Can Movers Load From Storage If I'm Not Present?
- American National Movers
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Yes, a long distance moving company like American National Movers can relocate you from storage if you're not present. This process is called no-contact moving services from a storage facility. This article will explain how this can be done and outline some potential issues you may encounter if you choose not to be present when your movers arrive at the storage facility:
How Our No-Contact Moving Services From Storage Work:
Here is how you can arrange for movers to provide moving services without your presence at the storage facility.
Provide A Detailed Inventory Or Storage Unit Size.
If you won't be there when the movers arrive, providing a storage inventory list or at least the storage unit size is necessary to avoid any potential billing disputes with the movers. Otherwise, you may run into a scenario where your estimate increases, and you're not present to verify the increase in estimate and charges.
Signing Paperwork and Making Payment Digitally.
Most moving estimates and bill of lading can be sent to you via email, and you can sign them electronically. After signing the documentation, our movers will send you an invoice, allowing you to make payment without being present at the storage facility. To achieve this, you must find a mover that accepts credit cards for the entire cost of your move. Most long distance movers do not accept credit cards as payment at pickup and delivery.
Inform The Public Storage Facility On The Arrival Of Movers.
If you plan not to be present when the movers arrive, you must inform the storage company of the expected arrival time of your movers. Typically, the storage company will permit this, but some businesses may be reluctant to do so, especially without prior written authorization.
Why Some Movers Refuse No-Contact Storage Moves.
While American National Movers offers no-contact moving services from storage, not all companies are willing to do so. Here's why some movers say no when customers aren't present:
Liability for Missing or Misplaced Items.
If you're not present to confirm the current condition of items in the storage unit, it opens the door to disputes over what's missing. Movers may be blamed for items that were never there or accidentally left behind. Most moving companies prefer the customer to be present to avoid being held responsible for allegations of loss or theft.
Billing Disputes & Estimate Increases.
When no one is on-site to confirm the load, movers may have to adjust the original estimate if the job turns out to be bigger than expected. Without you there, there's no one to approve the changes in real time, which can lead to arguments over charges after the fact. Some moving companies avoid these situations by refusing to take on no-contact jobs altogether.
No Inventory Confirmation.
When movers load from a unit without the customer present, they're relying solely on what's written in the inventory list (if one was even provided). Without confirmation of what's being moved, mistakes can occur—items can be missed or loaded incorrectly. To avoid these errors, many companies require that someone be present during the loading process.
Is Moving From Storage Safe Without You Being There?
It is generally safe to hire movers to arrive at a storage unit and load your items when you are absent, but there are things you should follow:
Hiring Reputable Movers.
Don't choose any moving company to load your things without being present and ensuring they are a trustworthy brand. Do this by checking reviews and seeing if the relocation brand has any complaints about hostage moves, hidden fees, and bait-and-switch moving practices. Aim to hire a brand that is honest and upfront about their charges to avoid billing disputes with your movers.
Provide A Reasonably Accurate Inventory.
A moving estimate is always subject to change—that's why it's called a "estimate". To avoid unexpected price hikes, provide your long distance moving company with a detailed inventory list so that they can give you an accurate quote. Otherwise, if your estimate increases when your movers are at the storage facility and you're not present, it may feel like a hostage move scenario.
Itemized List Of What's In Storage.
To protect yourself and your movers, create a clear, itemized list of everything inside your storage unit before the movers arrive. This helps prevent any misunderstandings or false claims about missing or misplaced items, ensuring accountability throughout the moving process.
Final Thoughts: Should You Move from Storage Without Being There?
No-contact storage moves can be a convenient solution, especially if you're relocating from out of state or managing your move remotely. However, it's essential to work with a reliable moving company and take proper precautions to avoid billing disputes, miscommunication, and liability concerns.
At American National Movers, we've helped hundreds of customers relocate from storage units without them ever being present. We handle all paperwork electronically, offer full transparency, and follow clear communication protocols to make sure your move goes smoothly.
Comments