Case Study: Safe & Secure : Relocating Two Fireproof Safes for WBW Solicitors
When we talk about "easing the squeeze," we usually mean finding a little extra room for your winter wardrobe or clearing out the spare room for a new arrival. But for some of our long-term commercial customers, the "squeeze" is a lot heavier than a few boxes of clothes.
Recently, our sister company, Bishop's Move, the commercial relocation experts, handled a heavyweight challenge for WBW Solicitors: relocating two massive, fireproof safes between offices. At the same time, our team at Ease the Squeeze Exeter provided the secure storage support that helped make the wider transition simple, safe, and well organised. This wasn’t just a simple hop across town; it was a joint effort that required precision, serious muscle, and a level of health and safety planning that would make a structural engineer proud.
Moving heavy equipment between offices in Axminster and Honiton isn't just about lifting: it’s about planning, partnership, and having the right specialists in the right roles. Here is how Bishop's Move managed the relocation while Ease the Squeeze Exeter provided the storage solution for one of our most valued business storage clients.
The Mission: Axminster to Honiton via Exeter
WBW Solicitors are a prestigious firm with deep roots in the South West. They’ve been a long-term self-store customer with us, using our secure storage units to manage their archive and equipment needs.
The task at hand was specific: relocate two fireproof cabinets from their Axminster location to their office in Honiton, with Bishop's Move leading the commercial relocation and Ease the Squeeze Exeter providing the storage element that supported the wider project.
Now, if you’ve ever tried to nudge a fireproof safe, you’ll know they don’t exactly "nudge." These units are designed to withstand extreme heat and theft, which means they are incredibly dense and incredibly heavy. Add in the logistical challenges of office access, the need for specialist moving expertise, and the strict Health & Safety requirements of a professional legal environment, and you’ve got a job that requires much more than a standard man-and-van. That’s exactly why this worked so well as a joint effort: Bishop's Move handled the heavy lifting and relocation, while Ease the Squeeze Exeter delivered the secure storage support behind the scenes.
Why Safe Relocation is "Expert Mode" Storage
We often joke that packing a storage unit is like a game of Tetris or Jenga. You want to make sure every piece fits perfectly to maximise your space. But when you’re dealing with fireproof safes, it’s more like "Industrial Jenga."
The weight and access challenges are the two biggest hurdles. Most office buildings aren't designed for moving half-tonne cabinets every day. We had to consider:
Floor Loading: Can the floor at both the origin and destination handle the concentrated weight of the safe and the moving equipment?
Door Widths and Gradients: Narrow corridors and small door frames are the natural enemies of heavy safe relocation.
Public Safety: In busy towns like Axminster and Honiton, moving heavy items across pavements requires a clear exclusion zone to keep the public safe.
💡 Pro Tip: If you are planning a business move involving heavy safes, always check the weight rating of your lifts and the structural integrity of your floors first. It’s better to know the limits before the safe is halfway down the corridor!
Health, Safety, and the "Great Debrief"
For a job this complex, a formal Health & Safety (H&S) care plan was non-negotiable. This involved a detailed risk assessment and a method statement that outlined every single step of the move, with Bishop's Move overseeing the specialist relocation work and Ease the Squeeze Exeter supporting the storage side of the operation.
Before the first safe was even touched, the team conducted a thorough debrief. Bishop's Move planned the handling and relocation method in detail, while the wider job was coordinated to ensure the safes could be moved and stored securely with Ease the Squeeze Exeter as needed. We discussed the centre of gravity for the units, the specific route through the buildings, and the mechanical handling equipment required (like heavy-duty pallet trucks and skates).
Safety isn't just about wearing high-vis vests; it’s about a mindset. In a joint project like this, that meant making sure Bishop's Move could carry out the heavy lifting safely and professionally, while Ease the Squeeze Exeter provided secure storage support without adding extra hassle for the client. The priority throughout was keeping the cabinets, the buildings, and most importantly, the people involved entirely out of harm’s way. By following a strict "Safe System of Work," we turned a high-risk task into a smooth, routine operation.
Collection & Delivery: The Ultimate No-Lifting Solution
For many of our customers, our storage collection and delivery service is the "secret sauce" that makes moving stress-free. For WBW Solicitors, it was a necessity.
While we always encourage customers to visit our Exeter storage facility to see our secure units for themselves, we know that for businesses handling heavy stock or equipment, getting those items to the unit is the hardest part.
Our collection service means you don't have to worry about hiring specialist vehicles or risking a back injury. We pick up your items, store them in our secure facility, and return them whenever you’re ready. In this case, we provided the "bridge" between two office locations, ensuring the transition was seamless.
The Testimonial: Professionalism in Action
We could talk all day about our processes, but nothing speaks louder than the feedback from the people we serve. Rebecca Cosgrove from WBW Solicitors was kind enough to share her experience of this joint effort between Bishop's Move and Ease the Squeeze Exeter:
> "The team was friendly, efficient, and very safety-conscious throughout the move. Bishop's Move handled the heavy cabinets with great care and professionalism, and the support from Ease the Squeeze Exeter made the storage side of the job straightforward and stress-free. What really stood out was how smoothly the whole process ran from start to finish."
That phrase "smoothly from start to finish" is exactly what we aim for in partnerships like this. With Bishop's Move taking care of the heavy lifting and relocation and Ease the Squeeze Exeter providing secure storage, WBW Solicitors had the right support at every stage. Whether you're storing archive files, office furniture, or creating a practical bridge during a business move, our goal is to leave you feeling Sorted. Simple. Sustainable.
Why Businesses Choose Ease the Squeeze Exeter
This case study is a perfect example of why our business storage solutions are so popular across Devon. We aren't just a place to keep your stuff; we are a logistics partner.
Our Exeter site, located conveniently in Matford, offers:
Flexible Options: From small indoor lockers to large drive-up containers.
Zero Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. No nasty surprises on your invoice.
Unrivalled Security: With 24/7 CCTV and secure access, your business assets are in safe hands.
Expert Staff: Our team understands the unique pressures of commercial relocations.
Simple. Professional. Secure.
Moving heavy, fireproof safes is a specialist task, but at its heart, it’s about the same thing as every other storage job we do: peace of mind. Knowing that your most valuable items (whether they are legal documents or sentimental furniture) are being handled by experts allows you to focus on what you do best.
If your business is planning a move, or if you simply need to clear some "breathing room" in your office, Ease the Squeeze is here to help. From Axminster to Honiton and everywhere in between, we’ve got the muscle and the units to make it happen.
Need a quote for your next business move?
Don't risk the heavy lifting yourself. Whether it’s two fireproof safes or 200 boxes of archive files, our Exeter team is ready to help.
Get Your Instant Quote Online or call us on 0800 107 8422 to chat with one of our friendly experts today!