Most homeowners don’t realize the value that moving companies with storage can bring to their relocation plans. Allied Van Lines stands out with its network of more than 500 agent locations throughout the United States and Canada. The company’s presence in over 40 countries makes it a leader in providing adaptable moving and storage options that can substantially lower your costs.
People tend to focus on getting their belongings from point A to point B. Storage becomes essential during these transitions. Professional movers do more than just transport your items safely. Their secure facilities come equipped with climate control, alarm systems, and round-the-clock security. These companies also give you options for storage-in-transit up to 90 days and long-term storage solutions.
This piece looks at the economic advantages of choosing a moving company that combines storage services compared to doing it yourself. Our analysis reveals how bundled services save you money by reducing damage risks and saving precious time during your move.
Why storage matters during a move
Temporary storage facilities are a vital part of moving that people often overlook. Almost 26 million Americans moved in 2023, and many took this chance to sort through their belongings. Storage solutions of all types can turn a chaotic move into something more manageable.
Storage becomes essential
People need storage because moving timelines don’t always match up perfectly. Your closing dates might not line up exactly right. This creates gaps between moving out of your current home and getting into your new one. These gaps can last anywhere from a few days to several months, leaving you wondering where to put your stuff.
Even the best-planned moves face unexpected delays. Your move-in date might get pushed back due to construction delays, legal issues, or logistics problems. Moving companies with storage give you the flexibility you need by keeping your belongings safe until you’re ready to move in.
Homeowners who want to sell their property find storage facilities really helpful. You can make rooms look bigger and more appealing to buyers by moving out extra furniture and personal items. This smart decluttering strategy helps sell houses faster and often brings in better offers.
Common situations requiring storage
Storage becomes really valuable in these specific moving situations:
- Home renovations or updates – You can protect your furniture and belongings from dust, paint, and damage during construction work
- Downsizing to smaller spaces – You get time to pick what to keep, sell, or donate without cramming your new home
- Staging homes for sale – You create clean, open spaces that buyers love while keeping your personal items safe
- Temporary relocations – Your possessions stay secure during short-term job assignments or temporary housing
- Long-distance moves – You can move in phases, which is more manageable and economical
The best moving company options include storage services that handle these situations. Quality providers do more than just store items – they offer climate-controlled spaces that keep temperature and humidity steady to protect your furniture, electronics, and delicate items.
Storage solutions let you take a step-by-step approach to moving. You can move items gradually instead of all at once, which reduces physical strain and makes logistics easier. This method works great when you’re downsizing or combining households and need time to decide what stays.
College students’ parents find campus-area storage facilities really practical during semester breaks. Students keep their essentials close by, and parents don’t have to deal with extra stuff at home. This setup makes the back-and-forth between school terms much easier.
Storage as part of your moving strategy gives you breathing room during a stressful time. You can safely store your belongings while dealing with timing gaps, housing changes, or renovation projects. This turns an overwhelming move into something you can handle more easily.
Short-term vs. long-term storage: What’s the difference?
The difference between storage durations matters a lot when you’re picking the right moving companies with storage for your needs. Storage solutions usually come in two main types: short-term and long-term. Each type serves a specific purpose and comes with its own cost structure.
Short-term storage use cases
Short-term storage runs from a few days to three months and gives you flexibility during transitions. Homeowners find this option particularly useful when:
- Closing date gaps – You need to move out before your new home is ready
- Home staging – You want to remove extra furniture and personal items to make your property more attractive to buyers
- Renovation projects – You need to protect your belongings while rooms are being renovated
Businesses can use short-term storage to move offices without disrupting their work. They can move equipment and furniture bit by bit after hours, which helps keep everything running smoothly during the move.
On top of that, it’s really convenient for college students during semester breaks. Students can store their stuff locally instead of hauling everything home several times a year. This makes moving easier and cuts down on transportation costs.
Long-term storage scenarios
Long-term storage lasts beyond three months and can go on for years. It’s perfect for:
- People who downsize to smaller homes and need time to sort their belongings
- Military personnel serving overseas for long periods
- Business owners who need space for inventory, equipment, or documents
- Homeowners keeping family heirlooms or seasonal items
- People who start long international trips
The best moving company options give you specialized features for long-term storage like better climate control, security monitoring, and regular inspections. These extra protections become more important the longer you store your items.
