So, you decided to move your workshop to another location. That is nice but moving can bring you a lot of headaches if you don’t plan it well in advance. Moving can be very stressful and if you are relocating your workshop, big problems are just around the corner. All the heavy tools, power tools, machinery can’t be easy to move. If you plan in advance and stick to your plan the whole operation can go relatively easy and without stress. Of course, that also depends on what type of workshop you own, what type and how much tools your workshop has. Take a moment and read the following tips for moving your workshop. You will find general guidelines and some nice ideas.
How to pack a workshop for moving
When the time comes to pack a workshop for moving you shouldn’t rush in. Planning is the most important part of your moving. Take the time and prepare yourself. First and foremost you should prepare some items like packing tapes, labels and similar.
Planning your moving can make a huge difference for your move.
Items you should consider preparing before you start packing:
- Small plastic containers (food containers or plastic jars). When you are moving your workshop, screws, bolts, and nails are easy to store in small plastic containers.
- Sticker labels and permanent markers, for marking your boxes
- Plastic zip lock bags of different sizes
- Garbage bags for trash
- Packing tapes
- Packing paper
- Various strong packing boxes for moving
- Plastic packing rope
- Few pieces of old clothes for protecting sharp objects
- Larger heavy-duty plastic trash cans, if you own some long-handled tools.
When you are moving to a smaller workshop all the excess tools can be stored in a storage unit. You can rent a storage unit for as long as you need it.
How to pack tools for moving
How to pack large tools for moving
No matter what type of workshop you’re moving the process is the same. When it comes to clutter or small tools all workshops are the same. First, you need to collect all the larger tools so you can have a better look at what awaits you. Take the simple long-handled tools and put them in a large trash can and bind them together with rope. This way you can store a good number of tools and easily move them.
Second, you should take apart your electrical and power tools. Carefully read user manuals and follow the instructions. You need to empty all the fuel and oils they contain and properly clean them. Take all the sharp parts, wrap them in cloth and store them in a suitable container. Secure them so they don’t move. If they move around during your move, the blades or container could get damaged.
When you’re done with collecting and disassembling of all the larger tools and items take them out of the workshop. Now you can have a better estimation of how much effort you’re going to take to prepare your workshop for moving. After all the larger stuff is out of the way, take a trash bag and collect the garbage. Empty bottles and bottle caps, pieces of paper and similar debris or rubbish are all going to trash.
How to pack smaller tools for moving your workshop
Next, when you are done with throwing the garbage, collect all the small screws and parts. Sort them in those small plastic containers you have prepared earlier. If you have used containers that are not transparent label them properly. When the unpacking comes you will not need to open every jar to see what’s inside. Small tools, like screwdrivers and such, can be stored in a toolbox you probably already own.
When moving a workshop, small tools can be a big problem.
List of items that are prohibited on a moving truck
Dangerous liquids like gasoline, paints or some sorts of chemicals are not allowed on a moving truck. Please, take all the necessary actions to dispose of them properly. For example, you can safely dispose of latex paint. Mix a cat litter with paint, wait until it is dry and then you can throw the dried paint can. On the other hand, oil-based paints are a different story. Because they’re considered hazardous, if you want to dispose of them safely, you must take them to a recycling center. Please inform yourself on how to properly dispose of any waste. You should properly dispose of any waste that could be recycled or dangerous for you or your surroundings.
There is a long list of items that are not allowed on the moving truck. Also, you should learn how to load a moving truck. Here are some of the things that could be of your interest when you are moving your workshop:
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Motor oil
- Nail polish remover (Acetone)
- Paint
- Paint thinner
- Bleach
Read the complete list of items that are prohibited on a moving truck in advance!
Tips for moving heavy equipment
For this part, you’ll need to make sure that you have the knowledge, people and the equipment for this task. If you are determined to move your workshop yourself, you can start by making sure the floor is clean and free of any debris. Also, try to remove anything that could get in the way. Stuff hanging off the wall or ceiling, cables and similar all need to be removed. The equipment required for this kind of job usually consists of hydraulic jacks or forklift jacks, crowbars, dollies, straps, chains. You will also need a lot of strong helping hands.
You need to be prepared when moving heavy equipment
Hire a professional moving company when moving your workshop
Moving heavy equipment on your own is not advisable and should not be done by amateurs. The best way is to hire a rigger to do the job if you plan to move really heavy machines. On the other hand, if your machines are not too big you could hire a professional moving company. Before hiring ask them if they have experience with moving heavy workshop equipment. There is a chance that movers don’t know exactly where is the center of gravity of your table saw. It would be better if you could witness the lifting and help the workers with some advice. Before they begin moving your workshop equipment you need to make sure that all the loose parts are secured. Take photos from every angle and leave the notes to movers that will be carrying your precious cargo.
Remember that hiring a professional moving company is the best way to avoid stress, injury or any other complication. Moving your workshop could be a complicated task for you. Hiring a professional to help you is the best way of doing it, but will also cost you more. If you decide to do the job yourself keep in mind all the tips for moving your workshop you read here and you’ll be fine.
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