There are all sorts of reasons you might need storage solutions when moving. Maybe there’s a gap between when you need to move out of your old place and when you’ll get the keys to your new dwelling, and you need a safe place to keep your home’s inventory in the short term. Or perhaps you’re moving into a smaller home—or out of town temporarily—and are searching for long-term storage.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of flexible storage options for you to explore, whether you need a secure and reliable place to keep your belongings for a night, a month, or longer.
Short-Term Storage Solutions When Moving
Short-term storage solutions encompass everything from one night to a few weeks. If you’ve booked your relocation with a Chicago moving company, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to provide storage service for you. In many cases, movers offer easier and less expensive short-term storage than large storage facilities can for both overnight and short-term storage.
Overnight Storage
It’s pretty common for Chicago-area residents to need overnight storage solutions when moving. Sometimes, you might even need storage for two or three nights. For example, a lot of landlords require their tenants to move out on the last day of the month and don’t let the incoming tenants move in until the first of the month. This delay can be extended if the landlord needs more time to clean, paint, and repair the apartment.
Another reason you might find yourself in need of overnight storage service is if you’re purchasing a condo or house and the closing date doesn’t directly line up with the date you have to be out of your old home. Remember: this is a common (albeit frustrating) occurrence, but your local moving company can likely help you out.
Movers can usually add overnight storage service onto the overall cost of your move. Before you decide that this is the best option, make sure your moving company has a secure parking lot with video surveillance, and confirm that their trucks will be locked. Since your belongings will spend the night on their trucks, you need the peace of mind that your stuff will be safe.
Additionally, keep in mind that the boxes of moving trucks are not climate-controlled. If you’re moving in the winter or summer and need overnight storage, make sure that any temperature-sensitive items will be protected from the elements—or, consider keeping those items with you instead of storing them on the truck.
As an alternative to your moving company, you can look into overnight storage with an actual storage facility. However, you’ll need to pay at least one month’s rent. Plus, you’ll need to pay for movers’ labor to unload the items from the truck into the storage unit one day and load the truck back up when it’s time to move into your new home.
Storing Your Goods for a Month or Less
Short-term storage solutions when moving can extend beyond overnight. If you need temporary storage for up to a month, you’ll still need to check out short-term options. The good news is that many Chicago movers provide this service, so they can be your one-stop shop for both moving and storage.
It’s important to understand that regardless of whether you ask your movers to provide short-term storage or rent a unit at a storage facility, the cost of your move will go up. After all, you basically need two full moves:
- From your old home into storage
- From storage into your new home
To make the right decision between storing with your movers versus a storage facility, look at the pricing and contracts. Some facilities require a months-long commitment and have specific hours for moving in and out. Conversely, your moving company might be able to provide more flexible storage options—and if you’re using the best movers in Chicago, you’ll rest easy knowing that your prized possessions are in good hands.
Long-Term Storage Solutions in Chicago
People who need long-term storage solutions when moving are looking for services that can keep their items for over a month. If your job is sending you out of town for a while, you’re relocating to a smaller home temporarily, or you’re moving in with your significant other and aren’t quite ready to part with some of your stuff, it’s time to look into long-term storage options.
Similar to short-term storage, your two main avenues for long-term service are either your moving company or a storage facility. A best practice is to research multiple facilities and compare them to the rates and services your movers can provide.
Usually, moving companies offer more flexible pricing since you’ll only pay for the space your belongings take up in their warehouse. Storage facilities, on the other hand, will charge you for the full rental unit regardless of how much cubic footage you actually use.
Price isn’t the only reason why a lot of Chicagoland residents choose to store with their movers. They also prefer to entrust their home’s inventory with the company that helped them coordinate their entire move from start to finish. As long as you’re working with the best movers in Chicago, you’ll have a friendly and helpful team that you can contact with questions or schedule changes.
How to Pick the Right Storage Service
Researching the best storage solutions when moving—and finding the right one—requires you to find answers to a few key questions. As you explore the options, here are some things to ask both your moving company and the storage facilities you’re considering:
- Is the facility climate-controlled?
- Do you have 24/7 video surveillance?
- Who will have access to my stored items?
- Do you offer flexible pricing and scheduling?
You’ll also want to check out each company’s online reviews before you compare their prices. It also never hurts to peruse their website and social media. If their clients are happy and they put effort into their online presence, chances are they’re a legitimate company that will offer secure, reliable storage for your belongings.
Need to Stash Your Stuff? Chicago’s Favorite Moving and Storage Company Can Help!
We’re not only the best movers in Chicago. We’re also the area’s favorite storage service! We offer overnight, short-term, and long-term solutions when moving, and we’ll be happy to store your stuff for a night, a week, a year, or even a decade.
Chat with a storage specialist today for our pricing and availability!