New home not ready yet? How to arrange moving and short-term storage

Key answers

If the dates for the old and new homes do not match, first arrange where people will stay and where essential items will be placed, then plan the three stages of moving out, temporary storage and redelivery.

List three dates first, so tentative plans are not mistaken for confirmed ones

Record separately the date the old premises must be handed back, the expected date the new premises will be available, and the latest time by which confirmation can be made. Where renovation, inspection or handover remains uncertain, check the actual progress with the relevant parties and do not rely solely on verbal estimates.

Decide separately whether moving out, temporary storage and delivery back need to be arranged separately. First explain any uncertainties and the approximate timeframe to the company, and ask how to extend the arrangement or change the return date, so you do not only book the first leg and miss the later steps.

Keep personal essentials according to the needs of the temporary stay period

Temporary accommodation may last more than one night, so prepare clothing, medicines, documents, and work and school items according to the family’s needs. Take out keys, chargers and everyday papers first, so you do not discover you need them only after they have been stored with items you rarely use.

• Clothing and personal items needed within a period of time
• Work laptop, textbooks and essential accessories
• Important documents, follow-up appointment records and regular medication
• Daily necessities for the elderly, children and pets

Clearly label items for temporary storage, storage and delivery to the new home

If there are multiple destinations on the same day, mark them in writing and with box numbers, not by colour alone. The list should show the destination and contact person for each batch of items, and confirm with the moving company whether multiple addresses, split deliveries or mid-way arrangements are possible and how they will be charged.

If any items need to be retrieved earlier, please raise this in advance. Do not assume you can freely take any box out after storage. Please confirm the actual retrieval method and any restrictions before deciding whether the item should be left at the temporary accommodation.

Compare quotes based on the full two-way arrangement

When comparing, include the scope for moving out of the old home, storage and return to the new home, then check item by item the packing, dismantling/reassembly and route requirements. If the end date is undecided, ask about the charging method and extension arrangements; do not assume a short-term quote means unlimited storage.

If the new home address is not yet finalised, please state this honestly. After that, provide the floor, access and parking details to confirm the redelivery arrangement. The moving fee calculator can only help organise the item subtotal; it cannot replace a full storage quotation.

Carry out a new home inspection before confirming the return delivery

Confirm the floor, walls and main works are suitable for placing items, then check the lift booking and the building’s moving time slot. If arrangements for any works inside the flat are not yet complete, coordinate with the relevant people first to avoid repeated moving after delivery.

Arrange unloading positions by room in the new home, placing large furniture first and then counting boxes by zone. If the date changes again, contact the company as soon as possible to update it; do not assume the original vehicle, manpower or time slot will be automatically kept.

Frequently Asked Questions