Two types of moving storage
Storage in transit. This is short-term storage that's part of your move. Your shipment is held at a warehouse under the same contract until delivery. Federal rules for it are important, because after a set time it can convert to permanent storage, at which point your rights change. Ask your mover how many days apply and what happens at the end.
Permanent or long-term storage. A separate arrangement, often for several months or more. Once your shipment converts, the warehouse's terms apply. Read them, and check your valuation coverage.
What storage costs
For budgeting, our calculator adds about $0.12 to $0.22 per pound for 30 days of storage. On a two-bedroom home of about 5,500 pounds, that's about $650 to $1,200. Handling at the warehouse can add to this. Your written estimate will state the actual rate and the number of days.
Questions to ask
- Where is the warehouse, and is it climate controlled?
- Is it storage in transit or permanent storage? When does one become the other?
- How is my shipment kept separate from other shipments?
- What is my valuation coverage while it's in storage?
- How much notice do you need to deliver, and what are the delivery charges?
When climate control matters
Pianos, wood furniture, art and instruments can react to changing temperature and humidity. Storage is especially important to think about when you're moving between very different climates, such as Chicago to Florida or Chicago to Arizona.
Keep your access in mind
You typically can't browse a warehouse-stored shipment the way you would a self-storage unit, since items are packed in vaults or on pallets. Keep anything you may need during the gap with you, including documents and seasonal clothing.