Drive-up storage for moving
For a move, rent a drive-up unit sized to the truck load, ideally at a facility that lets you rent online and offers a free move-in truck. 228 facilities in our directory list a free move-in truck and 2,274 let you rent online.
Why drive-up works for moving
A drive-up unit has its roll-up door facing the driveway, so you back the truck to the door and carry each piece a few steps. There is no cart, no hallway and no elevator. On a moving day that is usually the whole job: one trip in, one trip out.
It also helps when the move happens in two stages. If the new place isn't ready, the furniture can sit in the unit for a few weeks and come out in one load when it is.
Facilities that make moving day easier
These counts come from each facility's own website, checked on our last scan of the 5,143 listings in the directory.
- Free move-in truck: 228 facilities say they offer one to new renters.
- Truck rental on site: 723 facilities rent trucks.
- Rent online: 2,274 facilities let you rent online.
- Contactless move-in: 1,479 facilities let you move in without stopping at the office.
- Same-day move-in: 305 facilities say you can move in the day you rent.
On any city page, choose Moving under "What's it for?" to see the facilities whose site lists a free move-in truck or online rental.
Read the free truck terms
A free move-in truck is rarely unlimited. CubeSmart's terms for its New York City free truck and driver are a good example of the fine print. The offer is for new customers at participating facilities, the truck and driver are yours for up to two consecutive hours, the pick-up point must be within 8 miles of the facility, and the move must be booked at least 48 hours ahead. Tolls are on you.
Other operators set their own limits, so ask about these before you count on the truck:
- How many hours, and when the clock starts
- Any mileage limit and how far the pick-up can be
- Fuel, damage waiver or deposit charges
- How far ahead you need to book, especially for weekends
- Whether you need a minimum stay or a certain unit size to qualify
Pick a size from the truck
Size the unit to the load, not the house. A full truck from a one-bedroom apartment often fits a 10×10. A two or three bedroom home usually needs a 10×15 or 10×20, and a 10×30 takes most of a large house. Measure your largest pieces, and if you can, look at the unit before you sign. Our truck fit checker helps when you're not sure the truck will clear the drive lane or gate.
Timing on moving day
Moving days run late. Check the facility's gate hours, not just its office hours, before you plan to unload at night. Our listings show gate and office hours under Details when the facility's website states them.
- Rent the day before if you can, so the code and lock are sorted before the truck shows up.
- Bring your own lock unless the facility says it sells or provides one.
- Load heavy, flat items first and against the back wall, and keep a walkway down one side.
- Put boxes on pallets or boards, not the bare slab.
Moving company storage is a different deal
If an interstate mover holds your goods in its own warehouse, that is storage-in-transit, and federal rules apply to it, not your self-storage lease. Under 49 CFR 375.609, the mover must tell you in writing at least 10 days before storage-in-transit ends (one day before, for stays under 10 days). The notice must give the date it converts to permanent storage, warn that the mover's liability is ending, and explain that you have nine months after conversion to file loss or damage claims.
With a drive-up unit you rent yourself, you hold the key and the lease, and nothing converts. The trade is that you do the loading.
Where to start
These cities have the most facilities matching the Moving filter in our directory: