First decide which furniture will actually fit the renovated home. There is little value in paying for two moves and months of storage for a wardrobe that the new built-in cupboards replace. Mark each item “return,” “sell/donate” or “keep with me” before requesting a quote.
Quote the actual job, including the return
- Photograph the furniture, measure the largest pieces and state which need dismantling or reassembly.
- Give floor numbers, lift sizes, stairs, parking limits and the distance from loading bay to lift at both addresses.
- Ask who supplies wrapping and whether the return includes carrying into the room and reassembly.
- Identify any temporary accommodation or second destination; a second drop-off is a different job.
Compare a self-storage unit plus your own movers against a managed collection-and-storage service. Apple Storage’s service page distinguishes private units from door-to-door storage; ask which service the quote actually covers and whether you can retrieve individual items during the works.
Price one extra month now
Hypothetical budget: HK$1,200 to move in, HK$900 per month for three months and HK$1,200 to move back totals HK$5,100. A fourth month adds at least HK$900 if the same rate applies. If a promotion ends, delivery is rebooked or the contract bills full months, the extension can cost more. Get those rules with the original quote.
Set separate dates for the last day of storage, the notice deadline and the furniture return. Do not give irreversible notice merely because the contractor hopes to finish that week. Confirm the home can accept the delivery and that any building lift booking is secured.
Keep the things you may need out of storage
Keep identification, medicines, essential work equipment, chargers and the renovation paperwork with you. Put a first-week box aside with bedding, towels and basic kitchen items. If a plumber needs an appliance measurement or the contractor needs a spare fitting, the item should not be buried behind the entire household.
At each handover, check the item list and photograph condition. Confirm storage and transport cover separately. Do not store leftover paint, solvents or gas canisters with household furniture; send the operator the item list for approval before collection.