Moving and Storage: Do Moving Companies Offer Storage?

Last Updated: Apr 20, 2023 · 6 min read

Are you a homeowner who is looking to relocate? Being organized and prepared makes all the difference. One area people overlook when planning their move is short–term and long–term storage.

If you don’t have a place lined up yet, you’ll likely need to keep things stored even if just for a few days. Some movers need long-term storage — like Kathy who stored her things with North American Van Lines for two years!

Moving and storage questions to ask yourself:

Do you need storage and for how long?
Which type of storage is best for your needs?
How much does it cost? — Consult our moving cost calculator for a quick answer

At MoveBuddha, we’ve been around the block a number of times, and helped people with moves requiring storage both long-term and short-term. With our expertise, we’ll help make this process easier as we explore:

Moving companies that offer storage services and options
Discuss different types of secure storage available for your belongings
Provide tips on choosing the right professional moving company that meets those needs
Explain payment methods offered by most providers — including approximate costs — so you can make an informed decision about your upcoming move.

Why you’re looking for a moving & storage company

Have you found yourself in the midst of long-distance moving but with items that must be stored before they reach their final destination?

Perhaps you don’t have enough space in your new place just yet, or you’re coordinating a cross-country move and need some time before fully settling in.

Whatever the case may be, moving services with storage options could be exactly what you need.

Storage in transit is when your items are stored for a short period of time while being moved. If you’re looking for a storage option for a week or two, you might not even need it. Ask the moving company how long the delivery will take. If you can get there before your items get to the destination, you’ve just hacked your way into getting short-term storage for free with your movers.

To give you an idea of the timing for storage in transit, the following table shows how long a company might take for a move.

Distance of the Move	Delivery Days
0-500 miles:	0-7 business days.
501-1000 miles:	1-10 business days.
1001-1500 miles:	2-12 business days.
1501-2000 miles:	5-14 business days.
2001-3300 miles:	7-21 business days.

With various solutions available, from short-term storage to long-term, climate-controlled options, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your belongings are in good hands.

Plus, many moving companies offer convenient, all-in-one packages that include both moving and storage services in their moving quote, making the process a breeze. So why not simplify your move and find a moving company with storage for a great moving experience?

Best moving and storage companies

Below you can find more details about the length of storage, storage location options and storage access.

PODs

Unlimited storage is available on-site or at a PODS storage center with monthly storage fees. An appointment is required to access the storage.

U-Pack

U-Pack only offers storage at its service centers in conjunction with long-distance moves. Once your shipment is in storage, you will not have access to it until it’s delivered to your destination.

1-800-Pack-Rat

1-800-PACK-RAT offers storage options for long-distance moves, allowing customers to store their items at home or in one of 61 secure company facilities.

Customers can access their containers with 24-48 hour notice and pay for as much storage as they need, up to 30 days included in the quote. The company also offers minimal-fee delivery for customers to access or add items.

U-Haul U-Box

U-Haul offers unlimited storage with monthly fees, both on-site and at a U-Haul storage center. Customers can access containers that are stored at a company facility during normal business hours by giving 24-hour advance notice.

Zippy Shell

Zippy Shell offers 30 days of free storage for long-distance moves and has over 70 locations across the US. Customers can access their things while in storage but must call ahead to arrange an appointment.

Smartbox

Smartbox is a secure and convenient storage solution that offers customers unlimited one-month storage with each quote. Customers can store their items longer for an additional monthly charge. Smartbox covers the US and allows customers to access their stored items upon request.

Tips for choosing reliable and efficient moving services

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to choosing reliable and efficient movers.

The last thing you want is to have your possessions damaged, lost, or stolen during transport. So, here are a few tips to help you choose movers that you can trust, whether it is local moving or long-distance moving.

Do your research and read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of their level of service.
Ensure the company is licensed and insured to avoid potential legal issues.
Finally, ask for a detailed quote that includes all costs and fees so you don’t get surprises.

With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that you’re choosing a moving & storage company that will handle your belongings carefully and professionally.

