Question 1

How is this different from self-storage?

Accepted Answer

We come to you. We pack the items (or you can pack them). We load them into 8×10 climate-controlled containers — your stuff stays in the same container the entire time, no re-handling. The containers are stored in our 20,000 sq ft Class A San Jose warehouse, monitored 24/7, climate-controlled. When you want them back, you call us. We load the containers onto our trucks, drive to your destination — anywhere in the country — deliver, set up the furniture, place everything where it belongs, and unpack if you want. Self-storage is rent. We are full service. With self-storage, you do all the lifting twice — once into the unit, once out. With us, you do none of it.

Question 2

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Our standard residential storage container is 8 ft × 10 ft, climate-controlled. Rate runs $95–$125 per container per month, billed month to month. The actual rate depends on how many containers you need and how long you'll keep them. There's no minimum commitment — store for a few days, a few months, or a few years.

Question 3

What is Storage-in-Transit (SIT)?

Accepted Answer

Storage-in-Transit is a federal regulatory term used during interstate (state-to-state) moves. It refers to temporary storage — typically 90 days or less — that's part of the continuous service of an interstate move. It's used when your closing date slips, when the new house isn't ready, or when life gets in the way. After 90 days SIT can convert to permanent storage. As a Bekins Van Lines interstate agent, we handle both formally — your shipment stays under continuous coverage.

Question 4

How long can I store?

Accepted Answer

As long as you need. Some of our customers store one or two pieces for a few days during a renovation. Others store entire households for years during sabbaticals, overseas placements, or multi-year corporate assignments. There is no minimum and no maximum.

Question 5

Where do you deliver to?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere in the country. Locally, our crews and trucks deliver across the Bay Area and California. For out-of-state delivery, we operate as a Bekins Van Lines interstate agent — we coordinate the long-haul transport and partner with a Bekins agent on the destination end. The chain of custody stays inside the Bekins network the entire time.

Question 6

Can I access my items mid-storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can retrieve specific items from your storage on request. There's typically a small handling fee for partial retrieval, and we recommend giving us a few days' notice so we can pull the right container. Full delivery happens on your schedule.

Question 7

Is the warehouse really climate-controlled?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our facility maintains a stable, controlled climate suitable for furniture, electronics, books, photos, leather, art, and other temperature- and humidity-sensitive items. This is the difference between our facility and a typical self-storage metal unit, which can hit 120°F+ in summer and damage your belongings.

Question 8

Are my items insured while in storage?

Accepted Answer

Coverage during storage depends on whether your items are stored as part of an active interstate move (under Bekins valuation), as part of a local move (under SVM's standard valuation), or as a separate storage contract (warehouse storage liability). Storage liability is legally distinct from transit liability — we'll walk you through your specific coverage at booking and explain what each covers.

	Self-storage	SVM Storage
Loading	You rent a truck, drive it, load it, drive again, lift it up to a unit	Our crews come to you and load — every time
Climate	Metal box that hits 120°F+ in summer	Class A climate-controlled warehouse, year-round
Retrieval	You drive back, unlock, load, drive to destination, unload	Call us. We load your containers and deliver — anywhere in the country
Setup at destination	You unpack, place, set up, assemble — alone	Our crews unload, place furniture, unpack if requested
Commitment	Month to month	Month to month — same flexibility
Cost	$200–$400+/month for a 5×10 unit you load yourself	$95–$125/month per 8×10 container, full service
Best for	A box of seasonal stuff you can lift yourself	Real life. Furniture, households, full moves, real items.

	Self-storage	SVM Storage
Loading	You rent a truck, drive it, load it, drive again, lift it up to a unit	Our crews come to you and load — every time
Climate	Metal box that hits 120°F+ in summer	Class A climate-controlled warehouse, year-round
Retrieval	You drive back, unlock, load, drive to destination, unload	Call us. We load your containers and deliver — anywhere in the country
Setup at destination	You unpack, place, set up, assemble — alone	Our crews unload, place furniture, unpack if requested
Commitment	Month to month	Month to month — same flexibility
Cost	$200–$400+/month for a 5×10 unit you load yourself	$95–$125/month per 8×10 container, full service
Best for	A box of seasonal stuff you can lift yourself	Real life. Furniture, households, full moves, real items.

Climate-controlled storage. Full service. Better than self-storage.

Self-storage is rent. We're full service.

Storage for every situation

Moving + Storage

Long-term household storage

Business overflow & FF&E

Pallet & distribution

Specialty storage

A real warehouse. In San Jose. Built for this.

Real life. Real reasons.

Selling here, buying there

End of lease, no new place yet

Renovation gap

Cross-country move

Downsizing in stages

Decluttering / spring cleaning

Staging a home for sale

Sabbatical, overseas, military, corporate placement

Estate transitions

Holiday and seasonal swaps

New baby, home office conversions, hosting houseguests

Climate-sensitive items

The credentials that make a mover legitimate

Storage questions, answered

Need storage? Tell us when you'll need it back.