Seattle Storage & Document Storage


Before putting your goods or documents into storage, knowing your options will help you choose the storage solution that best suits your needs; you may choose from public storage facilities, sometimes called self storage or mini storage, or you may find that secure, private storage better suits your needs and budget. Know what each entails before making a decision: your movers will deliver your belongings to you at normal moving rates.

Private Storage

Public Storage

Private Storage

Offered only by your moving company, private storage has many advantages: options include very short or very long term storage of goods or documents. Short term, up to 90 days, (called storage in transit), is prorated so you do not pay for a full month when only using a few days or weeks.

Your movers do all the work: they create an inventory listing each item going into storage and provide a copy for your records. They carefully wrap large items for safe travel, move goods into a private facility and deliver them back to you when you are ready for them.

At Express Movers, Inc Storage your belongings are kept in a temperature controlled, private warehouse equipped with security cameras and sprinklers. Large “vaults”, made expressly for this purpose, are used to store the goods. Vaults bottoms are 6″ off the floor and our building is on high ground, so your belongings are safe from floods or possible water damage in the event of broken pipes. Both the vaults and the aisles between them are cleaned regularly to help them remain free of dust and dirt.

You may pack personal items yourself, or opt for the movers to do so. If you pack, boxes should be labeled to identify contents. Keep it simple and clear: “pots & pans”, “master bath”, “Bob’s shoes”. Tell your movers about any items that you may need during your storage term (Christmas décor, tax files, etc.), these will be placed at the front of your storage unit for easy access. Containers with fragile items should be clearly marked. Remember that food, liquids or chemicals of any kind cannot go into storage. (Find a list at the bottom of this page) If we pack for you we will provide all necessary materials.

Situations where private storage is an especially good option include:

  • During a remodeling project
  • While waiting for new home construction to be completed
  • Long term document storage
  • Extended trips abroad for work or school
  • Excess goods from combining households
  • Downsizing a home or office
  • Storage of seldom used items

If You Need an Item from Storage

Once your goods are safely stored, if you need an item simply call in with the inventory number. Your item will be pulled and you may pick it up at our warehouse office or it can be delivered to you. This may incur a small warehousing fee or delivery charges. When you are ready for your goods to be returned, give as much notice as possible so that the move may be scheduled on your preferred day. Your movers will deliver your belongings back to you at normal moving rates. Furniture items will be unwrapped and placed exactly where you want them in your home or office. Boxes will be delivered to appropriate rooms; you will not have to move them again. No strain, no pain, no hassle!


Private Storage May Save You Money

  • Our prices are competitive with quality public storage facilities.
  • State regulations require movers to charge travel time; delivering your goods directly to our storage warehouse eliminates expenses incurred by extra trips to a separate storage facility.
  • No need to pay for or drive a rental truck.
  • Protective pads or blankets and mattress bags, are provided at no charge and left in place for the duration, saving the cost of purchasing protective materials.
  • A discount may be offered during winter and spring if we are not filled near capacity.

To reserve storage space call Express Movers today!
206-276-4599

Public Storage

How Do I Get My Goods into Public Storage?

Do It Yourself

You may opt to haul your things to storage yourself; this is a cost effective option if you have the time, strength, and an adequate sized truck. If you do your own packing you will need to purchase boxes and packing materials. You will also need to acquire a sturdy padlock, plenty of protective moving blankets or pads, tape, mattress bags or boxes for each mattress and box spring and plastic covers or stretch wrap to prevent damage or soiling of furniture items during transport and storage. These are usually available from the storage facility. Make your purchase several days ahead to allow plenty of time for packing and wrapping of your large items.

If you do not have a truck you may need to rent one. To be on the safe side, we recommend purchasing the optional insurance offered by the rental agency. Ask about the deductible (typically $1,000) so you know what you may be liable for in case of an accident. Remember that visibility is very limited, never back up the truck without a spotter and use extreme caution making lane changes! You will need to include fuel and mileage charges when factoring the cost of a rental truck. Most large box trucks get 5 to 8 miles per gallon of diesel, and the rental company will typically charge an additional .20 to .30 cents per mile driven.

We Can Do It for You

Many people find the time, physical demands and costs involved in the “do it yourself” option to be more than they want to deal with. If that is the case, Express Movers, Inc is standing by ready to help. We will be happy to pack, wrap and transport your goods to the storage facility of your choice. You may buy protective and packing materials from the storage facility or save the extra trip and hire us to do your packing; we will bring all necessary materials on the day of your move and wrap your items securely

My Supply List:

  • Locks
  • Box knives
  • Rope/straps
  • Moving blankets or pads
  • Stretch wrap
  • Packing peanuts
  • Packing paper
  • Plastic mattress bags or boxes
  • Boxes-assortes sizes
  • Markers
  • Packing tape
  • Gloves
  • Bubble wrap
  • Dish packs

How Do I Find Quality Public Storage?

We recommend these reputable storage facilities:

  • People’s Storage, Ballard
  • People’s Storage, Kenmore
  • Shurgard Storage, Redmond

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS CANNOT GO INTO STORAGE AND MUST NOT BE PACKED:

  • Gas, kerosene, oil
  • Other petroleum products of any kind
  • Paint thinner
  • Paint
  • Liquids of any kids
  • Cleaning products
  • Aerosol cans
  • Food products of any kind
  • Lawn & garden chemicals
  • Fireworks
  • Ammunition
  • Gas or oxygen tanks (unless empty)
  • Fire extinguishers (unless empty)
  • Lawn mowers and other equipment must have all gas and oil drained before storing