The Pros & Cons of Storage With Movers

Posted on August 20, 2024 by rachael1

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.

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.

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Moving during the Coronavirus pandemic? Here are some things to consider

Posted on April 22, 2020 by jstfort

Moving under normal circumstances can be stressful, but the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has significantly elevated anxiety levels. For those of you with a closing, lease termination or work-related deadline, postponing the move is not always an option. Below are some suggestions for how to safely move during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pre-Move Health Check

Moving companies should be asking their employees on a daily basis how they and their family members are feeling. If anyone is showing signs of illness, the employee should be sent home immediately.

Clients also need to be vigilant and, if anyone in the home is feeling unwell, the move should be postponed. If there are higher risk individuals within the residence (those over the age of 65, or with immune deficiencies), they should be removed from the premises prior to the move or, if this is not possible, they should be quarantined within one room of the house.

Protective Gear and Sanitizing for Move Day

Movers have been doing their best to source PPE in the interest of protecting all stakeholders. They should be sanitizing truck interiors and facilities on a daily basis. Gloves and masks (as available) are becoming part of the standard uniform.

If possible, clients should also wear masks and gloves for the duration of the move. Clients also have the option to provide additional PPE to the moving crew. It is a good idea to sanitize door handles, railings, and bathrooms prior to the mover’s arrival and immediately following their departure. Some clients are taking extra precautions by cleaning furniture after the move.

Distancing Before and After the Move

Before the move, pre-move surveys for estimates can be conducted virtually using various mobile video solutions. This best practice is safe, efficient, and accurate.

During the move, refrain from any direct contact (shaking hands) with your crews. You should maintain 6 feet of distance at all times. It is best to only have one point of contact on move day. Once the initial walkthrough with the foreman is complete, it is recommended that family members remove themselves from the premises or isolate themselves in one area of the residence.

Identify one bathroom for the movers to use and leave soap and, as available, sanitizer and wipes for the movers.

Pre-Move Preparation

Even under normal circumstances, the client’s preparation largely dictates the success of the move. If clients are packing themselves, it is preferable to use new moving boxes. You can avoid a trip to the store by asking your mover if they provide a packing materials delivery service. While packing, make a “first-night” box filled with immediate essentials such as clothes, linens, toilet paper, cleaning products, toiletries, and hand soap.

We want to minimize any potential confusion. Make sure that all boxes are completely sealed and clearly labeled on the top and two sides. Organize the space so that all items are accessible and, if you are able, stacked around the periphery of the room. Some clients are asking the crew to move boxes to or from a garage or having their belongings moved into their new home a few days before moving in themselves.

Communication Leading Up to Move Day

Communication is always the essential ingredient to a successful move. It is incumbent upon the client to keep the moving company apprised of any relevant developments (packing progress, potential date changes etc.). If you are moving to or from an apartment building during the coronavirus pandemic, check first with your management, as some residences have revised moving rules during shelter-in-place. As much as possible, we want to avoid surprises on moving day.

Be Respectful of Your Moving Team

On a daily basis, movers make the impossible look easy. They expected to work incredibly hard and maintain a great attitude without exception. Many moving companies have been working around-the-clock to assist organizations with COVID-19 response efforts. Moving crews are doing their best, in uncertain times, to protect their families and their clients, so please be respectful and appreciative.

Shared Responsibility for a Healthy Move

During this pandemic, it is incumbent upon moving companies to do everything within their power to protect both their clientele and employees. Similarly, you also need to take all available precautions to secure your own safety and that of the moving team.

We are all operating in unchartered territory. The above precautions will limit the potential for exposure.

If you need to move during the coronavirus pandemic, or any other time, call Olympia Moving & Storage at 800-222-4744 or click here for a free moving estimate. We can start with a virtual video survey.

On the Move: Boston MA, Beacon Street

Posted on July 19, 2019 by rhunt

Location: Boston, MA Moving Services

Boston, MA to long-term storage move | June 2019

Move Overview

On one of the city’s busiest streets, the Olympia team handled the partial pack and load of this third floor, four bedroom condo. This $6.9 million dollar home sits on Beacon Street, overlooking the Charles River and esplanade in downtown Boston. The homes that line this street are home to tech innovators, artists, musicians, journalists, and many Boston’s brightest minds. Our crew spent two days helping the family move out of this beautiful space.

The crew faced a few challenges unique to city moving and high-end historic brownstones. Of course, parking is always a challenge in Boston. Thankfully, posted parking permits saved the team from that particular headache. The real challenges was the with space and value of the homeowners belongings.

Art Packing & Crating

The crew performed a full pack for the customer. Although it was a two-day move, the crew planned their work so the family was still able to sleep in the home after the first day of the move. The packing included several oil paintings. Custom crates were built to protect several pieces of valuable art.

Challenging Load

Interestingly, the this beautiful condo lacked the tight corners of a classic Boston space. Although the bedrooms shared a narrow hallway, the rest of the space was wide open for our crew to easily maneuver. This made protecting the homeowner’s most expensive and valuable items easier, including large belongings like paintings, couches, and tables.