Long-term units come with different access rules too. You can visit short-term units pretty often, but long-term storage might limit your visits or ask for advance notice. This happens because these units are usually deeper inside the facility.
How duration impacts cost
Your storage duration affects pricing and available discounts. Short-term storage usually costs more per month but doesn’t need a long commitment. You pay extra for flexibility, with rates about 15-25% higher than long-term options.
A standard 10×10 storage unit might cost $150-$200 monthly for short-term rental but drops to $120-$160 for longer commitments. Many facilities also give first-month discounts to new short-term customers.
Long-term storage can save you money through:
- Lower monthly rates
- Multi-month prepayment discounts (usually 5-15%)
- Annual contract price locks that protect you from rate increases
Duration affects service fees too. Moving companies with storage usually charge one-time handling fees for short-term storage. They might waive or reduce these fees for long-term customers who bring in steady business.
Insurance needs change based on duration. Short-term storage comes with simple coverage, but long-term storage often needs extra protection plans, especially for valuable items that might deteriorate over time.
Your specific situation determines the ideal storage duration. Price transparency is crucial when you evaluate moving companies with storage services. Companies that clearly show duration-based costs and potential long-term savings show they care about customer satisfaction.
How moving companies with storage reduce your total costs
Using integrated solutions can cut down relocation costs compared to handling each part separately. Moving companies with storage capabilities give you more than just convenience – they’re a smart pick for budget-conscious customers.
Bundled services vs. separate vendors
One provider handling both moving and storage services saves you money. In fact, bundling these services cuts 10-20% off your total bill. Many national moving companies throw in 30 days of free storage with long-distance moves—a great perk to consider when comparing services.
Budget benefits of bundled services include:
- Package pricing: Annual contracts save 10-15% compared to month-to-month deals
- First month free: Many facilities give free first-month storage with full-service moves
- No double transportation costs: You avoid extra delivery fees common with self-storage units
- Transparent pricing structures: The best moving company options give detailed quotes without hidden fees
One vendor eliminates coordination hassles between multiple service providers. This simple approach cuts down scheduling conflicts and mix-ups that could lead to expensive delays. Companies like Allied Van Lines offer budget-friendly storage options with their detailed moving services, whatever your short-term or long-term needs.
Reduced risk of damage and loss
Movers with storage know how to pack items to minimize damage risk. They also optimize storage space better than self-packed units. You save money through fewer damage claims and lower insurance costs.
Moving companies with integrated storage keep detailed inventory records. This documentation means nothing gets lost between locations. The same company handling both moving and storage keeps liability coverage throughout the whole ordeal—unlike splitting services between different providers.
Security saves you money too. Quality storage facilities come with climate control, alarm systems and 24-hour monitoring. These features prevent damage from humidity and temperature changes that might force you to replace items.
Time savings that translate to money
Time matters during a move. Of course, moving companies with storage help you avoid the “double move” headache. Without integrated services, you pay twice – once to move items to storage and again to complete the relocation.
Bundled services mean loading your belongings just once. This works great when move-in and move-out dates don’t match up. Companies like BigSteelBox deliver storage containers early, so you can pack at your own speed instead of rushing everything into one stressful day.
Better communication saves time too. One point of contact makes everything simpler and cuts hours spent talking to multiple vendors. You can focus on other moving tasks or keep working normally—a money-saving benefit often forgotten when adding up moving costs.
The best moving company options know professional handling protects valuable items. Their skilled teams cost $69.67-$139.34 per hour, but this investment prevents damage and keeps your belongings in perfect condition throughout storage.
What to look for in a cost-effective moving and storage company
Your relocation experience depends heavily on picking the right service provider. The best value for your investment comes from focusing on specific features as you evaluate moving companies with storage options.
Integrated services and flexibility
The right provider makes your entire moving process simple. Look for companies that handle both transportation and storage through one contact point. This smooth approach stops any confusion between vendors.
You need storage solutions that fit your specific situation. The best moving company options let you adjust your timeline whether you need storage for weeks or months. Canadian Preferred Moving creates individual-specific, stress-free solutions that work for homes and businesses of all sizes.
Security and climate control
Storage facilities must have top protection features. Professional storage locations use advanced security with 24/7 video monitoring, controlled access areas, and unit alarms. These safeguards stop unauthorized access and protect your belongings.
