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Moving and Storage for Lab Equipment

scientist looking through lab equipment

Do you need a bigger lab to account for more equipment and increased operations? Are you finding that it’s time to re-evaluate and streamline your processes? Don’t spend your valuable time worrying about the logistics of moving or storing your precious equipment! Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting ready to move.

Short Term Lab Equipment Storage

If you find yourself in a position where your new laboratory isn’t move-in ready or is too small for all of your equipment, you may want to consider a storage facility. Sure, self-storage units are everywhere, but the fact is your valuable equipment needs more security than the standard roll-up door. Lab equipment should be stored in specialized facilities to properly protect your investment.

When choosing a laboratory equipment storage facility, make sure you find one that:

  • Is climate controlled
  • Provides the packing and transportation
  • Provides a detailed inventory
  • Allows easy access to your equipment
  • Sends reminders about the equipment you have in storage

If you’re downsizing, consider selling the equipment you no longer have use for.

Moving Your Lab Equipment to a New Facility

Whether it’s across town or across the country, moving lab equipment takes more than a call to your local moving company. Your equipment is valuable and delicate. Choose a moving service to make the job easier…and safer for your equipment.

Finding a lab equipment moving service involves finding a company that:

  • Handles the packing and unpacking of the equipment
  • Includes all shipping costs so your budget isn’t presented with “surprise” charges
  • Handles all regulatory concerns 
  • Provides an inventory
  • Uses climate controlled trucks and specially designed crates
  • Remains in contact with you throughout the move

Decommissioning a Laboratory

When you’re moving or closing up shop permanently, you need to find a professional decommissioning service to make sure your lab stays compliant throughout every step.

This service should include a site-specific audit and decommissioning plan that covers:

  • Complete inventory, removal, and disposal of all biological, chemical, or physical hazards
  • Deep cleaning of all surfaces, including storage areas, fume hoods, and counters
  • Proper decontamination, removal, disposal, and remediation of hazards
  • Documentation of all steps taken during the decommissioning process
  • Removal, storage, or selling of used lab equipment
  • A “clean bill of health” documentation for all services rendered during the decommissioning process 
  • Universal waste disposal of items such as light bulbs and batteries
  • EHS verification that the decommissioned laboratory space is ready for re-occupancy 

Moving Lab Equipment? Time to Clean House

Moving and storing lab equipment is the perfect time to get rid of outdated or broken items and take a detailed inventory. Just like packing and moving a house, you don’t want to take anything that has outlived its usefulness or pack anything more than you need to get back up and running in your new facility.

Extra items can be refurbished and resold, and unused supplies can be donated to another facility.

Don’t Make the Move Without Us

BaneBio’s Lab Logistics Teams provide professional and efficient services to make your move easier. Because we move labs just like yours every day, we have the expertise, packing supplies, storage facilities, and moving equipment to move you safely, whether it’s around the corner or across the country. Our attention to detail and knowledge of EHS regulations make us a logical choice for moving and storing your lab equipment. Let us plan the logistics of your move; contact us today.