For a librarian, a successful move comes down to two things: the collection comes back in the same order it left, and in the same condition. Ede's relocates academic, public and specialist libraries across London and the UK, working with librarians, archivists and facilities teams so that valuable collections are protected, shelf order is maintained and disruption to library services is kept to a minimum, from the initial consultation through to final reinstatement.
The whole point of a library move is that the collection goes back on the shelves in exactly the order it came off them. We do that with sequential packing and a documented method, not by hoping it works out:
Run mapping.
Before anything is packed, we map the collection run by run, so we know where every section starts and ends.
Labelling.
Crates and shelves are labelled to a scheme that ties each crate back to its exact position in the sequence.
Crate sequencing.
Items are packed in strict shelf order and the crates are numbered in sequence, so unpacking is simply the reverse of packing.
Reinstatement in order.
At the new site, crates go back to their mapped positions and the collection is reshelved in sequence, section by section. Because the sequence is recorded, we can also carry out cataloguing checks and collection inventories during the move, so you know the collection is complete and correctly ordered when it is back on the shelves.
Each type is packed and handled in the way that suits it, from standard shelving runs through to fragile or high-value items that need extra protection.
We map the collection run by run before packing, label crates and shelves to a sequence, then pack in strict shelf order with numbered crates. At the new site the crates go back to their mapped positions and the collection is reshelved in sequence, so it returns exactly as it was.
Usually, yes. We plan phased moves and collection decants so that most services keep running, relocating one section at a time and working around your opening hours and reading-room bookings.
Rare and fragile items are given appropriate protective packing and handled by trained staff. Where a collection includes objects or artefacts, we treat them with the same care as our museum moves work.
Yes. Collections can be held in managed business storage or secure archive storage during a phased move or while a new space is prepared, and returned to the shelves in order when you are ready.
Yes. For academic libraries we plan the move around term dates, exam periods and teaching schedules, so the disruption falls where it does least harm.
Our staff are directly employed, permanent and security-cleared, and DBS checks are in place where a site or contract requires them, which is common in public and academic settings. We can confirm the checks that apply before work starts.
To plan a library relocation or arrange a survey, contact our team.
Our relocation crews are permanently employed, trained in-house and Enhanced DBSchecked, as standard. This gives our clients complete confidence thatexperienced, trusted professionals are supporting them.
Accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, Ede's combines industry-recognised quality, environmental and health & safety management systems with secure GDPR-compliant data handling and responsive customer support.
From straight-forward office moves to complex multi-site relocations, we develop bespoke solutions that are tailored to your business, your objectives and your budget.
