The average cost for a storage unit in the United States is about $50 per month. That figure will get you a 5×5-foot space to use for your furniture.
If you need something like a 10×15-foot unit, then you could be paying $140 per month to store your items.
If you look at the cost of storage spaces in New York City, the prices can get even higher. A 5×5-foot unit in Manhattan starts at $300 per month. When you look in the Bronx, the cheapest neighborhoods will still be in the $200 per month range.
We often focus on the comfort of consumerism. Accumulating items to place into storage makes it feel like you can save money since you don’t need to repurchase furniture or appliances in the future.
If you keep your belongings in a storage unit for six months or more, then you’ve spent more to secure them than if you bought something new.
That’s why working with a moving company for temporary storage solutions is your best deal.
When Does Furniture Storage Make Sense?
If you purchased new furniture for a home that isn’t ready yet for you to move into it, then temporary storage is an excellent option. Your moving company can offer a secured site that lets you get the items out of your previous home without losing them or needing to sell them.
Temporary storage typically lasts for 90 days. If you need a more extended timeframe for some reason, your preferred moving agency will transfer the items to a more permanent solution.
When your new home is ready for the move-in process to start, then the moving agency can take the furniture out of storage for you. Then the belongings get safely transported to the intended destination.
Always choose to work with an agency like Expo Movers to deliver your items in temporary storage whenever you need them.
How Temporary Storage Works with a Moving Company
When you require temporary storage, either through a planned transfer or because of unplanned circumstances, then your assigned manager will determine the space you need. The packing materials, containers, and the type of truck are all part of that consideration. Then you’ll receive an exact estimate for those services for free so that you can find the best deal.
It would be best to ask for multiple quotes when you need temporary storage for your furniture. A moving company that utilizes a storage facility in Manhattan will be more expensive than one located in Queens.
If you agree with the quoted price, your moving company should offer a written contract with the provisions included for the storage services you need.
A professional team of movers should then come to your address at an agreed-upon time to remove your furniture. These services may include the dismantling of your belongings or equipment to ensure they can fit through doors and hallways or in an elevator.
After safely loading the items onto the moving truck, the furniture will get unloaded at a secure storage facility until you are ready for them.
When To Consider Storage Service Alternatives
There are times when temporary storage solutions are the correct investment to consider. If you find yourself in the following situations, this option might cost you more than you realize.
1. You’re too attached to your furniture.
It isn’t easy to let things go sometimes. Even if there is no financial value to the furniture, the sentimental loss can feel devastating. If you struggle to let go of anything, then moving is an opportunity to learn to let go of some items.
2. You don’t know if you need the furniture later.
If you are downsizing, then some of your furniture might not fit in the new place. Keeping your favorite items because you “might” use them later can be a costly decision. It’s usually better to make a little money off of your older items instead.
3. There isn’t time to host a yard sale.
Life has many responsibilities that we must manage. It can seem like there isn’t any time to host a yard sale or list items on a site like Mercari, but it only takes a few minutes each day to start the downsizing process. Instead of paying a few hundred dollars in storage fees, you could have some extra cash in your pocket.
Moving is already a stressful experience. Having the option available for temporary storage allows you to manage unexpected situations affordably. If you need something more permanent, then it might be time to look at a different outcome.
