Moving can be stressful, and knowing that your belongings are safe and secure throughout the process is important. Sometimes, however, you may need to store your items for a while before they can be delivered to their final destination. This could be due to delays in the moving process or simply because you need more space for everything at once.
So how long will moving companies store your stuff? The answer depends on several factors, including the specific company you choose and the terms of your contract. In this article, we’ll explore some standard storage options offered by moving companies and what you need to know before choosing one.
Short-term storage
Most moving companies may offer short-term storage options if you only need temporary storage for a few days or weeks while waiting to deliver your items. Typically, these facilities are secure warehouses where your belongings will be stored in individual containers until they’re ready for delivery.
The time that short-term storage is available varies by company but generally ranges from a few days up to 30 days without additional fees. After that point, many movers charge extra fees on a daily or weekly basis depending on the amount of space needed and other factors like location.
Long-term storage
Suppose you require longer-term storage solutions because there’s an unforeseen delay in getting into a new home or downsizing from a larger place. In that case, most moving companies offer long-term storage facilities that can keep all our valued possessions safe. While the duration of storing items varies according to each service provider’s policies, it is advised to check with them beforehand. To protect against theft or damage during transportation and natural calamities like flooding, many premium facility providers also offer climate-controlled storage units designed to protect against extreme temperatures or humidity changes, which can damage sensitive items like wood furniture, important papers, etc.
Self-storage options
If you prefer to handle storage independently, consider using a self-storage facility. These facilities allow you to rent a specific size unit for as long as you need it. Self-storage options are available with some moving companies, but usually, they need their storage units and work in collaboration with other self-storage service providers.
The flexibility offered by self-storage is appealing, but there are some things to keep in mind when choosing this option:
– You’ll be responsible for packing and moving your items into the unit.
– You’ll also need to arrange transportation from the self-storage facility when it’s time for delivery.
– The safety features provided may differ from what moving companies offer, i.e., 24*7 CCTV monitoring or climate control features.
Selecting the right Storage provider
When choosing a moving company, ask them if they provide storage solutions. If yes, get the following questions answered:
- What type of storage facilities do they offer?
This will let us know about short-term/long-term/self-storage availability. Also, check about climate-controlled storage (if required) and security measures like 24*7 surveillance.
- How much does it cost?
You should expect additional fees associated with storing your belongings, whether a one-time fee or a daily/weekly/monthly basis. Also, ask about payment structure mode, i.e., per day/month /quarterly/yearly, etc.
- What happens if I wait to pick up my items immediately?
Getting settled into your new home may take a while, and you want to be patient with picking up your belongings. Ask the company’s representative if there is any flexibility in timelines or fees associated with a delayed pickup.
- What are my options for insurance coverage?
Moving companies have their liability insurance policies, which cover damage due to carelessness or mismanagement, but for additional security, it is recommended to check if they provide third-party insurance. This will give us much-desired peace of mind.
- What is the process for accessing my stored items?
Please find out how access works when you need it. If it’s self-storage, ensure operating hours and whether you are provided with your locker key after signing the contract. If it is a moving company-owned storage unit, they should have specific rules about scheduling pickup/delivery times.
If you’re moving soon and may need storage solutions along the way, be sure to talk with prospective moving companies, like Liberty Moving & Storage, upfront regarding their availability of storage facilities. Remember that different service providers might offer varying service levels, pricing options, and security measures like climate control or CCTV monitoring. Thus do a proper background check before selecting a particular provider to avoid any unpleasant surprises later. You can then safely store those much-cherished possessions until you’re ready to settle down at your new destination without worry!