The true challenge was the use of the elevator to transport everything from the third floor. The elevator was relatively small, and the design of the building meant that once the furniture was shimmied out of the elevator, it had to be carried several yards through the lobby and across the sidewalk. Despite the added difficulty, the crew tackled the day with high energy and were rewarded for their hard work by the homeowner with a freshly delivered lunch.

Long-term Storage

This shipment was not going to a destination home. Instead, it bustled down the Pike to our Watertown warehouse, where it will be stored for about a year while the family’s new home is being renovated.

Olympia offers a variety of storage solutions to our customers. We can hold your belongings for a few days while you get your new home ready or for a full year if you’ve decided to spend some time abroad or need time to prep your dream home. Our warehouse utilizes unit storage, rack storage, and pallet storage in our secure, convenient facility. Regardless of your needs, we have options for every situation. For more on the storage services we provide, check out our Full Service Storage page or our Watertown warehouse.

If you are moving to or from Boston, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

How a Mover Can Make Your Boston Home Renovation Easier (and 4 Other Tips!)

Posted on July 1, 2016December 6, 2016 by olympiamoving

Home renovations can be stressful and expensive. Keep these tips in mind to ease the difficulties that
come with giving your home a make-over.

Choose an Off-Season Project

The summer season is the busiest time for home projects, which can lead to increased costs. When choosing what to update this summer, consider taking on a winter-oriented like, adding insulation or installing energy efficient windows. Usually you can find a deal the necessary supplies and services needed for the renovation in the off-season, and you are more likely to schedule vendors for your project to your preferences.

Hire a Mover to Assist with Storage

What are you going to do with all your furniture and belongings when you’re demoing your living room wall? Instead of attempting to protect your furniture with plastic sheets and painters tape, consider moving your furniture into storage for the duration of your renovation. This helps you avoid drywall dust, sawdust and insulation that likes to take root in your furniture and leaves the space necessary to get the renovation job done right. The most cost effective way to store your furniture is full-service storage with a local moving company. Hire the movers to pick up your storage or load up your own truck to drop off our belongings to storage.

Keep Chaos In Check

Have a designated area for cooking (if you’re remodeling your kitchen) and cleaning. Whether this means grilling outdoors or re-purposing your guest bathroom, you’ll be happy when these messes are confined to certain areas instead of spreading around the house.

Balance the Budget

Balance the expenses of your supplies and new fixtures for your house. If you can’t resist splurging on marble counter tops, find other areas where you can save, like on the light fixtures or window covers.

Buy Early

When buying fixtures and supplies, do it early! Before you meet with your electrician or contractor, it is best to have the placement of your outlets and appliances already planned. It’s also helpful to order these items far in advance, ensuring on-time delivery and the widest selection.

In the midst of your renovation, remember, it will all be worth it at the end when you are enjoying your like-new home!

If you need a Boston, Washington DC, or Philadelphia mover to assist with the moving and storage for your upcoming home renovation, call Olympia Moving & Storage at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online. Whether you just need furniture moved to the basement, into storage, or relocation to a temporary resident, we are ready to help make your home renovation easier!

Olympia Moving & Storage Adds Second Boston Area Storage Facility

Posted on November 17, 2014 by olympiamoving

New Olympia Moving & Storage facility in Canton, MA

Olympia Moving & Storage, a Boston moving and storage company headquartered in Watertown, MA, has seen double-digit growth each of the past four years. As a result, we have exceeded the capacity of our full-service warehouse in Watertown, MA and are proud to announce the opening of Olympia’s second Boston area storage facility in Canton, MA.

The Canton storage location is a 50,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art warehouse. Olympia Moving & Storage acquired this facility more than a year ago and has been working diligently to ensure that the Canton facility met the high standards of the Watertown location, including: 24-hour security systems, temperature control, a dedicated warehouse staff, and immaculate condition.

Not only will the Canton warehouse allow Olympia Moving & Storage to serve more clients, but it will allow us to better serve our South Shore and interstate clientele. The Canton location will make storing with Olympia more convenient for our clients in the surrounding towns of Medfield, Dedham, Norwood, Milton, Randolph, Weymouth and Hingham. This new facility is also optimized for tractor trailer access.

No matter the location, we are confident that Olympia Moving & Storage can provide the best full-service storage experience. Click here to learn more about our storage services.

Back to School with Olympia Moving & Storage

Posted on August 23, 2012 by olympiamoving

Boston and Washington DC are home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country. For many years, Olympia has been a proud service partner for a number of these universities. Whether it’s relocating faculty and professors or moving offices, Olympia appreciates our role in assisting the educational institutions in our markets.

As the fall semester approaches, Olympia is gearing up for another year of moving students into their dorms. Move-in day is exciting and hectic, but Olympia helps to ensure the process goes smoothly. This year we’ll be helping students move in at Northeastern University, Boston College, and numerous others. It will be a big relief for many parents to see an Olympia crew member ready to help them unload when they pull up to their child’s dorm!

Olympia has also worked with College Boxes for the past decade. At the end of every school year, Olympia picks up thousands of student boxes from dorm rooms and keeps them in our storage facilities for the summer. When the students return for the fall semester, they will find their boxes waiting for them in their new dorm room, already delivered by Olympia.

Best of luck to all the Boston and DC area students for a successful fall semester! Study hard!