Putting a household in storage is two jobs: the warehouse crew takes the load off the truck and puts every piece where it belongs, and later they bring it out again. The charge for that labor is warehouse handling, and it is separate from the rent on the space.
Handling versus the storage rate
Storage is the space and time. Handling is the work. A bill for storage may list a monthly rate for the space and a one-time or per-event charge for the labor to place goods in, and another to take them out. Ask which of these your estimate lists, and whether the monthly figure already includes the in and out labor.
What happens inside the warehouse
The inventory made at loading is the reference for all of it, because it names each carton and article and its condition.
- Unloading the truck and checking each carton and piece against the inventory
- Padding and placing furniture so it can be stored safely
- Moving stored goods when other goods are put in or taken out
- Pulling the goods and loading them for delivery on the day you ask
Where the federal rules touch it
Two rules matter. Under 375.607, if a mover can deliver more than 24 hours before the date you specified and you do not agree to early delivery, it may place the shipment in storage near the destination at its own expense, and it is responsible for the charges for redelivery, handling and storage until final delivery. In storage-in-transit under 375.609, the handling and warehouse charges stay under the tariff and the mover must give notice before liability ends.
O'Brien's warehouse
O'Brien's runs a 30,000 sq ft warehouse at 2277 Glendale Ave in Sparks, the same site as the office and truck yard. The wooden storage vaults, 7 ft x 7 ft x 5 ft, are filled and emptied by O'Brien's crews, which is the handling this term describes. Vault storage starts from $40 per month, and shipping stored goods takes about 2 to 3 weeks notice. Learn more on the warehouse page.
Questions to ask before you store
Which handling charges apply on the way in and on the way out? Are they on the itemized estimate? How many days notice does the warehouse need to prepare a delivery? A clear answer to each, in writing, is worth more than a low monthly number with the labor left out.