As much as you try, there may be times in your moving journey when the timeline just doesn’t match up. Maybe your new house wasn’t ready in time, or you had to move out of your old home sooner. No matter the circumstances, you are now faced with the question, can moving companies store my stuff? Don’t fret; there are many moving and storage companies you can choose from.
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Length of Time
Finding the right moving storage company for you depends on how long you need your items to be stored. Different moving companies have different policies for storing items short term versus storing them for a significant amount of time.
Short Term Storage
In general, short-term storage is typically defined as storing something for three or fewer months of time. However, some moving companies only consider it for between a week and thirty days. This means short-term storage is more often used if something comes up and you are looking for a place to quickly store your items while you get the situation figured out.
Since short-term storage is typically needed last minute, it’s a good idea to make sure your moving company offers it before you book with them. This ensures the option is available just in case you find yourself needing it.
Long Term Storage
Long-term storage is often something you are aware of that you need ahead of time. This gives you time to look into different storage companies and see which one would be best for you when moving.
Moving companies that offer long-term storage typically keep your items in one big container that they can then transport to your new home when the time comes. One thing to consider is if you will need to access any of your items while they’re in storage. Only some companies will allow you to access your storage container and you must make an appointment to do so.
Cost of Storage
Many factors go into the cost of using a moving company’s storage options. These factors include the size of the unit, how far the items need to be moved, and how long the unit needs to be stored. On average, the price of using, storing, and delivering a portable storage container is $2,700 for one bedroom, $3,260 for two bedrooms, $3,480 for three bedrooms, and $6,050 for five bedrooms.
The Base Price
The base price of using a portable storage container depends on the size you need. Most companies offer containers that are 8 feet, 12 feet, or 16 feet long. If you are using PODS moving and storage company, Marketwatch provides a base price estimator that includes the standard rental fee of the unit and the price if it is being moved 50 miles.
The size most people choose is the 16-foot-long container which can typically hold furniture from a 2 to 3-bedroom home. According to Marketwatch, the average base price for this size of moving container, including the average local delivery, is $328.
Additional Price for Delivery
Moving your items a long distance after storage will dramatically increase the price. In addition to the base cost of your unit, you will be charged higher delivery fees. According to Marketwatch.com, delivering your items 500 or more miles will cost you anywhere from around $3,000 to $8,000. These prices are reflective of using PODS.
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Cost by Length of Stay
The final factor that goes into the cost of hiring a moving storage company is how long you need your items stored. Short-term storage facilities often charge a one-time fee and you can store your items there for up to one month. Long-term storage facilities normally charge you a fee for each month you use their storage facility.
Monthly fees for a moving company’s storage facility typically range from $70 to $110 per month.
Moving Companies With Storage Options
If you are asking yourself, can moving companies store my stuff, the answer is yes. There are many moving and storage companies out there for you to choose from.
PODS
PODS is a moving company well known for its portable storage containers. These containers can be dropped off directly at your home, giving you the time to pack your belongings into them. Afterwards, the company takes the container to one of its secure storage facilities where they will keep it until you are ready for the items to be moved into your new home. They will also haul the container to your new home for you.
Another benefit of using PODS is you can access your items while they are in storage. All you have to do is call the storage facility and make an appointment and they will have your POD waiting for you.
U-Pack
U-Pack is another company that offers storage options for you during your move. You can store your items in one of their trailers for up to 120 days or use their portable storage cubes to store your items for as long as you need. Your items will then be stored at one of the company’s storage centers. When you’re ready to have them delivered all you have to do is call and schedule a delivery day.
One thing to note before choosing U-Pack is you’re unable to access your items while they are being stored.
Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell is another portable storage company that does all the driving for you. They will drop off and pick up your portable storage container right to your home. Once it is originally dropped off you have three days to pack your belongings into the container. From there the company will pick it up and bring it to the storage facilities.
The company offers both short and long-term storage, making it a good option if you don’t know how long your items will need to be stored.
Smart Box
Smart Box also brings the portable storage container right to your door. You get as long as you need to pack all your belongings into the container and once you’re done the company will deliver it to their storage facility. They offer both short and long-term storage to fit the needs of all their customers.
Another positive aspect of using Smart Box is all their containers are temperature-controlled, ensuring your belongings stay safe.
Mayflower
If you are looking for a company that has both storage options but still offers full-service moving, Mayflower is for you. They offer both local and long-distance moving options along with both short and long-term storage options. Your items will be stored in a local storage facility until you are ready to move them to your home.
Mayflower offers many full-service moving options such as packing and unpacking for you, car shipping, debris removal, and storage services. You will also have a personal moving coordinator who will work one-on-one with you to ensure your move goes the way you want it to.
Conclusion
There may be a time when you’re faced with the question, can moving companies store my stuff? There are both short-term and long-term storage options offered by moving companies that will allow you to store your items for as long as you need to. The cost of storage will vary due to multiple factors such as the amount of items you need stored, the amount of time you need to store your items, and how far your items need to be shipped. If you are looking for storage during your move the PODS, U-Pack, Zippy Shell, and Smart Box are good options. If you are still in need of full-service moving but want storage options, Mayflower Moving Company is a good option. No matter the reason for needing storage, there are multiple moving companies out there that will help you store your items during a move.
Jessica is a students at the University of Northern Iowa. She is majoring in English Education with a creative writing minor. In her free time she loves to read books of every genre, write short stories, and spend time with friends. In the future she hopes to share her love for reading and writing with her future students.
