Moving Out of a Storage Unit? What to Expect and How to Prepare
Moving belongings out of a storage unit may sound easier than moving out of a house or apartment, but storage-unit moves come with their own challenges.
Furniture may be packed tightly together, boxes may be stacked several feet high, and the moving truck could be a long distance from the unit. Some customers also discover that they have more belongings in storage than they remembered.
Whether you're moving everything from a storage unit into a new home or simply transferring your belongings to another facility, a little preparation can make the process much faster.
At On Demand Moving, we help customers throughout Southeast Michigan with storage-unit moves, loading, unloading, and full-service local moving.
How Long Does It Take to Move a Storage Unit?
The amount of time depends heavily on the size of the unit and how much is actually inside.
A lightly packed 5x10 storage unit may be relatively quick to move, while a completely full 10x20 or 10x30 unit could contain enough belongings to resemble an entire household move.
Other factors that affect moving time include:
How tightly the unit is packed
Number of boxes and furniture pieces
Distance between the unit and moving truck
Elevator access
Stairs
Heavy or specialty items
How organized the unit is
Distance to the delivery location
This is why it helps to give your moving company as accurate an inventory as possible before receiving your quote.
Take Pictures of the Storage Unit
One of the easiest ways to help your mover estimate the job is to send pictures.
Stand far enough back to capture as much of the unit as possible.
If furniture or boxes are blocking items toward the back, let your movers know what else is behind them.
Pictures can help determine:
How many movers may be needed
Approximate moving time
Truck size
Equipment needed
Whether any specialty items are involved
The more information your movers have beforehand, the easier it is to prepare the proper crew and equipment.
Make Sure You Have Access Before Movers Arrive
Before moving day, make sure you know exactly how the storage facility works.
Confirm:
Gate code
Unit number
Building number
Elevator access
Facility hours
Whether a key or lock needs to be removed
Where the moving truck can park
A crew waiting at a locked gate or trying to locate the correct building adds unnecessary time to the move.
If your storage facility requires a special access code for elevators or buildings, have that ready as well.
Consider the Distance From the Unit to the Truck
Not every storage unit allows a moving truck to pull directly in front of the door.
Indoor facilities may require movers to travel through hallways and elevators before reaching the truck.
That distance can make a major difference.
A unit located 20 feet from the truck will generally move much faster than one requiring every item to be carried or rolled several hundred feet.
When requesting your estimate, mention any long carry between the storage unit and parking area.
Don't Forget About Heavy Items
Storage units often contain items that have not been moved in years.
That can include:
Safes
Toolboxes
Solid wood furniture
Appliances
Exercise equipment
Large dressers
Oversized tables
Let your mover know about unusually heavy items before moving day.
Something that requires three movers should not be discovered after a two-person crew has already arrived.
Inspect Furniture That Has Been in Storage
Furniture can change while sitting in storage, especially if the unit is not climate controlled.
Before the crew moves an item, check for:
Loose legs
Damaged particleboard
Moisture damage
Cracked furniture
Weak bottoms
Loose drawers
Existing scratches
Furniture that has already been weakened may require additional care when it is moved.
If an item appears damaged, point it out to the crew before they handle it.
Organize Loose Items Before Moving Day
Loose belongings slow down a storage-unit move considerably.
Try to place smaller items into boxes or containers before the movers arrive.
Instead of having movers make repeated trips carrying individual lamps, decorations, tools, and small household items, several smaller belongings can be packed together.
This can save time and make the truck easier to organize.
For more ways to prepare before the crew arrives, read our How to Prepare for Moving Day in Southeast Michigan guide.
What Size Truck Do You Need for a Storage Unit?
Storage units can be deceptive.
A tightly packed storage unit can hold significantly more than it appears to from the doorway.
The correct truck depends on the size of the unit, how full it is, and the types of items being stored.
If you're unsure what moving truck you need, check out our guide on what size moving truck to use for a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom move.
Storage units containing belongings from an entire apartment or house can often be compared with these household sizes when estimating truck space.
Can Movers Load a U-Haul From a Storage Unit?
Yes.
If you've rented your own U-Haul, Penske, trailer, or other moving vehicle, you can hire movers strictly for loading or unloading.
This is commonly called labor-only moving.
The movers handle the furniture and boxes while you provide the transportation.
This can be a good option if you're moving belongings from storage yourself but don't want to handle the heavy lifting.
Learn more in our Labor-Only Moving: When You Only Need Help Loading or Unloading guide.
Storage Unit to House Moves
Another common situation is moving belongings from storage directly into a new house or apartment.
In this case, the crew can load everything at the storage facility, transport it to the new location, and unload the belongings into the correct rooms.
Make sure your movers know about access at the new property too.
Stairs, elevators, long carries, and multiple floors can all affect how long the unloading portion takes.
Storage Unit Moving in Southeast Michigan
On Demand Moving helps customers move belongings into and out of storage facilities throughout Southeast Michigan.
Whether you're clearing a small storage unit, moving an entire household out of storage, or simply need professional help loading your rental truck, we can help.
We provide moving services throughout areas including Adrian, Tecumseh, Jackson, Chelsea, Saline, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and surrounding communities.
If you're requesting a quote for a storage-unit move, sending pictures and an accurate inventory is one of the best ways to help us estimate the job.
Contact On Demand Moving today to request a quote for your storage-unit move.
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