AskTheTrucker.com

Moving can be an emotional process. When there are other steps your move requires, the emotion can run even higher. One of these steps is the necessity of placing your items into storage. When the probability of storage plays into the equation, one should look into the correct storage facility to prevent any unwanted “surprises.”

Using the moving company’s storage is a very expensive adventure. There are additional charges for placing your items into their storage, additional charges for removing the items out of their storage and of course, the expensive monthly charges for using their facility. Simply put, utilizing the mover’s storage can add up to plenty of dollars!

When you have to store your items, the best route to take is to use a self storage facility. Not only is it much cheaper, but you can have 24 hour access to your goods and not be limited to the moving company’s hours of business. You will also have the piece of mind knowing that you and only you have access to your belongings.

When choosing a self storage facility, there is one key element to look for: be absolutely certain the moving truck, especially if your goods will be transported by an 18-wheeler, that the truck can “fit” into the self storage facility. This is where the biggest problem can arise for customers, causing additional charges from the movers. If the semi arrives and cannot maneuver properly around the self storage facility, you may be looking at an additional charge like a “long carry charge” or even worse, a “shuttle charge.” If possible, take pictures of the self storage facility, showing its layout, etc., and give to your mover . . . this way they can see beforehand that the truck will be able to “fit”.

At the time when your items are being placed into the storage, be sure to have plenty of blankets and protective equipment to cover your furniture. Remember, once your items are going into a self storage facility, YOU are ultimately responsible for having the proper protective supplies, such as blankets, paper pads, etc. The mover should bring along enough paper pads to do the job since they knew in advance your items were going into self storage, but many times they will “run short” and have no way of protecting against scratches and damages.

By using your own self storage, you will not have to worry about the large expenses that movers charge for storage, and you will be totally in charge of your belongings.

About the Author:

Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of “How to Guarantee a “Perfect” Move” and the “Truth About Trucking.” He is an expert in motor carrier transportation and has 38 years experience within the moving industry.

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