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How Much Do Moving Companies Charge For Storage Belongings -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Feb 29, 2024 7 min read
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How Much Do Moving Companies Charge For Storage Belongings -

Are you planning a relocation or renovation and need more storage space?

Moving comes with a lot of hassle and stress—from finding a new home to planning how to store your belongings. If you’re considering a storage Facility in Leesburg, understanding storage costs ahead of time can significantly reduce the pressure that comes with moving or renovating.

On average, moving companies and removalist services can charge you as low as 50 bucks to hundreds of dollars for a month's storage. It's more complex to give specific figures to how much storage facilities cost due to the varying factors that fluctuate the prices.

To get a clearer picture of how much to expect when speaking with movers about storage costs, this article will give a thorough breakdown. More details about the different storage options and the factors causing a spike or drop in the average price. 

Know your Storage Options

If this is your first time relocating or needing a storage unit, you should understand that different types and services are provided.

Often, you will come across three main types of storage units: self-storage, mobile storage, and warehouses. Any other is usually a modified version of the significant three options with unique features or services a moving company might offer.

What do these storage options offer?

Self-storage

As the name implies, it's a unique choice of storing your properties with your hands doing all the work.

Using this option is usually the standard pick by many movers around the country. The self-storage choice means renting a unit/facility/room to store your things while you move or renovate your space.

When moving companies offer this service to their customers, the rental period usually lasts a month. An increase in the duration of renting the facility is also possible as there aren't any fixed times.

There's better flexibility with how big you want your storage unit to be, how long you want to rent the space, and any other need you want. This storage option is primarily the most affordable and is a common choice.

Pros

● High flexibility

● Cost-efficient and affordable

● 24/7 accessibility to your storage unit

● Sufficient level of security

Cons

● Storage capacity is limited

● Requires you to do the heavy lifting and storage arrangements.

Mobile storage 

They are also known as portable or pod storage. For this type of storage option, there's a reduced level of work you have to do. 

With self-storage, you must package what you need to store and take them to the rented facilities. But, using mobile pods, the stress of taking your properties to the facility is cut off.

The moving company offering this option sends you pods or containers (depending on how many you need) to your residence or location. At your convenience, you stack up the storage unit with what you need to store and alert the movers to take it to their facility. 

There's also the option to withhold the mobile storage units by yourself for an agreed period. However, depending on your choice of moving company, this feature to keep the mobile units might only sometimes be available.

Pros

● Improved convenience

● Ensures proper storage of your properties in the units.

● Comes with high-security locks

Cons

● Less Affordable

● You will often request more than a single mobile unit.

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Warehouse storage

For this type of storage, you correctly think of storing things like furniture, vehicles, appliances, or any large item. Warehouse storage is the best type if you want more space.

There are two options for this type of storage: taking your properties to the warehouse or letting the moving company do all the heavy lifting.

If you prefer to rent only one self-storage facility or mobile unit, the warehouse option is your pick. On average, you will only need a single warehouse to store your properties. If the properties were once in your house, they could fit into the warehouse. 

Amongst the downsides to warehouse storage is they are less accessible. Different from the self-storage option, you can only walk some time of the day to access what's stored. Booking appointments with movers to access your properties is often expected.

Pros

● Tons of space

● High security provided

● Cost-effective; you won't be needing multiple facilities

Cons

● An expensive option

● Less accessibility

How Much do Moving Companies Charge For Storage

The truth is that there's no one-size-fits-all mover storage cost.

Picking a bigger-sized storage unit, whether a self-storage, mobile, or warehouse storage, means you are willing to pay more.

Let's give an average cost based on frequently used movers in the U.S.

Self-storage Units

Size: Small

● Unit dimensions: 5’×5’ to 5’×10’

● Average monthly cost: $47.26 - $75

Size: Medium

● Unit dimensions: 5’×15’, 10’×10’, 10’×15’

● Average monthly cost: $90 - $150

Size: Large

● Unit dimensions: 10’×20’, 10’×25’, 10’×30’

● Average monthly cost: $160 - $300

Mobile Storage (PODS)

Size: 7 to 8-foot container

● Average monthly cost (on-site): $97 - $120

● Average monthly cost (home pick up to storage center): $100 - $180

Size: 12-Foot Container

● Average monthly cost (on-site): $125 - $200

● Average monthly cost (home pick up to storage center): $206 - $250

Size: 16-foot container

● Average monthly cost (on-site): $228 - $250

● Average monthly cost (home pick up to storage center): $288 - $370

Warehouse storage

Monthly

● The base rental rate is $0.85 per square foot

● Average operating expenses (NNN/CAM): $0.25 per square foot

Quarterly

● The base rental rate is $2.50 per square foot

● Average operating expenses (NNN/CAM): $0.25 per square foot

Annually

● The base rental rate is $10 per square foot

● Average operating expenses (NNN/CAM): $0.25 per square foot

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Using Moving Company's Storages

As you know, the quote given to you by a moving company can differ slightly from another, even within the same city. Moving company storage costs vary and will change due to a few significant factors.

Climate control

When you have properties to store that are sensitive to high or low temperatures and humidity changes, opting for a storage unit with specific climate control features is the go-to pick.

However, they are costly. Requesting this from your moving company means they must care extra for your belongings, raising their final quote for you.

For example, removalists in Melbourne may charge  higher than removalists in Colorado because of the AC cost.

Full-service storage

Requiring this feature from your preferred moving company means you completely take your hands off packaging your properties for storage. It's a comprehensive storage solution, eliminating any stress for you.

The moving company will be responsible for loading your properties into their truck or container, unloading them at their facility, and carefully arranging them into the unit. 

This option is primarily for those with less free time and a sizeable moving budget. It raises your moving expenditure by at least 25%.

Security

Of course, some form of security always comes with every storage option when you agree to the terms. However, if you specifically request improved security measures for the safety of your properties, your moving company will raise the price.

Proximity and location

Just like with a regular taxi, the cost of transporting yourself 1km and 5km can always be different. Requesting a full-service or mobile storage option from a distance means your desired moving company will have to spend more resources getting to your location. 

If it's an interstate relocation where your properties must travel longer than 50km, the final quote will shoot up. Consider looking for a moving company closer to your area to save costs.If you’re moving further away, then a long distance moving company will handle all the logistics for you.

Benefits of Using Moving Company Storage Facilities

The benefits of renting a storage facility outweigh the few disadvantages. Let's look at some general benefits of using storage while moving.

● Helps to declutter your home while trying to sell, rent, or renovate

● Keeps your properties safe and secure

● Encourages proper organization of your belongings

● Allows you to move on your own time

● More cost-effective when moving large items

● Prevents damage to properties

● Supports smoother apartment applications by giving you time to prepare essentials like pay stubs for income verification

Final Words

It's understandable to have doubts about using storage spaces when moving. Are they worth it? Are they safe? And how much do moving companies charge for storage?

These are the continuous pondering questions of every first-time mover. If you're planning a relocation across states or even farther, consider reaching out to long distance movers who can handle your move with efficiency and care.Once you finally decide to use one, you will discover how cost-effective these companies are in reducing stress.

You can contact one today and make that relocation a lot easier!

Contact Kenna Real Estate Group

WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.