Many people find that they need to put some or all of their belongings in storage at some point during a move. Maybe there is a time gap between when you need to move out of your home and when the new home is available. Maybe you are going to do renovations in your new home before you move in. Or maybe, you are moving to a smaller home, and not all of your belongings will fit in. Whatever the reason, there are different storage options available to you.

Moving Company Storage

Your moving company most likely offers storage for an additional fee. Ask them about this. This might be the costliest option, but convenient since the moving company will put your things directly into storage, and then reload them and deliver them when you are ready to receive them.

Advantages: Convenient, since moving company will take care of moving, storing and delivering. You only need to deal with the moving company, and not separate storage companies.

Disadvantages: Often the costliest option. Usually you don’t have access to your belongings while they are being stored.

Mobile Storage Units

Companies like PODS and ABF U-Pack deliver mobile units to your home. You pack them yourself, and when you are done packing, the company comes to take them away to their storage warehouses. When you are ready to receive your belongings, the unit will be delivered to your new home. When you have unloaded it, the company will remove the unit.

Advantages: A less costly option than storing with your mover. You can load units at your own pace. You don’t need to drive a truck to get your items in and out of storage like with the self-storage option.

Disadvantages: Loading and unloading your unit is a LOT of work. You will need to draft friends and family to help, or hire additional help. Access is not always available to these units while in storage.

Self Storage

Self-storage warehouses are available in most cities. Rentals are usually monthly, and you provide your own lock, so you are the only one who can access it. Climate-controlled units are available and recommended for storing items that are sensitive to extreme temperatures (like papers, books and furs.) You are responsible for getting your belongings in and out of your storage space. This includes loading and unloading your belongings on and off a truck. Often, self -storage facilities offer free truck rentals as an incentive.

Advantages: You have access to your unit, in case you need to get anything or bring something. Fees are reasonable. Climate-controlled units are available. You rent the unit size that you need, for as long as you need.

Disadvantages: A lot of work is involved in picking up, loading, unloading and returning a truck. Are you comfortable driving a truck? It might be difficult to arrange long-distance if you are moving to a distant city.

Things to Consider

Here are some things to consider when choosing a storage company:

Research the storage company with the Better Business Bureau. Are customers generally satisfied?

Can you access your belongings if you need to? Is there an access fee, or is there unlimited access? Are there specific hours during which you can get to your unit?

What type of security is in place? Are there CCTVs? Patrolling security guards? Alarms?

What kind of pest control is in place?

Are there smoke detectors and a sprinkler system?

Is there climate control to prevent damage to your belongings from extreme temperatures?

Make sure to purchase insurance so that your belongings are protected as rental fees in storage units do not include comprehensive coverage for your belongings. Check your options with MoveInsure.