What's the Minimum Storage Term and Billing?

Last updated: October 2026

Storage is billed monthly, or daily for short-term storage. The minimum is one day.

That's the same for everything we store, including pianos. There's no long contract to sign and no three-month minimum.

A lot of storage arrangements work the other way, locking you into a full month or more even if you only need a long weekend, and that adds up quickly when a closing date slips or a lease start moves by a few days. Ours doesn't. If you only need storage for a few days, you pay for a few days.

Daily billing for short stays

Short gaps between homes are one of the most common reasons people need storage. A move-out on a Friday and a move-in on a Tuesday. A closing that slipped by a week. A lease that starts a few days after the old one ends.

Daily billing makes those gaps simple. You only pay for the days your things are with us. A four-day gap doesn't turn into a full month on your bill.

Monthly billing for longer stays

For longer stays, storage is billed monthly. Think of a renovation, or a long-distance move where your things arrive before you do. A year abroad. A downsizing that takes time to figure out. Monthly billing keeps it predictable.

How long can you store?

As long as you need. There's no maximum. Read how long can I store my piano, since the same rule applies to everything we store.

What's included

Protection. Everything is blanket-wrapped at pickup and stays protected through delivery.

An inventory. Each item is inventoried, so there's a record of what went in.

Managed conditions. Both temperature and humidity are managed, and the facility has security cameras. Read how our storage is protected.

What's billed separately

The pickup and the delivery are hourly, like any local move, with our standard 2-hour minimum. Moving companies in the Chicago area charge at least one hour for travel. Packing, if you want it, is also separate, and materials are itemized. Read how does pricing work for a move with storage.

You see all of it together in one free, non-binding estimate before anything is scheduled.

When your plans change

Plans change. They always do. The house closes early. The renovation runs long. Since there's no fixed end date, you can adjust as you go. When you're ready, tell us your delivery date and we'll schedule it. Read how fast can I get my things back from storage.

Tips to keep storage costs down

Store only what you need to. Sell, donate, or toss anything you won't want at the new place. Our donation pickup service and junk removal can help.

Plan your delivery date. The sooner you know it, the sooner your storage ends.

Pack well. Our guide on preparing belongings for storage covers what to do before pickup.

Storage billing is covered on our storage service page, under moving and storage and our moving services.

Call (773) 275-4100 or email info@wcmoving.com, and tell us your dates.