Last Updated on September 24, 2018 by Kari-Ann Ryan
When people move across state lines, a gap in housing is a common scenario. Individuals may seek temporary housing in their new state while searching for a more permanent abode. In between homes, where do you put your furniture, mattresses, pots, pans, and the rest of your belongings?
Storage options are the key to settling in after moving interstate or intrastate. While you are on the hunt for a home, your possessions can be safely stored in a storage facility.
People with excess belongings have two primary options when it comes to temporary storage: self-storage and professional mover’s storage. There are key differences between the two.
Self-Storage
Easy Access
Those who choose self-storage benefit immensely from the fact that they have easy access to their belongings at any time. Someone who chooses self-storage can store a closet full of summer clothes, then easily access the apparel when warmer months arrive. Seasonal items can be stored and retrieved quickly via the self-storage option. Self-storage allows for frequent visits to the unit.
Vehicle Storage
A self-storage unit offers a place for the storage of vehicles, boats and even campers. Most self-storage facilities require you to prevent oil leaks or other fluids from dripping to the floor. A simple drip pan is sufficient to meet this requirement.
Climate-Controlled
The climate-controlled feature of some self-storage environments make storing valuables convenient. Heirlooms, antique furniture, paintings, and wine benefit from being in a temperate room. Certain household items should not be subject to intense heat, such as over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or be exposed to freezing temperatures, such as below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, exposure to high humidity levels leave your belongings at risk for rust, corrosion, mold, and mildew. You’ll pay extra for a climate-controlled storage unit as opposed to a basic one.
No lengthy contracts
No lengthy contracts are involved in self-storage. People who opt for self-storage can store their goods for as little as a week, if necessary. For those who are uncertain as to how long they’ll need storage, self-storage is a viable option.
Contracts
Contracts to rent a self-storage unit do exist, however. The contracts spell out the cost of rent, consequences of late payments and additional fees, such as lock-cut fees if you lose your keys. The self-storage unit manager can auction your items off if you don’t pay the rent. When you remove your belongings from self-storage, the move-out process is often listed in the contract, as well.
There are limitations
Self-storage units have limitations on what items can be stored. Household goods can be stored. However, garbage, flammable liquids, and explosive items are prohibited.
When evaluating self-storage units, the range can be diverse. Certain facilities are more secure than others. Consider your needs in order to make the fitting selection.
Professional Mover’s Storage
A traditional moving company’s storage unit differs remarkably than a self-storage unit. The primary difference is that you have limited access to a professional mover’s storage compartment. You’ll see why in a moment.
Furniture is pad-wrapped
When individuals elect to house their property in a professional mover’s storage unit, all furniture is thoroughly pad wrapped in heavy duty moving blankets. Protecting the furniture starts the moment the movers remove the items from your home during the moving process. Upholstered furniture is tightly shrink wrapped. Mattresses are packed into boxes. The furniture is transported to the mover’s storage facility, still heavily wrapped. If you need to access the furniture or other belongings frequently, a professional mover’s storage may not be the best option.
Storage vaults
Once your goods arrive at the mover’s storage facility, your moving boxes are tightly packed into a storage vault. These wooden vaults are transported by heavy duty machinery to the appropriate section of the storage warehouse. The storage facilities teem with vaults, some placed high along warehouse shelving and accessible only by machinery.
Inventory list provided
Professional movers will provide you with a copy of the inventory list of all the items moved and shifted to the mover’s storage unit. Each item moved is tagged for quick identification. The inventory list contains all the articles moved, plus the conditions of each item.
Less expensive
The cost of utilizing a professional mover’s storage unit is typically equivalent to or less than the price of using a self-storage compartment.
Self-Storage or Professional Mover’s Storage?
When your new home is unable to house all your possessions, finding a storage unit is the next best step. Evaluate whether or not you’ll visit the unit often. If you require constant access to your belongings, then self-storage is the most appropriate choice. Professional mover’s storage facilities are unable to accommodate frequent visits and shuffling through your goods on a regular basis. Accessing the vaults in a professional mover’s storage facility is not as convenient as rummaging through your things in a self-storage unit.
Mid-West Moving & Storage gives those on the go a convenient place to store their belongings. Our storage facilities offer several advantages. The storage facilities are climate-controlled to keep your property under the most ideal conditions. Mid-West Moving & Storage’s storage facility spans over 60,000 square feet and accommodates several vaults of various sizes. As a fully secured, alarmed facility, Mid-West Moving & Storage gives customers peace of mind, especially when family heirlooms and antiques are stored.
Document Storage Services
Mid-West Moving & Storage facilitates the moving and storage for various clients. We offer storage services for homes, commercial business properties and government offices. We provide record storage services, as well as the secure storage of business files and even x-rays. Confidentiality of all items is guaranteed 24/7.
Experienced in over 2,500 moves, Mid-West Moving & Storage provides invaluable options when it comes to storing your possessions safely, securely and in optimum condition for as long or as little as needed. Our moving and storage pros also offer packing, loading, and transportation to and from the storage unit. Rest assured that when you choose Mid-West Moving & Storage for your storage needs, you are in good hands.
