Storage Between Moves: When You Need It and How It Works
Updated: 2 days ago
In a perfect world, you would hand over the keys to your old home in the morning and pick up the keys to your new home that afternoon. In real life, dates rarely line up that neatly. A closing gets pushed back. A lease ends two weeks before the new one starts. A new job starts before you have found the right house.
When that happens, storage between moves can turn a stressful gap into a simple pause. Here is how it works and how to plan it.
IN THIS GUIDE Your move-out and move-in dates don't match? How storage between moves works, when it makes sense and how to plan it with your long distance move from Chicago. |
THANKSGIVING WEEK TIP Thanksgiving week can make move dates tight. If your new home is not ready, storage lets you enjoy the holiday instead of rushing the move. |
When storage makes sense
Your closing or move-in date changed. Real estate timelines move all the time. Storage lets you leave your old home on schedule without rushing into a new one.
You are relocating for work and still house hunting. Many people rent a short-term apartment first, then move into a permanent home once they know the new city.
You are renovating or painting. It is easier and safer to finish the work with your furniture out of the way.
You are downsizing in stages. Some families move the essentials first and decide later what to keep, sell or give away.
You are combining households. Storage gives you time to decide which sofa or dining table wins.
How storage works with a long distance move
When storage is part of your move, the process usually looks like this:
Pickup. The crew loads your home just like any other move.
Storage. Your belongings are kept in storage for the time you need.
Delivery. When your new home is ready, your shipment is delivered and unloaded.
The key is to plan it from the start. Tell your mover that you may need storage when you request your quote, even if you are not sure yet. It is much easier to include storage in your plan than to arrange it at the last minute while your belongings are on a truck.
MLV TIP At MLV Transportation, storage is part of our moving and storage services. You can see how it fits into a home move on our Home Relocation page. |
How storage affects your price
Storage is billed separately from transportation. The cost depends on how much space your belongings need and how long they stay in storage. A few tips help you keep it under control:
Declutter before the move. Every item you sell or donate before moving day is an item you do not pay to move or store.
Give a realistic time frame. If you think you need three weeks, say so. If plans change, call your mover as early as possible.
Keep your inventory complete. Your estimate is only as accurate as the list it is based on.
How to pack for storage
Things that will sit in storage need a little extra care:
Use sturdy boxes of similar sizes so they stack safely.
Fill boxes completely. Half-empty boxes can crush under weight.
Label every box on two sides with the room and a short description.
Clean and dry appliances before they go into storage to avoid odors and mold.
Wrap furniture in moving pads, and avoid wrapping wood directly in plastic.
Do not store perishables, plants, flammable items or chemicals.
If you do not have time to pack, MLV offers full packing service and sells packing supplies, including boxes, tape and bubble wrap.
What to keep with you
Some things should never go into storage. Keep these with you while you are between homes:
IDs, passports, financial and legal documents
Medications
Laptops, chargers and important electronics
Jewelry, cash and anything you could not replace
Clothes and essentials for the weeks you will be in temporary housing
Storage plus a direct move: one team from start to finish
When storage is handled by the same company that moves you, there are fewer handoffs, fewer phone calls and fewer chances for something to go wrong. With MLV, you book directly with the company that loads your home, keeps track of your shipment and delivers it when you are ready. Learn more on our Long Distance Moving page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer storage with long distance moves?
Yes. MLV is a moving and storage company, and we can include storage in your move when your dates do not match.
How much does storage cost?
It depends on the size of your shipment and how long you need storage. We include it in your estimate when you request your quote.
What if my move-in date changes while my things are in storage?
Call us as soon as you know. Date changes need 72 hours notice, and the earlier we know, the easier it is to adjust your delivery.
Can I access my things while they are in storage?
Ask us about access when you book, so we can plan it together with your move.
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