been allowed?
- Is collection included?
- Is professional packing included?
- Is intake handling included?
- What is the minimum storage period?
- How often will I be billed?
- Are access appointments charged?
- Can individual items be retrieved?
- Is release handling included?
- Is redelivery included?
- What notice is required?
- What protection applies to the goods?
- How are late payments handled?
Storage Planning Checklist
Before Requesting a Quote
- Decide what will be stored.
- Identify goods for sale, donation or disposal.
- Estimate the expected storage period.
- Decide whether access may be needed.
- Identify the likely final delivery destination.
- List large, fragile and high-value items.
Before Collection
- Confirm the collection date and access.
- Remove food, plants and restricted goods.
- Separate passports, medication and valuables.
- Back up computers and important files.
- Clean and dry appliances and furniture.
- Label cartons clearly.
- Photograph valuable or pre-damaged items.
At Storage Intake
- Confirm the inventory.
- Check the number of packages.
- Confirm the billing period.
- Confirm authorised contacts.
- Keep the storage agreement and inventory safely.
During Storage
- Keep contact and payment details updated.
- Request access with the required notice.
- Record any items retrieved or added.
- Review whether all goods still need to remain stored.
Before Release
- Give the required notice.
- Confirm the complete delivery address.
- Provide floors, lifts and parking information.
- Confirm the release inventory.
- Arrange international customs documents where applicable.
- Ensure an authorised adult can receive the goods.
Why Choose Move Home Easy for Storage?
Storage works best when collection, packing, inventory, recurring storage and final delivery are planned as one service.
Our team at Move Home Easy can help you assess the goods, arrange collection and prepare a written quotation showing the expected handling and storage costs.
We encourage customers to compare the complete service rather than selecting a provider by the lowest monthly rate alone.
Your questions about Storage Services:
Is it possible to store plants?
Because they require light, water and ventilation, plants are generally unsuitable for ordinary storage.
At what stage should I book storage?
Once you know the likely collection date and volume, reserve the service as early as practical. Allow extra notice during busy moving periods.
Which factors determine the cost of storage?
Your quotation is worked out from volume, collection, packing, intake handling, duration, access, release and redelivery. A complete quote is more useful than the monthly rate alone.
Can the moving team pack my belongings before storage?
Your quote can include full packing, fragile-only preparation and protection for furniture. Confirm the agreed work before booking.
What should I know about long-term storage?
It may be possible to use long-term storage for extended overseas assignments, downsizing, retained furniture, archives or business assets.
How is the move handled if I need storage for longer than expected?
Speak to the storage provider before your planned end date if you need longer. Ongoing charges normally continue until release of the goods.
What should I know about containerised storage?
Containerised storage keeps the goods in dedicated modules handled together as a unit. It can limit repeat handling when you do not need frequent access.
Is it possible to pack my own boxes?
Owner packing depends on the storage terms. Choose strong boxes, avoid excess weight and label each carton so its contents can be identified.
Is it possible to store only furniture?
Yes. Selected furniture can be collected and stored, subject to the facility and item types.
Can the moving team store office furniture?
During refurbishment or a workplace move, storage can hold approved desks, chairs, tables, storage furniture, crates and selected office assets.
Is collection my goods for storage available?
Arrangements for collection can be made subject to confirmed coverage and property access. Provide the postcode, floors, lifts and parking details.
What should I know about short-term storage?
Use short-term storage for a brief gap between homes, renovation work or a wait for keys. The exact period should match your booking.
What minimum term applies to storage?
Depending on the provider and storage arrangement, a minimum charging period can apply. Check the quotation.
Is it possible to access my goods during storage?
When assessing access, take the facility and method into account. Some arrangements allow appointments, while containerised storage may be intended for infrequent access.
What should I know about managed storage?
The removal company handles collection and intake, then works with the storage provider to coordinate later access and release.
What should I know about the difference between managed storage and self-storage?
Self-storage gives you a rented unit under your control. With managed storage, collection is included and the provider controls intake and release arrangements.
Is it possible to store the contents of a whole house?
You can assess a full household using a survey to estimate the volume, packing and handling requirements.
Is it possible to store appliances?
You can store approved appliances after they are disconnected, cleaned, drained and dried according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Is it possible to store a refrigerator or freezer?
Normally, they should be empty, defrosted, clean and dry before storage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Is it possible to store food?
Leave perishable and open food out of storage. Sealed food can also cause problems with pests or odours, so discuss it before packing.
Is it possible to store jewellery or cash?
Keep cash, jewellery, passports and irreplaceable valuables with you. They should stay outside an ordinary storage consignment.
Is it possible for my to goods stay in storage while I move abroad?
Goods can be stored in the UK before export or retained while the customer lives overseas.
Is it possible for goods to go from storage directly overseas?
The goods can be assessed for a later European or worldwide move. Export packing, customs and international transport require a separate quotation.
Can the moving team store confidential records?
Records can require controlled inventory and access arrangements. The business remains responsible for its data-protection and retention obligations.
Is it possible to add items after storage begins?
It may be possible to accept additional goods subject to available space, collection arrangements and updated inventory and charges.
When would I need insurance for stored goods?
Before confirming the service, establish what liability or protection is included, which optional cover is available and whether high-value items must be declared.
Which storage options can I include in my move?
Our team at Move Home Easy can help you assess household, moving, furniture, business and international-move storage, including collection and later delivery.
What notice period is required for redelivery?
When assessing the notice period, take the storage arrangement, provider capacity and destination into account. Check the written terms.
Is delivery to a different address later available?
Yes. The final destination can differ from the original plan, but a revised delivery quotation may be required.
Is it possible to retrieve one item?
Retrieving one item may be possible if the inventory identifies it and the storage method permits access. Check any handling charge before requesting retrieval.
Start Planning Your Storage
Tell Move Home Easy what needs to be stored, where it is located, how long it may remain in storage and where it is likely to be delivered later. Speak to our team about how we can review the collection, packing, volume and handling and prepare a tailored quotation.
A note from Move Home Easy
A little preparation makes moving easier
Create a moving folder before your survey: include a room-by-room list, access photos and your preferred dates. Then compare written quotes line by line, checking the allowances for packing, transport, storage and delivery. This makes gaps in the service easier to spot before you book.