Storage solutions from moving companies can save you during transitions between homes or extra space needs while relocating. Moving logistics rarely follow a straight path. Your storage options knowledge becomes crucial to transition smoothly.
Our 95 years of moving and storage industry experience has taught us how proper storage planning eliminates moving stress. The right storage provider and moving company transforms your relocation experience, whether you move locally or abroad. Allied stands as a game-changer with global reach through 500+ agent locations across North America and offices in more than 40 countries.
Storage options vary more than most people realize. Storage-in-transit provides temporary safekeeping under 60 days. Short-term storage keeps your belongings secure until your new property becomes available. Items that need extended protection find a reliable home in long-term storage facilities.
This piece covers everything about moving company storage. You’ll learn about storage types, effective item organization, and selecting the perfect provider that matches your needs.
Understanding Moving Company Storage Options
Finding your way through moving company storage options can feel overwhelming if you don’t know the industry terms. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you make better choices for your next move.
Storage-in-transit explained
Storage-in-transit (SIT) works like a pause button for your move. This service lets you store your belongings with your moving company while you switch homes. Your items stay “in transit” to their final destination instead of going to separate storage facilities.
Most moving and storage companies give you SIT for up to 90 days. This creates a smooth process if your new home isn’t ready yet. The movers pack and load your items onto their truck, then secure them in storage vaults at their warehouse. They’ll deliver everything to your new home once you’re ready.
This approach saves you time and effort. Unlike self-storage that needs two moves, moving company storage keeps your belongings on their way to your destination. This cuts your moving time by half. The professional movers also use top industry methods to wrap furniture, load it into vaults, and seal everything for the best protection.
Short-term vs. long-term storage
The main difference between short-term and long-term storage comes down to how long you need it and why. Short-term storage usually lasts from a few days to several months. Long-term storage goes beyond several months to years.
Short-term storage helps when you’re:
- Moving between homes with a gap in availability
- Renovating your current residence
- Going through major life changes
- Staging your home for sale
- Storing seasonal items temporarily
Long-term storage works best for items you won’t need soon. This option helps preserve furniture, family heirlooms, or business inventory in a stable environment for extended periods. Many moving company and storage providers have climate-controlled options to protect sensitive items from temperature and humidity changes.
The costs vary between these options. Interstate moves typically price the first 90 days as SIT based on shipment weight. After that, prices usually switch to long-term storage rates based on monthly vault costs.
When to use each type
Your situation, including how long you need storage, how often you need access, and what you’re storing, determines the best option for you.
Storage-in-transit makes sense when:
- You must leave your current home before your new one is ready
- Your closing dates don’t match up
- You’re staying in smaller temporary housing
- You want to renovate your new home before moving in
Short-term storage fits well when:
- You want flexible month-to-month plans
- You need to declutter while selling your home
- You have a gap between leases
- You need regular access to your things
Long-term storage becomes useful when:
- You’re traveling for extended periods or moving overseas
- You’re downsizing but want to keep certain items
- You have seasonal items that don’t fit at home
- You need space for business inventory or equipment
- You want to protect valuable items like antiques or artwork
Many moving company and storage providers offer solutions that can switch from short-term to long-term as your needs change. Most facilities let you pay month-to-month, so you won’t get stuck in long contracts.
Packing Tips for Safe and Efficient Storage
Your belongings might stay in moving company storage for weeks or months before reaching their destination. The way you pack them is just as vital as picking the right storage option. A few smart strategies can make all the difference between damaged items and a soaring win.
Keep essentials with you
Pack a personal moving day kit with items you need quick access to when preparing for moving company and storage. Valuable items like jewelry, important documents, medications, and essential toiletries should stay with you instead of going to the storage facility. You’ll want to pack a change of clothes, simple kitchen supplies, and everything you need for your first night in the new home. A small pair of scissors, extra packing tape, and a permanent marker are great to have around for any last-minute box adjustments.
