Moving furniture into storage is a great option for families, and oftentimes can help them allocate their resources in the most optimal way. Putting items in storage does have its share of costs, so this is a consideration anyone needs to have before they decide to put away items into a storage facility. In many ways, moving into storage is like moving in any other circumstances, and usual moving costs have to be taken into account. There are a few nuances which are detailed below:
MOVING INTO SELF-STORAGE
Self storage is the most commonly available and utilized form of storage. Most elements of the process are do-it-yourself in comparison to full service storage, and the same goes with the move into storage. Storage tenants will be responsible for the moving their belongings into the storage.
Oftentimes, a storage company will provide free or discounted moving services to their users as an incentive to use their storage. However this doesn’t always mean that every user can take advantage; there will often be volume or time limitations that these movers work around.
MOVING & STORAGE COMPANIES
When someone moves, and they need storage, it makes sense for that person to fill both needs with the same companies. There are multiple benefits to linking moving and storage besides only needing to remember one name for the two. Moving & Storage companies typically offer full service storage and they only require people pay for space used. Plus, these dual-service companies will often give generous discounts for customers who “bundle” their services together.
“Full service” storage offered by moving & storage companies typically do not have easy access, a main disadvantage of the service. People who want access to their belongings may need to schedule a pickup or pay for a delivery from the moving company. While there are convenient aspects to having one company handle every part of the job, it’s easy to predict difficulty of access becoming inconvenient.
Involved costs of moving into storage
A main benefit of full-service storage is spatial freedom; usually space taken up will be accounted for in the price per item, so no one needs to pay for space they’re not using. Self-storage users can often find themselves in a dilemma where the amount of storage they need is stuck between a the size of a larger room option at a rate they’d rather not pay and a smaller room option that cannot accommodate every item they have to store. It can be aggravating to continually pay for unused, unneeded space.
MOVING COMPANY STORAGE COSTS
There are many storage options that can fit your needs and budget. Typically, to understand the desired size of your storage unit, you will want to calculate the square footage of your apartment and select a unit accordingly. (The average bedroom measures 132 sq feet, so keep that in mind) If you are looking to simply put individual household items away, and do not require an entire unit, inquire with a local moving and storage company to understand smaller sizing options.
The cost of a storage unit can range widely depending on what you are looking for. For those looking for a small storage unit (4x4x3), you can pay as little as $20 a month. For larger storage units (12’x10’x’8’) you can be paying up to $600 a month. Be sure to get a cost estimate with a local moving company to better understand how much your storage unit will be.
The cost of storage services can depend on the additional services you require. If you want to hire professional movers to assist with the disassembly of your furniture (disassembly is often necessary to help you fit your household goods into the unit).
You can also hire local movers to assist with packing services, especially if you are no longer in the apartment and do not have plans to return.
TYPES OF STORAGE COSTS
Typically, Portable Storage (or PODS) are the most expensive option. Portable Storage units can be useful, however, as they can be stored either at your house or at a storage facility. When choosing this option, a professional moving company will drop off a portable storage container to your house. You have the option to fill it up and leave it at your house, or call the movers to pick up the container, load it into their moving truck and store it at their facility. This option can provide more flexibility, since you can store your own belongings.
Full-Service storage is a convenient option for those looking for door-to-door service. Hiring a full-service moving company can be more efficient. Especially if you hire a packing service, this option can cut the amount of time you spend packing in half. Often, if you go this route, full-service movers can offer a flat fee option (which includes the hourly rates of the movers, as well as the costs of moving boxes, packing tape, peanuts and so on).
The most affordable option for storage can be self-storage. If you go the DIY route (and forgo hiring movers for add-ons), you will have to cover the cost of packing materials, and transportation from your home to the storage unit, as well as any other additional moving expenses (fuel costs and other extra fees). Be sure to take those costs into account.
To save even more money, consider finding a storage facility in a less populated or less desirable area. The cost of storage facilities tend to reflect the average rent of the area they are located in. If you don’t mind driving a little further to a cheaper area, that can save you lots of money in the long term. Remember -- storage units are not a one time fee (you have to pay rent on them monthly!).
PLANNING A MOVE?
Storage can be a great option for those who are planning to move, but have not yet found a place to go, or are looking to start emptying out their apartment before they conduct their move.
Storage-in-transit is an option where your belongings will be stored for a temporary period of time until you arrive at your final destination. You can schedule the movers to return your belongings to you once you are at your new home and ready to unpack and settle down.
For local moves, storage units can also be helpful as a short-term solution if your old lease ends several months before your new lease and you need to vacate your old apartment before you have the keys to your new one. For a moving quote, reach out to movers in your area.
There are many options for hiring moving and storage companies. You can go the family mom and pop route and hire a local mover in your area or reach out to big conglomerates like Mayflower or United Van Lines-- either way, be sure to ask for a free quote in advance!
Moving soon? Get your free quote from Oz Moving & Storage.
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