Why Not All Moving Storage Solutions Are Created Equal

There’s a lot that’s involved in moving from one place to another, and storing your stuff isn’t usually one of the first concerns that occupy your thoughts and attention. But with South Dakota’s extreme weather swings, your valuable belongings could quickly be put at risk for damage if storage remains just an afterthought.

A variety of moving storage options exist, but they are certainly not all created equal. Take a few moments to consider what moving storage solutions will best fit your needs, whether that’s portable or permanent and short-term or long-term. We’ve compiled the highlights into a quick summary below.

Portable Storage

It can be tempting to think you can conveniently take your storage with you, but that’s not often the case. Portable storage, primarily offered by moving container companies, comes with plenty of drawbacks.

Moving Containers or Pods

Do all the heavy lifting and organizing yourself, but you can do it at your own pace. A storage container or moving pod offers one of the largely do-it-yourself storage options, but you’ll still pay a price for it.

You’ll get a limited space and a potential eyesore in your driveway or on your curb, but a container may be an affordable temporary storage option if you’re not going far. The price of moving containers can rise quickly for a long-distance move or a long-term storage arrangement.

Costs also vary by container size, and even the best moving container is likely far smaller than a shipping container you often see on a semi truck. If you’re inexperienced at big moves, the organization of your belongings may suffer compared to the experience and strategy of a professional local mover. And your belongings won’t likely be climate controlled, so be careful storing anything that’s sensitive to extreme heat or cold.

Part of the appeal of a portable storage container, besides the cost savings, is the extra time to get your move done, though it’s best to still schedule your drop-off and pick-up times because the availability of container or pod movers can be unpredictable.

Convenient: Maybe, if you have space to store it

Full Service: No, drop-off and pick-up only; you have to pack it yourself

Climate-Controlled: No

Security: Lock only

Flexible: No

Cost: Flat rate per month

Permanent Storage

Most moves are temporary, but there may be a situation where permanent storage makes sense for you.

Storage Units

The most common storage option out there, the self-storage unit gives you 24/7 access to your belongings, but you have to get stuff there and back.

You’ll likely save money compared to a moving container, but this is another do-it-yourself storage option, and you still have to do the packing and loading work yourself.

Once again, space is limited, and you’ll pay whether or not you use your storage unit well. If you pay extra, you may be able to get a unit that’s climate controlled, but many storage units are not so beware of mold and moisture damage from freezing, thawing and condensation.

Convenient: Depends on location

Full Service: No

Climate-Controlled: Maybe

Security: Lock, maybe surveillance

Flexible: No

Cost: Flat rate per month or year

Storage Building Space

If you’ve got a lot of stuff and want to keep it together, or vehicles or large furniture that may not fit well in a limited storage unit or storage container, renting space in a storage building could be an option, depending on your location.

The cost of building space is often per square foot, so you’ll want to organize it well. As for security and temperature, that’ll vary widely, from unheated, shared warehouse space to supervised and climate-controlled storage space.

Convenient: Not likely, as an appointment may be needed

Full Service: Maybe for added cost

Climate-Controlled: Maybe

Security: Maybe

Flexible: Maybe

Cost: Per square foot

Moving Service

By far the most convenient and most efficient way to store your belongings is with a moving company. For a reasonable price, you’ll get short-term storage with full-service packing of moving boxes and loading into moving trucks and then a fully secure and climate-controlled facility, and you’ll pay only for the professionally organized space you need.

Advanced Moving provides both personal and business storage in an all-climate-controlled facility with 24-hour digital surveillance and personal supervision of every item that goes in or out by our owner, Dennis Ahlers.

We’ll tailor our storage service however you want or need it done, whether it’s a local move or long-distance, and you’ll get an itemized list of all your labeled and stored belongings for your records.

Convenient: Yes

Full Service: Yes, if you want, or DIY if you prefer

Climate-Controlled: Yes

Security: 24-hour surveillance and personal supervision of loading and unloading

Flexible: Yes

Cost: Per square foot