📦 Moving Comparison

Storage options for moving

Storage is usually a timing problem — a gap between when you leave one place and when you can move into the next. Getting the right storage type depends on how long that gap is, how much access you need, and how far goods need to travel.

Use the Storage Cost Calculator to estimate costs for your unit size and duration before comparing options.

Storage types compared

TypeTypical costAccessBest forWatch for
Self-storage facility$80–$350/month depending on size and locationUsually 24/7 access to your unitMedium to long-term storage where you need regular accessYou pay for transport to/from the facility — factor this in for short terms
Mobile storage pod$150–$400/month including pickup and drop-offLimited — pod goes to depot unless you keep it on-siteShort-term gaps or when you want goods loaded once and stored in placeOn-site pods need driveway space and council permits in some areas
Removalist depot storage$80–$250/month — often included in interstate quote negotiationTypically no self-access — needs to be arrangedInterstate moves where goods are in transit and need brief holdingLess visibility — confirm how goods are stored and insured
Friend or family storage$0 (usually) — but may strain relationshipsVariable — depends on arrangementVery short-term, small volumes of non-critical itemsNo insurance, no contract — use only for items you could afford to lose

Costs vary significantly by city, unit size, and facility quality. Always get a written quote before committing.

Which option suits your scenario

Settlement date gap (1–4 weeks)
Mobile pod or removalist depot storage
You want goods loaded once and held briefly. Mobile pods avoid a second loading, and depot storage fits naturally into the interstate move quote.
Staged relocation (1–6 months)
Self-storage facility near new location
Access matters when you're settling in gradually. Monthly contracts give you flexibility as the new place takes shape.
Renovation delay at new property
Self-storage with climate control if applicable
Longer term. If rooms are being renovated, you may need to access items in phases — a local self-storage facility with good access hours works best.
Downsizing — keeping items while deciding
Self-storage (month-to-month)
You're unsure what to keep. A month-to-month unit lets you take time deciding without pressure. Don't store items long-term that cost more in fees than they're worth to replace.

Storage and insurance

Most self-storage facilities require you to have your own contents insurance — their liability is limited. Mobile pods and removalist depot storage include limited cover but rarely full replacement value. Before putting high-value items into storage, check your home contents insurance policy (it may extend to items in storage) or purchase a transit/storage cover policy. See the removals cover guide for how this typically works.

Related guides

Removalist storage guide
How removalists handle short-term storage and what to ask before agreeing.
Moving cost breakdown
See storage in context with the rest of the moving budget.
Backloading vs dedicated truck
Useful when storage is needed because of a backload delivery window.
Plan your move
Build storage timing into the full move sequence.
Next steps

Plan the storage gap before the move

Storage usually comes down to a timing mismatch. Price it, compare options, and factor it into the full move budget.

Price storage
Useful if settlement, lease timing, or staging creates a gap before move-in.
Estimate the move quote
Model removalist cost, route distance, and practical extras before you book.
Build your move plan
A step-by-step sequence from research through to settled in the new place.
Compare removalist types
Local, interstate, backloading, owner-operators — what each costs and suits.

Frequently asked questions