Imagine this: you’re in the midst of planning a move. While you’re packing boxes, you get a call. There’s been a construction delay on your new home. You won’t be able to move into your new house for at least a month until after you close on your current residence.
Your first instinct might be to book a self-storage facility down the road. However, did you know that many moving companies offer storage services too? Which option is better? In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly what storage with movers looks like and help you decide the best choice for your unique situation.
Why You May Need Storage Services While Moving
Here are some common scenarios where you might find yourself in need of storage services during a move:
- Sometimes, your original home sells faster than anticipated, leaving you with a gap before your new place is ready.
- You may be moving out but haven’t yet purchased your next home, necessitating a temporary storage solution.
- Before moving into your permanent home, you might have to stay in a temporary residence, such as a rental or with friends and family.
- New builds or home renovations can experience delays, requiring you to store your belongings while you wait for your new home to be ready.
- There may be a time gap between the closing of your current home and the closing on your new one or between the end of one lease and the start of another.
- If you plan to take a vacation or travel elsewhere before arriving at your new home, you’ll need a place to store your belongings while you’re away.
- If you’re relocating abroad for a while but plan to return, storing your items safely until you come back is essential.
Can Moving Companies Store Your Stuff?
Yes, many moving companies offer storage with movers. Moving and storage services can be convenient and efficient when you need a place to store your belongings temporarily.
When discussing your move, ask the moving company if they have their own storage facilities. When speaking to moving companies with storage, request that they include a storage option in their quote. Storage with movers can streamline the process and reduce the hassle of coordinating multiple service providers.
How Does Storage With Movers Differ From Self-Storage?
Storage with movers differs significantly from traditional self-storage. Here’s how:
Storage in wooden vaults in a warehouse instead of a storage locker: Unlike self-storage, which keeps items in a locker, moving companies with storage secure belongings in large wooden vaults within a warehouse.
Movers with storage professionally load the storage vaults to maximize space: Professional movers expertly load these storage vaults and use the space the most efficiently.
Items are professionally packed, protected, and inventoried before loading into storage to avoid damage. When moving and storage are combined, the movers carefully pack and protect items and create a detailed inventory to keep track of everything.
Moving companies with storage keep the vaults in a managed location: These vaults are stored in a secure, managed moving and storage facility until the customer is ready for delivery to their new home.
Moving companies design storage with movers to store and deliver all or most of the contents. Moving and storage services are ideal for situations where customers need to store and later retrieve a large number of items all at once, rather than gradually adding or removing a few items as one might with self-storage.
Visit Olympia Moving’s full-service storage page for more detailed information about full-service storage.
Long Distance Moving Companies With Storage
For customers moving to a new state, long-distance moving companies with storage offer a “Storage in Transit” (SIT) service, where belongings are stored temporarily during the moving process.
SIT allows customers to store belongings with a mover near the origin or destination. Long-distance companies with storage generally recommend storing the shipment near the destination for faster delivery when the customer is ready to receive it.
For interstate moving, the first 90 days of storage are typically priced as SIT, which bases the cost on the weight of the shipment. For customers needing more than 90 days of long-distance moving and storage services, the pricing usually converts to long-term storage rates based on the mover’s monthly rate per vault.
Understanding these options can help shippers better plan for moving and storage services and provide a smoother transition to a new home.
Local Moving Companies With Storage
Local moving companies offer short-term and long-term storage options to accommodate various needs. Typically, movers with storage price the service per vault per month. Some moving and storage companies might also have discounted annual rates for long-term storage.
Additionally, movers can cater to short-term storage needs, whether it’s for under a month or just a few days. For instance, if there are only a few days between house closings, some movers might charge a nightly rate to store the belongings on the truck. This flexibility allows customers to find a storage solution that fits their specific timeline and budget.
How Long Will Moving Companies Store Your Stuff?
Moving and storage companies can store belongings for as long as requested, ranging from as little as one night to several months or even years.
For long-distance moving companies with storage, the initial Storage in Transit (SIT) period is typically up to 90 days. After that period, the storage could convert to a monthly storage rate. This flexibility ensures that moving companies can accommodate the customer’s needs, whether they need a short-term solution or long-term storage.
The Pros of Storage With Movers
Choosing storage with movers comes with several advantages:
- Storage with movers is usually cost-effective compared to self-storage options.
- Professional movers maximize the use of storage space, requiring far less storage area.
- Moving and storage companies professionally pack and load the belongings, reducing the risk of damage during handling.
- Movers with storage provide a detailed inventory of the stored items, ensuring nothing is misplaced.
- Professional movers handle everything, so the customer doesn’t need to lift a finger.
- The moving and storage company is liable for the entire length of the service. If the mover delivers the items to a self-storage facility, the liability ends upon delivery.
- Having both moving and storage services managed by the same mover simplifies the process, making the move more efficient and less stressful.
The Cons of Storage With Movers
While storage with movers has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Accessing belongings can be more challenging with storage provided by movers, as it often involves scheduling a time to visit the moving company.
- There may be extra fees associated with accessing stored items because movers need to move and open the storage vaults.
When You Should Choose Moving and Storage Services
Opting for moving and storage services can be the right choice depending on these factors:
If you don’t need the items in storage: Moving and storage services offer a seamless solution if you don’t plan to access your items until they’re delivered to your new home.
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective storage solution: Moving and storage companies often provide more affordable storage options compared to self-storage facilities.
If you want to minimize damage and maximize liability coverage: Professional moving and storage companies ensure belongings are packed, protected, and covered under their liability for the entire duration of storage.
If you only need storage for less than a month: Movers with storage can accommodate short-term storage needs, making them ideal if you only require storage for a brief period.
If you will not be in the same location as the storage: If you’re relocating or traveling and will be away from the storage location, moving and storage services provide a convenient solution.
If you request a split shipment: If you need part of your belongings delivered to your new residence and the rest stored, moving and storage companies can handle split shipments efficiently.
When You Should Choose Self-Storage
Self-storage can be the better option in certain situations:
If you anticipate needing to frequently access the items: Self-storage facilities provide easy access to your belongings, allowing you to retrieve or add items as needed.
If you will be in the same location as the storage and need to access items seasonally: If you’re staying near the storage location and need to access items periodically, such as seasonal clothing or equipment, self-storage offers convenient access.
Hire Moving Companies With Storage
Choosing moving companies with storage can provide peace-of-mind and convenience. Olympia Moving & Storage offers state-of-the-art, secure storage units that are company-owned, ensuring that belongings are safe and well-protected.
Our facilities can accommodate a wide range of items, including pianos and oversized pieces, and our expert crews handle packing and inventory with the utmost care. We offer short-term storage solutions ideal for college students and provide full replacement value protection coverage for our clients.
For more information about our moving and storage services and see why we stand above the rest, visit our storage facility page. Olympia Moving & Storage has locations in Greater Boston, Washington DC, Austin TX, Tampa FL, and Philadelphia to help you move across the East Coast, the country, or abroad.
Contact us today for a storage quote and discover how we can make your move smoother and more efficient.
(800) 222-4744
info@olympiamoving.com