Climate-controlled storage units keep temperatures between 65-85°F with stable humidity levels. This environment keeps sensitive items safe – like electronics, antiques, artwork, and important documents. Proper climate control also keeps pests away since they avoid regulated indoor spaces.
Transparent pricing and free quotes
Good providers give clear estimates without hiding charges. Ask for complete quotes that show all possible costs before you commit. Allied Van Lines creates moving packages where you pay only for what you need.
Quality providers often visit your location to give free estimates. These in-person quotes are more accurate than phone or online estimates because they factor in all moving details.
Remember to ask about discounts for early booking, referrals, or off-peak moves. These savings can lower your moving costs while keeping service quality high.
Real cost comparison: DIY vs. full-service moving with storage
People expect to save money with DIY moving, but the financial reality tells a different story. What seems cheaper at first often ends up costing almost as much as professional services when you add up all the expenses.
Breakdown of DIY moving expenses
DIY moves come with many costs that add up fast. Local truck rentals usually cost under $700, and mobile storage containers run between $700-$2,090. DIY movers need to budget extra for:
- Fuel costs (which really add up for bigger trucks)
- Equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads, ramps)
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
- Moving insurance and damage protection
- Storage unit fees if needed
Most first-time DIY movers don’t realize how these costs stack up. Recent surveys show something interesting – 4 out of 5 people who tried DIY moving wouldn’t do it again. They blame unexpected costs and physical exhaustion as the main reasons.
Hidden costs most people overlook
The total cost of DIY moves gets pushed up by several expenses people tend to miss. Apartment building fees range from $418 to $697, and long carry fees add $125-$167 for every 75 feet. You might also face unexpected costs from truck repairs, towing, or mechanical issues.
Taking time off work adds another big expense nobody talks about. DIY movers often burn vacation days to pack and move. They end up paying themselves instead of hiring moving companies with storage services. Professional movers charge $69-$139 per hour, but this money helps avoid costly damage and keeps belongings safe in storage.
Case example: Local vs. long-distance move
Looking at local versus long-distance moves shows why professional services often make more sense. Local DIY moves average $2,383, while professional local moves cost about $2,787. Long-distance DIY moves can hit $6,720, compared to professional services that range from $6,549 to $13,934.
The best moving company choices include storage solutions that help avoid moving twice. Without these combined services, homeowners pay for two separate moves. Professional full-service moving might look more expensive upfront, but industry numbers show it costs just 2-7% more than DIY options. Many people find this small premium worth the convenience, protection, and peace of mind they get.
Conclusion
The Financial Verdict: Professional Moving and Storage vs. DIY
Moving companies with storage offer advantages that go beyond just convenience. Our analysis shows the financial benefits of these integrated services clearly. Customers save 10-20% by choosing bundled moving and storage solutions compared to separate vendors. On top of that, many national companies throw in free storage periods with their packages, which adds more value.
Risk reduction plays a key role here. Professional movers use expert techniques that lower damage risks and prevent repairs from getting pricey. Their complete inventory tracking systems make sure nothing gets lost between locations. These safeguards work alongside climate-controlled spaces and reliable security measures to protect your belongings throughout the move.
Time savings are another reason to think over total moving costs. You won’t need to juggle multiple services or face a “double move” situation. A single point of contact streamlines all communication. This lets you focus on other priorities during your move instead of dealing with logistics.
Most people think DIY moving saves money, but it costs almost as much as professional services once you add everything up. Equipment rentals, hidden fees, possible damages, and time off work quickly eat away at any savings. Industry data shows that full-service moving costs just 2-7% more than DIY options – a fair price for the protection and convenience you get.
The best moving company options give you value through clear pricing, flexible packages, and expert handling. Allied Van Lines shows this approach with complete solutions that fit specific customer needs. Their services merge smoothly to eliminate coordination headaches while keeping your belongings safe.
Take time to review security features, climate control options, and pricing structures before picking a provider. Free on-site estimates help you get accurate quotes with no surprises. Professional services might look expensive at first, but the total cost difference stays small when you count everything – especially if you value your time and belongings.
Moving marks a big life change. Working with professionals who handle both transport and storage gives you breathing room during this stressful time. You can store your items safely while dealing with timing gaps, housing changes, or renovation work. This turns an overwhelming experience into something manageable. The small extra cost for professional help pays off in convenience, security, and peace of mind.