by Tim Patrick
During the process of moving, it’s not uncommon to require short-term or long-term storage for some or all of your furniture and possessions. There are two main types of storage services available to you, depending on whether you’re hiring a professional moving company or opting for a DIY move.
Self-Storage: For self-service flexibility
The most popular and affordable option is self-storage. You sign a lease agreement with a storage facility, secure a unit with your own lock and key, and pay the storage facility a monthly rent. Self-storage is self-service— you move everything in yourself by renting a moving truck or making multiple trips in your own car or pickup. Pricing depends on the size of your unit and chosen amenities, such as climate control and drive-up access.
Moving Company Storage: For longterm safe-keeping
If you’re hiring movers, they may also offer storage for a monthly fee. The moving company will take an inventory of your items and their condition. Some local moving companies will bring storage vault containers directly to your residence, and pack your items in. Your goods are pad-wrapped and loaded, then delivered to a storage warehouse. Your container is picked up by fork lift and stacked like a block within the warehouse, usually in stacks of two to four in rows of fellow vault containers.
Moving company storage tends to be about 20% more expensive than self-storage, as you’re paying for full service instead of doing everything yourself. Generally, customers who choose moving company storage plan on having their items stored for a longer period of time, with no need for personal access. If you ever want access to your storage vault, moving companies charge by the hour to pull specified items for you. One benefit is that your items are packed and wrapped professionally by movers to prevent any damage.
