Yes, many professional moving companies offer short-term storage options to help when your moving schedule is unique or doesn’t go exactly as planned. For instance, your new lease might start a week later than your move-out date, or your home closing could be delayed. In those situations, short-term storage keeps your belongings safe and accessible until you’re ready for delivery.
In this guide, we’ll explain how short-term storage works with a moving company, what it costs, how to find the right provider, and when it makes sense to use mover-provided storage instead of renting from a self-storage facility.
How Short-Term Storage Works with Moving Companies
Because timing gaps between move-out and move-in are common, many professional movers include short-term storage as a service. It’s one of the most requested add-ons for customers managing tight timelines or delayed closings.
Instead of loading and unloading your belongings multiple times, here’s how the short-term storage process typically works:
- Pickup and loading: Movers pack and load your items from your home.
- Transport and storage: Your belongings are taken to a secure warehouse or kept on the truck, depending on the storage type.
- Redelivery: On the scheduled date, the crew delivers your stuff to your new address.
This approach is especially helpful for local moves or interim housing situations when you can’t take everything with you right away.
Types of Storage Options Movers Offer
Not all short-term storage looks the same. Depending on your situation and how long you need your items held, you may be offered several short-term storage solutions. Many movers have one or more of these options:
- On-Truck Storage: Your belongings stay on the moving truck for a few days until your set delivery date. While this costs less than a warehouse and eliminates double-handling, you won’t have access to your items or climate control, and the duration is typically only a few days.
- Warehouse Storage: Movers unload your items into a secure, climate-controlled facility. Your items have better protection from temperature changes and humidity, but there’s a higher cost because movers must unload and later reload your items for delivery.
- Portable Storage Containers: A container is delivered to your home for you to load, or you can hire movers to load it for you. Once you’re done, it’s picked up, stored, and redelivered later. These containers are great for DIY or hybrid moves. You get flexible timing and accessible storage, but you likely won’t have climate control, and you’ll need space to store the container.
Each option has trade-offs between convenience, cost, and protection. You’ll need to evaluate which moving company has what you need and decide based on their services.
How Much Short-Term Storage From a Mover Costs
The cost of short-term storage through a moving company depends on how long you need it, how much you’re storing, and the type of storage used. While it’s usually more affordable than renting a separate self-storage unit by the month, pricing varies by mover and region. Most companies calculate storage as an add-on service, charging by the day or week.
You’ll typically pay for:
- Storage time: Shorter holds (a few days) are often included in full-service moves, while longer stays may cost extra.
- Storage type: On-truck storage tends to be cheaper. Warehouse and container options cost more due to handling and facility use.
- Shipment size: The more space your belongings take up, the more you’ll pay.
- Additional services: Some movers charge extra for final delivery from storage, access to your items, or warehouse handling.
Average cost estimates:
While you’re thinking about costs, be sure to check out our blog, 13 Unexpected Moving Costs to Look For, to learn about hidden fees that can surprise you on moving day.
How to Choose a Moving Company with Storage Services
The easiest way to find movers who offer short-term storage is through HireAHelper’s platform, which connects you with trusted local professionals who can handle both moving and storage seamlessly.
When booking a mover, mention your need for storage up front. The more details you provide to your potential movers, the easier it will be for them to plan logistics, secure space in their warehouse (if needed), and provide a transparent quote.
Here are a few key things to ask and verify before booking:
- Licensing and insurance: Make sure your mover is registered with the FMCSA (for interstate moves) and carries liability coverage.
- Storage facility security: Ask about surveillance, controlled access, and fire protection.
- Climate control: Especially important for furniture, electronics, and delicate items.
- Access policies: Can you retrieve something during storage, or is it sealed until delivery?
- Storage duration limits: Some movers limit short-term storage to about 30 days, so it’s always best to confirm their exact policy before booking.
- Transparent pricing: Look for itemized quotes and avoid unclear “miscellaneous” charges.
To make sure you have everything covered, review the most important questions to ask before moving.
Mover-Provided Storage vs. Self-Storage
Both mover-provided storage and self-storage can keep your belongings safe between homes, but they work differently. Sometimes you’re better off using a self-storage unit, especially when your timeline gets extended, or you need flexible access to your items.
Mover-provided storage
This is often built into your moving service. After loading your belongings, the same crew transports them to a secure warehouse until delivery. It’s a convenient, hands-off option because you only work with one company from start to finish.
“On-truck storage tends to be cheaper. Warehouse and container options cost more due to handling and facility use.”
This route saves time and effort, especially with large or heavy items, but it usually costs more due to handling and storage fees. It’s best for short-term needs, like when your move-out and move-in dates don’t align.
Self-storage
By contrast, self-storage is when you rent and manage the unit yourself. You’ll pack, transport, and organize your items at the storage facility of your choice. These units come in different sizes and may include climate control, drive-up access, or 24-hour entry. It’s generally cheaper than mover-provided storage and gives you full access to your belongings, but it also means more work, extra trips, and added coordination. If you’re exploring that route, check out the top 10 things to ask your self-storage facility before leasing.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh both options:
If you’re deciding between the two, think about how long you’ll need storage, how often you’ll want access, and how much of the moving and coordination you’re willing to handle yourself. For a week or two, mover-provided storage may be the simpler, more cost-effective choice. For longer or more flexible timelines, self-storage makes more sense.
FAQs
How long can you keep belongings in short-term storage?
Most movers define short-term storage as anything up to 30 days, though policies vary. Some companies can extend that timeline if space allows or transition your items into long-term warehouse storage. It’s always best to confirm duration limits when booking to avoid unexpected extension fees or last-minute scheduling conflicts.
Are my items insured while in storage with a mover?
Yes, your belongings are typically covered under the mover’s valuation policy, which protects against loss or damage while items are in their care. However, this isn’t full-value insurance. Instead, it’s based on weight, not replacement cost. Ask if your mover offers upgraded coverage or if you can purchase a third-party insurance plan for extra peace of mind during storage.
Can I access my things during the storage period?
Access depends on the type of storage you choose. On-truck storage usually means no access until delivery, while warehouse storage may allow scheduled appointments for retrieval. Keep in mind that access requests may involve handling fees since movers must locate, unpack, and re-secure your items afterward. Always confirm access policies before committing to short-term storage.
Is short-term storage available for local and long-distance moves?
Yes, many movers offer short-term storage for both local and interstate relocations. For long-distance moves, this service is often called storage-in-transit (SIT), where your shipment pauses temporarily at a secure facility before continuing to its destination. Local moves may include on-truck or warehouse options. Either way, it’s a convenient solution when your move-in and move-out dates don’t line up.