Use quality materials
Safe storage starts with the right packing supplies. Boxes are the foundations of good packing—they stack well in storage units and make carrying easier. You’ll need:
- Sturdy boxes in various sizes (small for heavy items, large for light ones)
- Quality packing tape (cheap tape needs more layers and isn’t as reliable)
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Packing paper for cushioning and wrapping
- Stretch wrap for bundling items and protecting furniture
- Moving blankets for larger pieces
It’s worth mentioning that uniform box sizes are the quickest way to load into storage. I’ve loaded three-bedroom houses in under two hours because everything fit well in medium-sized boxes.
Label boxes clearly
Clear labels are vital for finding and storing items. Write on every box, bin, and bag with permanent markers. Labels should go on multiple sides of each box so you can spot contents whatever way they’re stacked. Include these details:
- The room destination (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Master Bedroom”)
- Specific contents (e.g., “Plates and Glasses” rather than just “Kitchen”)
- Special handling instructions like “Fragile” or “This Side Up”
A master inventory list that tracks each box’s number and contents becomes a great way to get specific items from your moving company storage.
Wrap fragile items properly
Delicate items need extra care before going into moving company storage. Each fragile piece needs individual wrapping with bubble wrap or packing paper, secured with tape. Stack plates vertically to reduce surface area and prevent breaks. Stuff hollow items like glasses with packing paper to help absorb vibrations.
Extra-delicate items need multiple layers—start with packing paper, then add bubble wrap for maximum protection. Fill empty spaces in boxes with crumpled paper or packing peanuts to keep items from moving during transport.
Stack heavy items at the bottom
Smart stacking prevents damage and makes access easier. Heavy items belong at the bottom of boxes and storage units. Pack light items like pillows and linens in bigger boxes, and save small boxes for heavy stuff like books.
Build sturdy bases for every stack in the storage unit. Wooden pallets under boxes work better than placing them on the floor—they reduce the risk of water damage. Laying boxes like bricks instead of columns spreads weight evenly and creates more stable stacks.
The time you spend packing right pays off when you get your items back from moving company storage in perfect condition.
How to Organize and Access Your Stored Items
Your next challenge comes after packing – setting up a well-laid-out system in your moving company storage unit. A good organization system protects your items and helps you find them quickly.
Use clear containers when possible
Transparent plastic containers give you the most important advantages over cardboard boxes in moving company and storage situations. These containers let you see what’s inside without opening them. You’ll save time and avoid the hassle of opening multiple boxes to find what you need.
Clear plastic bins work best for items you need to access often. Storage experts say these transparent containers make spotting items immediate, so you might not even need labels. Some items need protection from light, and opaque bins shield them better while staying as durable as their clear counterparts.
Plastic containers also keep your stuff safe from moisture, which really matters if your storage facility lacks climate control. These durable bins are a green choice because you can reuse them for future moves or storage.
Create a simple inventory list
A good inventory list will give a well-organized feel to your storage unit. Your list should include each item’s name, description, quantity, and spot in the storage unit. You might want to add categories to group similar items together.
The digital world has made inventory management much easier. Modern apps let you:
- Generate QR codes or barcodes for quick scanning
- Take photos of box contents
- Create detailed digital records
- Share information with family members
Old-school methods work great too. You can write everything down as you pack each room and describe what’s in each box. Later, put it all into one master list—digital lists are easier to update—and keep copies at home and right at the front of your storage unit.
Map your storage layout
Think about your storage unit as a space that needs a visual guide. Sketch out where different types of items will go before you start filling the unit. This plan helps you use space better and creates logical zones in your unit.
Items you need often should stay near the front. Leave clear paths between box stacks so you can reach stuff at the back without moving everything around. Your boxes should sit on pallets or shelves instead of the floor to stay safe from moisture.
Color-coding can improve your system even more. Different colored labels or tape for each room or category let you spot what’s in boxes quickly without reading every label.
Choosing the Right Moving and Storage Company
Picking a reliable partner for your moving company storage needs is the most important choice you’ll make when relocating. The right partner will keep your belongings safe, while choosing wrong could result in damage, surprise fees, or lost items.
What to look for in a provider
Start by checking proper licensing and insurance. All legitimate moving company and storage providers must have the right credentials—interstate movers need a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, while state licensing applies to intrastate movers. A company’s BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating matters too. Companies rated A or A+ with minimal complaints tend to deliver better service.
