Moving Home & Storage: Should You Use Storage When Moving?
Deciding whether or not to use a storage facility when moving to a new property is an important thing to consider a few weeks or months before the big day. Just add it to the list. Storage services are everywhere, but do you really need secure storage if you're already considering professional removals? We explore the answer in this post.
Deciding whether or not to use a storage facility when moving to a new property is yet another thing you'll need to consider a few weeks or months before the big day - sorry, just add it to the list.
Storage services are here, there and everywhere; but do you really need secure storage if you're already considering professional removals? In this blog, we'll take a look at whether you'll need a storage service at all, and if you do, how to choose a secure storage facility you can trust - but that also doesn't break the bank with excessive moving and storage costs.
Removals Service vs Storage Companies
Removals and storage are two very different things - as is a professional packing service. Don't get these confused, or you could end up in a right pickle when moving day arrives.
Removal companies will generally just take control of moving your belongings from your old place to your new one, and nowhere in between. Depending on how much you pay and the company itself, they may also help you with packing, disassembling and reassembling furniture, and so on. However, be careful to review what is covered in the package you pay for. Additional services will likely come at an extra cost.
Self storage, or storage facilities, are areas of storage space priced in units and available for anyone to keep their belongings for a set period of time. For example, if you are downsizing, a storage service might be useful to keep some of your items for a while if you don't have time to do a big clear out. Storage can also be useful if you are relocating overseas or need business storage for a company move.
A professional packing service is just that - packing. You'll have to do the rest yourself.
Choosing the Right Storage Company & Appropriate Storage Units
If you have a lot of stuff, storage units could be an ideal solution. As you start packing for your home move, consider the size of your new property (including the garden if you have items in your shed or other outdoor bits and bobs) and whether your items will correspond to the same rooms. Perhaps do some measuring too, if, for example, you have a large bookcase to fit into a specific room - or something even bigger like a grand piano. The last thing you want is to turn up at your new place and have your large items piled up on your driveway.
If you're seriously considering storage, it's important that you choose the right self storage facility for you. Below are a few things we would recommend sussing out before you tap your contactless card.
Consider the security and the condition of the storage building
Nobody wants their prized possessions housed in an unlocked, transparent building owned by the world's most notorious criminals. We're not saying all storage facilities are like that, but we are saying that it's definitely worth checking out the building itself (and its owners) before you take the plunge. You need to feel reassured that your stuff is safe, and that it will be until it's time to take it out of the storage units.
Consider how you will get to the building from your new place
If you're planning on going back and forth quite regularly, you'll need to factor in the distance of the storage facility from your new property, not just your old one. Those in need of long term storage may be less concerned about this, but if you want the task of taking your belongings out of storage to be as hassle free as possible, you'll consider a more appropriate location.
Look around for different pricing options for moving and storage costs
Moving and storage costs will depend on the size of the unit you require and how long you plan to use it for. In the majority of cases, a self storage company will charge on a weekly basis, but you may be able to change this according to your preferences, keeping in mind any other moving costs you are bearing. Try to estimate exactly how much space you will need before you seek a quote from a company. This will help you avoid paying for space you won't be using. You can also read customer reviews to determine which facility will be most cost effective for you.
Top Storage Tips From Just Move In
If you need some advice ahead of a storage pickup, take a look at these top storage tips from our very own home move experts.
Pack carefully: Even if you have professional services to assist your packing, it's still worth taking the extra time to organise, label and have a consistent system going. When you come to take your items out of storage, you'll certainly thank yourself.
Don’t leave it till the last minute: Packing and rushing? Not a good mix. If you have an inkling that you might need additional storage ahead of your home move, get measuring up and planning as soon as you possibly can.
Protect your items: Making sure each item is packaged properly won't just ensure it gets to its storage destination safely - it also means that (particularly with long term storage), you can have the peace of mind that nothing is going to get damaged during the time it is in the storage unit. Consider whether certain items need to be packed specifically to avoid rotting or damp.
Factor in moving and storage costs well ahead of time: Make sure you’ve done your research when it comes to any costs that may be involved well in advance of your move to avoid being stuck with any unexpected charges on the day.
Moving and Storage: Start the Prep Now
Our main piece of advice if you're considering storage for your house move? Start the prep today. It's never too soon to start looking into storage solutions - well, unless you don't have your house on the market yet.
At Just Move In, our experienced team of moving house masters can help you get this, and all your other admin, underway so that it's all under one roof. We’ll also provide you with one price for everything - including moving and storage costs. Reliable removals, self storage, utilities, council tax - you name it. Make moving manageable and stress free by signing up with us today.