What questions to ask when comparing services

When it comes to choosing between different services, it’s important to do your homework and ask the right questions.

Consider the quality of the service- what do previous customers have to say about their experience?
Get a free quote and look at the cost of long-term storage and short-term storage, respectively. Is it reasonable for what you’re getting? It’s also worth inquiring about additional fees or hidden costs.
Ask about the availability and packing services.
Ask about the storage container or storage unit size and portable storage or PODs, if applicable.
Is there a time limit?
What about crating and moving containers?
Will they provide a moving checklist?
Response times and on-time services.
Customer support.
And finally, trust your instincts; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

By asking these questions and comparing options, you’re giving yourself the best chance for success.

You can find the best Moving and Storage Comparison for 2023 here.

Factors that affect the cost of moving and storage services

If you’re looking to move or store your belongings, there are plenty of options to choose from at different price points.

From DIY options like renting a truck and doing the heavy lifting yourself to full-service movers who handle every detail without hassle, you can find the right fit for your budget and needs.

Various storage solutions are also available, from traditional self-storage units to more specialized options like climate-controlled facilities.

It’s essential to consider factors like:

The distance of your move – is it long-distance interstate moving, local moving, or possibly even international moving?
The size and fragility of your items to ensure a smooth moving process.
Your timeline when choosing a moving or storage service.

By exploring different price points and weighing your options for professional movers, you can find a solution that fits your budget and gives you peace of mind during this transitional time.

If you’re moving in the same city you can find reliable quotes here.

When should you store your household goods with professional movers?

This scenario typically arises if you must vacate your current residence before the new one is ready for move-in or you’re downsizing.

Rather than scrambling for an alternative place to keep your belongings, storing them with a full-service moving company can make the process much smoother.

Moving companies have secure, climate-controlled storage facilities that are perfect for this situation.

They’ll be able to pick up your items, transport them safely to the facility, and keep them safe until you’re ready to move into your new home. By taking advantage of this service, you can keep your items secure while transitioning.

Residential moving and storage services

So you’ve made the big decision to move to a new home – congratulations! But now comes the daunting task of actually packing up all your belongings and transporting them to your new abode.

That’s where residential moving and storage services come in handy. With their help, you can breathe a little easier knowing that your precious items are being handled with care by professionals who specialize in making your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.

From packing and loading to unloading and unpacking, these services will take care of all the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home.

Plus, with the added storage option, you don’t have to worry about cluttering up your new space with excess belongings. It’s a win-win situation!

Commercial storage

Are you in need of extra storage space for your business? Look no further than commercial storage solutions!

Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large corporation, commercial storage facilities provide a cost-effective and efficient way to store your inventory, equipment, and documents.

With various sizes and flexible rental agreements, you can find the perfect storage unit to fit your needs. Plus, with 24/7 access and top-notch security measures, you can rest assured that your belongings are safely stored and easily accessible whenever needed.

So why wait? Take the first step in expanding your business by utilizing the convenience and benefits of commercial storage.

Preparing for storage

As time gets closer to moving to another town, another home, or another state, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your belongings for storage.

You can find a link for the Best interstate movers here.

Whether you’re storing summer clothing or holiday decorations, there are some things you can do to ensure they come out in good condition when you retrieve them.

Start by inventorying the items you’ll store and invest in sturdy boxes or containers that can withstand the elements.
Before packing, give everything a thorough clean-and-dry, removing any stains or dampness to prevent mold growth.
When labeling the containers, be specific to make it easier to identify where everything is stored.
Finally, choose a cool, dry storage location, and avoid placing anything directly on the ground to prevent moisture or pests from getting in.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to pack your belongings securely, ready for worry-free storage and easy access when the time comes.

To find a reliable and efficient moving company, consider whether they have experience moving residential or commercial spaces and preparing for storage needs.

Finally, be sure to look for a service provider like moveBuddha who is willing to listen to what you want most out of their services and recognize how important finding quality care when making such a big life transition can be.