Having secure storage available during a long distance move can make changing timelines much easier to manage. With moving company storage services, your moving company provides secure storage for your belongings in their warehouse after pick-up and holds them until delivery. When your move-out and move-in dates don’t line up, the crew loads up your shipment, stores it near your origin or destination, then delivers it once your new home is ready.
What Is the Difference Between Moving Company Storage and Self-Storage?
Moving company storage keeps your belongings in your movers’ care throughout your entire move. Self-storage puts you in charge of everything – renting the storage unit, getting your belongings there, then bringing them to your new destination.
Self-storage is also called do-it-yourself (DIY) storage, and since you’ll be responsible for filling it with your items and furniture yourself, you’ll also need to rent your own truck and potentially hire your own crew to move your possessions into the unit. While self-storage is a more budget-friendly option, it takes time, more physical effort, and can certainly generate more stress.
Because you can choose moving company storage options, you can let your moving company team load up your belongings and bring them to their own private secure storage facility. Here your possessions will stay protected until you’re ready to receive them at your new home.
When you choose National Van Lines for your long distance move, you’ll be able to select moving storage as an option. Here are the key differences between DIY storage and what we offer at National Van Lines.
| Consideration | National Van Lines Secure Storage | Regular Storage Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Standards | Meets Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for secure storage. | Depends on the facility you choose. |
| How Items Are Stored | Packed into sealed vaults that stay closed until delivery. | Placed in a rented storage unit that you organize and secure. |
| Fire Protection | Facilities equipped with fire suppression systems. | Varies by facility, so verify the fire protection situation before you rent. |
| Moisture and Mold | Facilities tested for mold. | You are responsible for checking for leaks, humidity and mold. |
| Temperature | Temperature-controlled to protect sensitive items. | Often an add-on cost at self-storage. |
| Handling | Overseen and handled by National Van Lines and our agent network. | By yourself, or a crew that you hire, plus truck rental. |
Should You Store Your Belongings at Your Origin or Destination?
National Van Lines can store your belongings near your current home or your new one. Origin storage works well when you don’t know your new address just yet, because you can send your shipment anywhere once you decide. Destination storage works well when you know your new city, since delivery can happen more quickly once your home is ready. For other common reasons customers add storage, such as closing-date gaps and job relocations, see our guide to long distance moving and storage.
“One thing that really makes National Van Lines stand out is that you get individualized attention from our experienced customer service team the entire way,” says Danielle Perri, Director of Contact Center Sales Development. “Even if you don’t know where you’re going quite yet, we can definitely still help. What customers should know is that when you choose secure storage with us here at National Van Lines, we can arrange to have your belongings held at either your origin or destination.”
Moving Company Storage FAQ
Questions about cost and coverage often come up when storage is part of a long distance move. Check out our storage FAQ for some information to help you choose a storage option.
Is there a budget-friendly storage option?
Yes. If moving company storage is outside your budget, National Van Lines can help you find a local storage facility instead. Your MovePro coordinator (your dedicated point of contact) can talk you through both options so you can choose the one that best fits your timeline and budget.
Does valuation coverage apply to belongings in storage?
Yes. When National Van Lines holds your belongings in short-term storage (also called storage-in-transit) while your move is still in progress, the valuation coverage you selected for your move stays in place.
When your storage needs extend beyond the storage-in-transit period, your shipment converts to permanent storage status, and different coverage terms apply per the FMCSA. Your MovePro coordinator can discuss this with you before you choose a storage period.
Choose Secure Moving Storage for Your Long Distance Move
Your long distance moving plans can shift as you get closer to moving day, and secure storage makes it easier to handle anything that might change along the way. Your belongings will be held in a safe and secure location until you’re ready to open the front door to your new home.
Ready to talk about your long distance moving options, including storage? Call us at 800-323-1962, or request a moving quote online to get started with National Van Lines.
