Jun 18, 2026 Storage Company

Moving and Storage in BC: When to Use Storage and How Much It Costs

Posted by: Mcmmanager

Quick answer: Storage makes sense during a move whenever your timelines don’t line up — like a gap between closing dates, downsizing, renovating, or staging a home for sale. In the Lower Mainland, secure storage units typically run from around $150/month for a 5×10 unit up to roughly $510/month for a 10×30 unit (plus GST). The easiest option is a mover that also stores your belongings, so packing, transport, and storage are handled by one team.

Not every move is a simple A-to-B trip. Sometimes you sell before you buy. Sometimes the new place isn’t ready. Sometimes you’re decluttering to stage a home and just need your extra furniture somewhere safe for a few weeks. That’s exactly where moving and storage come together — and getting it right saves you money, time, and a lot of stress.

Here’s when storage is worth it, what to expect on cost and security, and how to combine it with your move.

Key Takeaways

• Use storage when closing dates don’t match, you’re renovating, downsizing, staging, or going abroad.
• Lower Mainland storage costs range from about $150/mo (5×10) to $510/mo (10×30), plus 5% GST.
• Short-term and long-term options are both available — even overnight stays.
• Security matters: look for video surveillance, restricted access, climate control, and proper wrapping.
• One provider for moving + storage is simpler and usually cheaper than separate vendors.

When Should You Use Storage During a Move?

Storage isn’t just for people with too much stuff. The most common reasons Lower Mainland clients add storage to a move are:

• Mismatched closing dates. Your sale closes before your purchase — storage bridges the gap so you’re never homeless with a truck full of furniture.
• Downsizing. Moving to a smaller home but not ready to part with everything? Store the overflow while you decide.
• Renovations. Keep furniture safe and out of the way while floors, walls, or kitchens are redone.
• Home staging. Empty, decluttered rooms sell faster. Store the excess until the sale is done. (Pair this with our eco-friendly moving tips to declutter responsibly.)
• Long trips or relocation abroad. Going overseas or between provinces? Long-term storage keeps your belongings secure until you’re settled.

If any of these sound like your situation, secure short- and long-term storage solutions can turn a logistics headache into a non-issue.

How Much Does Storage Cost in the Lower Mainland?

Storage pricing depends on unit size and how long you need it. As a rough guide for the Vancouver area:

*Prices are indicative and subject to 5% GST. Request a quote for an exact figure based on your volume and term.

To keep storage costs down, declutter before you store. The less you keep, the smaller the unit you need. Our guide to saving money on moving supplies in Vancouver has practical tips that apply to storage prep too.

What Makes Storage Actually “Secure”?

Not all storage is equal. Before you hand over your belongings, confirm the facility offers:

1. Video surveillance and restricted access — only authorized people get in.
2. Climate control — protects furniture and electronics from rapid temperature swings and humidity.
3. Professional wrapping — everything should get blanket and stretch-wrap protection before it’s stored.
4. Inspection on the way in and out — items checked for damage so nothing slips through.
5. Flexible terms — short-term, long-term, and even overnight options.

My City Movers stores your belongings in a secure, climate-controlled facility with video surveillance and restricted access. Our crew packs, protects, and warehouses everything — then delivers it back to your home or office whenever you need it.

The Easiest Way to Move and Store

The smoothest approach is to use one team for both the move and the storage. Instead of renting a truck, finding a separate storage company, and double-handling everything, a single provider:

• Picks up your belongings
• Wraps and protects each item
• Transports it to secure storage
• Delivers it to your final destination on your schedule

That’s true whether you’re doing a local move, a full residential relocation, or a business move that needs equipment stored between leases. My City Movers serves all Lower Mainland communities, Vancouver Island, and Alberta — including Surrey, Richmond, and Mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer both short-term and long-term storage?

Yes. We offer flexible short- and long-term storage — even overnight — so you only pay for the time you need.

Is my furniture protected while in storage?

Yes. Everything going into storage gets blanket and stretch-wrap protection and is kept in a climate-controlled, monitored facility.

Can you store business and commercial items too?

Absolutely. Commercial inventory and office equipment are handled, insured, and warehoused just like household furniture, and are available whenever you need them.

How much does a storage unit cost?

Units range from about $150/month (5×10) up to roughly $510/month (10×30), plus 5% GST. Request a quote for your exact volume.

Can you deliver my items out of storage later?

Yes — we offer stress-free delivery from storage to your home or office whenever you’re ready.

Bridge Your Move With Secure Storage

Whether your dates don’t line up, you’re staging a sale, or you’re heading out of the province, storage takes the pressure off your timeline. With My City Movers, packing, transport, and secure storage come from one trusted, fully insured team.

📞 Call 1-778-886-7271 or request a free moving-and-storage quote today.

My City Movers Ltd. — Moving you from Point A to Point B with a smile, and storing your belongings in between. Proudly Canadian.