When you are moving over long distances and your belongings won’t make it to your new home on the same day, consider putting your belongings in storage. It shouldn’t be a problem for movers to hold on to your stuff, in fact, it could be considered the norm. Many people move long distances, move to smaller homes, or have homes that are still being built or just aren’t ready to take delivery of all their furniture immediately. And they all have a need for movers to hold onto their stuff for a while.
There are a few things you want to look out for though, so you find the best service and solution to meet your needs.
Do You Need Short-Term Storage or Long-Term Storage?
If your moving company is holding onto your belongings, you may not immediately think of such a service as storage.
For safety, security, and logistical purposes, it’s not as simple as hanging on to your stuff. The length of time you require storage is also an important factor. Some moving companies may not offer long-term storage if your move is taking place over an extended period; short-term storage, however, should not be a problem—be it overnight or for a few days. But the only way you will really know for sure is by asking your moving company what their policy and storage facilities allow for.
What Kind of Facility is on Offer?
The next thing you have to find out from your storage company is how safe and secure your belongings will be. Regardless of how long they are holding your belongings for, you need to do some due diligence. A reputable mover will have a storage facility which offers 24/7 CCTV coverage and round-the-clock security.
The next most important factor is whether your boxes and furniture are protected from the elements. Rain, dust, vermin, and insects could cause damage even over a short period. Your storage facility must be properly sealed and secure.
What Items Can You Put in Storage?
There will always be items which you cannot put into storage. Other than pets and valuables, there are a lot of practical considerations regarding the storage of your belongings.
Items your movers will not hold on to:
- Solvents
- Paint and paint thinner
- Petrol or gasoline
- Anything perishable such as fresh food or even pet food
- Plants or other living things
- Illegal substances
- Weapons
Take caution when storing the following items:
- Pressurised items such as gas or dive cylinders need to be completely empty before they are put into storage
- Lawnmowers, motorbikes or other items which are powered by petrol or the like must be emptied entirely
If you are looking for a moving company able to hold on to your stuff, New Zealand Movers are always happy to help. For a free quote or advice, get in touch with us today.
