Moving to a new province rarely happens in a single step. Whether your new home isn’t ready yet, your closing dates don’t align, or you need more time to decide what to keep, it’s not uncommon to have a gap between moving out and settling in.
Storage-in-transit can help bridge that gap. As a temporary storage option, it can offer more flexibility during a long-distance move.
This guide will explore how storage-in-transit works, common situations when it can help, and how to tell if it’s right for your moving plan.
Storage-in-transit (SIT) is a short-term option that integrates storage into your relocation. It is commonly used during long-distance relocations when there’s a gap between moving out of your old home and moving into your new one.
Unlike traditional self-storage, you aren’t responsible for the logistics. Your mover picks up your belongings, transports them to storage, and delivers them to your new home when you’re ready. Instead of finding a storage unit and rental truck for the final delivery, everything is included in a single, comprehensive quote.
Moving to a new province has enough challenges. A storage-in-transit moving plan can take one more thing off your plate.
SIT makes sense when your move dates, housing plans, or personal circumstances do not line up perfectly. It can provide breathing room during one of life’s more complicated transitions.
People commonly choose temporary storage during a move when:
Ultimately, it’s up to you. Here are some situations where SIT can help.
One of the most common reasons people choose SIT is a delayed move-in date.
If your new home needs repairs, renovations, cleaning, or final inspections before you move in, storage-in-transit can offer a convenient, short-term option. Instead of keeping everything in a driveway, hotel room, or temporary rental, SIT keeps your belongings secure and out of the way.
Moving timelines are not always in your control. Whether a closing date gets delayed, your current lease ends before your next home is available, or a job transfer requires you to relocate before your family, flexible storage options can help bridge the gap.
Rather than coordinating multiple moving companies or additional transportation, short-term storage for moving lets you handle the delay without additional time or expense.
Moving offers a chance to rethink what you own. If faced with a sudden out-of-province move, you may need extra time to sort through the non-essentials before putting everything into the new home.
A short-term storage option can give you more time to decide what you don’t need, so you don't fill your new space from day one.
Both options offer extra storage during relocation, but they work differently. The right choice depends on your timeline, how much access you need, and how involved you want to be in moving your belongings.
| Storage-in-Transit | Traditional Self-Storage | |
| Best for | Temporary storage during a move when your move-out and move-in dates do not align. | Longer-term storage or situations where you want direct control over your belongings. |
| Who handles transportation? | Your moving company manages pickup, storage, and delivery. | You arrange transportation to and from the storage unit. |
| Access to belongings | Access may be limited. | You have full access to your unit. |
| Moving coordination | Delivery, storage, and pickup are integrated into your overall moving plan. | Movers may deliver to self-storage, but you will need to arrange final delivery. |
| Ideal timeline | Short-term closing delays, renovations, temporary housing, and other gaps between homes. | Extended storage before, during, or after a move. |
| Convenience | Simplifies the moving process by reducing the number of steps you manage. | Offers more flexibility if you need frequent access to your items. |
The right choice depends on your timeline and preferred level of involvement. For many families planning a long-distance move, SIT offers a simpler way to handle unexpected gaps. If you need to store belongings for a longer period or access them regularly, a traditional storage unit may be a better fit.
The process usually follows these steps:
If an out-of-province move is on your horizon, speak to a professional moving company soon. It’s important to arrange long-distance moving storage early to ensure availability.
When building your moving plan, ask your mover how long your belongings can remain in storage. SIT is designed for short-term use only, typically from 30 to 90 days. You can often request an extension, but do not plan on using the option for several months.
Since your belongings remain part of your moving shipment during SIT, access may be limited. Your moving coordinator can explain your options.
Costs can vary based on:
Your moving company can explain pricing and help you compare options.
Moving to a new province can get complicated. Allied Van Lines streamlines the process, with expert household movers and personalized moving and storage services to make your move simpler.
We offer tailored moving plans and storage-in-transit options based on your timeline and budget. Our local moving coordinators are available to answer any questions and help you plan a more organized relocation.
Learn more about relocation solutions from Allied Van Lines and request a free quote today.
Storage-in-transit is temporary storage that’s integrated into your moving plan. The moving company will take your belongings directly to the storage facility, then deliver them to your new home when it’s ready.
SIT is a short-term solution. Plans typically allow for 30 to 90 days, though extensions may be possible.
The cost depends on your moving plan. With SIT, transportation, handling, and storage fees are built into your moving quote, while self-storage requires separate fees for each step.
Access may be limited. Speak to your moving coordinator for specifics and let them know if you’ll need certain items before the final delivery.
