Storage is one of those services you never think about until you need it – usually because your new house is not ready when your old lease ends. This is more common than you would think. Every month our Ranchi facility helps 15-20 families bridge a gap between move-out and move-in dates. Here is when you need storage, what to look for in a facility, and how it works. See our warehouse storage service page for direct booking.
When You Actually Need Storage
Common scenarios: new house handover delayed by 2-6 weeks (very common with builder possession), sold old house before finding new one, out-of-state posting where family relocates first and you follow after a few months, home renovation requiring 1-3 months of temporary storage, or business inventory overflow. Any of these means you need a secure place to keep household goods for a defined period.
Types of Storage: Short vs Long Term
Short-term storage (up to 30 days) is what most families use during a move bridge. Charged daily or weekly, typically ₹500-2,000 per day depending on volume. Long-term storage (1-12 months) is charged monthly and works out cheaper per day – typically ₹8,000-25,000 per month for a full-household volume.
Some facilities charge by cubic foot; others charge by unit type (locker, small cabin, large cabin). Ask specifically what the pricing basis is so you can compare quotes accurately.
What to Look for in a Storage Facility
Security is non-negotiable. Look for: 24-hour CCTV monitoring, physical security guard, gated compound with access log, individual unit locks (not shared), fire suppression system, and pest control record. Environment matters too – the facility should be dry (no roof leaks), ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, and free from termites and rodents. Ask for a physical inspection before booking, especially for long-term storage.
What Can and Cannot be Stored
Standard household goods are fine: furniture, appliances, electronics (properly powered off), books, clothes, kitchen items, decor. Not permitted: perishable food, fresh flowers, live plants, cash, jewellery, important original documents (keep with you), flammable materials (petrol, propane, chemicals), and firearms/ammunition. If in doubt, ask before booking.
Insurance for Stored Goods
Storage insurance is separate from transit insurance. Some facilities include basic fire and theft cover; others require you to insure separately. For long-term storage of high-value items, dedicated storage insurance is recommended. Premium is typically ₹1,000-3,000 per year per ₹10 lakh declared value. Confirm coverage before signing the storage agreement.
How Storage Bundles with Shifting
Most Ranchi movers (including us) offer bundled shift-plus-storage packages. Your goods are packed at Ranchi origin, transported to our Booty facility, stored securely for the agreed period, then delivered to your new address (in Ranchi or intercity) when you are ready. Single vendor, single invoice, coordinated handoff. This is significantly simpler than booking storage and shifting separately.