Long Distance Moving Company

Storage

Most people don't put much effort into looking for and choosing storage facilities. But here's another way to look at it -- you won't be living there, but your stuff will, so you need to examine the facilities nearly as closely as you would a home.

Your Options

Many long distance moving companies offer storage options. The benefits include one entity handling the move and storage, saving you on the effort, and possibly saving you money as well. The movers will generally move the items into storage, and then deliver them to you when you want them and they’re able to schedule it.

You can also choose a self-storage facility, where you do all lifting, loading up a truck – which the storage facility will sometimes offer up for free -- and unloading your goods at the storage facility into a storage container.

Mobile storage is a hybrid offering: a large, portable container is dropped off at your home or business, you load the container, and the container is either stored on your property, or stored at a large facility with other storage containers.

Location Is Key

If self-storage facilities are your preferred option, consider using a facility close to home. This can save money and time if you make frequent visits.

With all options, be sure to take note of access times for your stuff. Some offer 24-hour access, others have more normal business hours, and some facilities, like mobile storage centers, require 24-hour notice to access your unit. So if you’re having a 70s party, you might not be able to get your hands on that lava lamp in time unless you plan ahead.

Security

Investigate the security measures for the facility you wish to choose. How do they intend to store your goods within the unit itself? Are the security measures different during regular business hours versus after- hours? What kind of neighborhood is the storage facility in? Would you feel comfortable visiting at off-hours?

Price

It depends on size, storage period, special needs, and the storage facilities’ own marketing objectives. Special offers and discounts from the storage facilities will be fewer during busy periods, and storage companies will try to offer incentives to persuade you to commit to a longer rental period. You’ll often find deals for the first month free, so look around.

Don’t choose solely on price; security and other factors are key as well. Get recommendations from friends and family, and check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints about a specific company.

Estimates

An estimate from a storage company is different from a mover’s estimate, in that no extra charges can be added without the agreement of the customer. Before the storage company accepts your goods, they will supply you with a written estimate upon your request. The written estimate is usually free, but ask. The warehouse operator must inspect the items to be stored physically, and issue you a copy of the estimate.

Insurance

Insurance is an important issue to investigate, especially if you plan to store high-value items. Storage companies offer their own insurance, and it is recommended to find out about the facility's procedures in cases such as fire, flood, etc. Make sure you fully understand how the insurance they are offering will cover any potential damage. Also, check with your own agent to see if you renters insurance or homeowners insurance will cover you.

Do I Really Need It?

When deciding whether to store your items, consider what you really need to keep, what can go and what may be needed some day. Keeping only what you really need will reduce storage costs and you won't have to move them again later. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself: Do I need the item? Will I ever use this item again? When did I use it last? Does it have sentimental value? Will you really ever repair the items that need to be repaired? Clothing items -- if you have not worn that nice wool suit, will I ever wear it?

Getting Rid of It

After you have made your final decisions regarding all the items, think about how to dispose of everything you have decided you don't need and will not store. Throw the items out, give them away, or donate them to various charities.

Get a receipt for tax purposes. Another option is to hold a garage sale.