The insurance coverage options are crucial. Basic liability coverage comes free at 60¢ per pound, but this basic protection won’t cover expensive items properly. Good providers will give you full value protection choices that cover actual replacement costs for damaged items.
Questions to ask before hiring
You should ask these key questions before choosing any moving company and storage service:
- “Are you a broker or carrier?” Brokers outsource to other companies, potentially leading to miscommunication, while carriers handle everything in-house.
- “What equipment do you use?” Ensure they have appropriate trucks, dollies, and specialized equipment for your specific needs.
- “Who will actually perform the move?” Some companies use subcontractors or temporary workers who may lack proper training.
- “Can you provide a detailed written estimate?” This should include all fees, insurance, and potential extra charges.
- “What’s your policy regarding damaged items?” Understand how claims are handled and what compensation you can expect.
Comparing local and national services
Local movers excel at moves within specific areas and give customized service with local expertise. National moving company and storage providers have large networks that work better for long-distance relocations.
Local companies charge by the hour, making them economical for short-distance moves. National movers prefer flat-rate pricing based on weight and distance—this often works better for longer relocations. National providers also offer more complete insurance options and extra services like vehicle shipping.
Your specific needs—distance, budget, and required services—will determine the best choice. Whatever type you pick, doing thorough research through reviews, recommendations, and credential verification will lead to a smooth moving experience.
Benefits of Professional Moving and Storage Services
Professional moving company storage services give you benefits way beyond the reach and influence of just storing your belongings. The investment makes sense, especially when you have a complex relocation to manage.
Security and climate control
Your possessions stay protected in secure facilities, which gives you peace of mind. Most reliable moving company storage providers use round-the-clock surveillance, gated access, and individual unit alarms that trigger during unauthorized entry attempts. Security experts confirm that visible cameras alone help prevent theft and add a crucial layer of protection.
Climate-controlled storage adds another vital advantage to the mix. These specialized units keep temperatures steady between 65-85°F throughout the year, just like your home. Your items stay safe from humidity and temperature changes in this controlled setting. Electronics benefit by a lot from this environment. The U.S. Air Force Avionics Integrity Program’s research shows that heat causes over half of all electronic equipment failures. A simple 10°C temperature rise can cut a device’s lifespan in half.
Convenience and time savings
Working with professional moving company and storage services saves you time and effort during your move. These companies take care of everything from packing to transportation and storage. You can focus on other tasks like setting up utilities or updating your address.
Their organized approach to sorting, packing, and labeling ensures nothing gets missed. Many providers also offer complete services including pickup, storage, and delivery. This creates a smooth experience without dealing with multiple vendors.
Flexible storage durations
Storage flexibility stands out as one of these services’ best features. Companies typically offer options from short-term plans (30-90 days) to unlimited long-term storage.
This flexibility helps when your timeline isn’t certain or circumstances change. Most providers let you use month-to-month contracts so you can adjust your storage duration freely. Professional moving company and storage services adapt to your needs, whether you need temporary storage while your new home gets ready or long-term safekeeping during extended travel.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Moving Company Storage
The moving company storage solutions can turn your stressful relocation into an efficient experience. A good storage option is more than just a place for your belongings—it’s a vital part of your moving strategy.
Storage-in-transit gives you the perfect solution when you need temporary safekeeping during transitions. Short-term and long-term options offer flexibility based on your timeline. It also protects your possessions from damage when you use proper packing techniques with quality materials.
A successful storage experience needs proper organization. Clear containers, detailed inventory lists, and strategic layout planning make it easy to access your items. These small organizational steps create significant benefits throughout your storage period.
Take your time to select a moving company and storage provider. Your belongings stay safe under professional care when you verify licenses, ask questions, and compare services. Professional services give you great advantages—from better security and climate control to unique convenience and time savings.
Your belongings mean more than just possessions. They hold memories, investments, and essential parts of your life. So trusting them to qualified professionals with proper facilities makes sense during life transitions.
Note that the right moving company storage solution should fit your specific needs. Moving brings enough challenges without adding storage complications.
This piece gives you the knowledge to make smart decisions about storage needs during your next move. Properly secured and organized belongings let you focus on what matters—settling into your new home and starting your next chapter.