Short-Term Storage: What Are Your Options?

Short-term storage is when you rent a storage unit for three months or less. In most cases, people rent these storage compartments when they need a storage solution for their excess belongings during the relocation process.

Also, the great thing about short-term storage is that you will be able to access your belongings sooner. In some cases, depending on which storing option you chose, you might be able to access your belongings on daily basis.

Let’s explore your options and make the decision together.

When It Comes To Short-Term Storage What Are Your Options?

The short-term storage options that are available to you are renting a self-storage facility or renting a curbside storage – storage container that will be placed at your property. There are also some less popular but cost-effective alternatives you should explore as well.

Keep in mind that the self-storage facilities will typically charge you on a monthly basis. This is ideal for short-term storage since you will be able to move out of your self-storage unit easily. If you need to store something that requires a climate-controlled environment you should know that you will need to pay some extra money for a self-storage unit with climate-controlled options.

What are portable storage containers?

A portable storage container is a small storage unit that you can rent and place in your backyard. It’s a popular option for short-term storage since you have easy access to your belongings. You can rent the portable storage container for as long as you need, and you will also pay for it on a monthly basis.

Self-storage units in some storage facilities will offer you on-site amenities, security, a variety of sizes, and extra peace of mind. While the pods are budget-friendly, easy to load and unload, and in close proximity to your house.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Type Of Short-Term Storage

Before you rent your short-term storage make sure you think that decision through. You will need to know at least some details before picking out the storage unit, such as for how long you will need it, what size you need, and your budget.

How much space do you need?

This is one of the most important factors in choosing any storage solution, short or long-term. Storage facilities offer a range of unit sizes, and when you’re booking, you’ll want to have a general idea of how much space you’ll need so that you don’t rent a unit that’s either too small or too large.

You’ll want to consider the size and shape of any boxes and/or other items you’ll be keeping in the storage unit, as well as how you plan to be storing them (i.e. all shoved into one place or organized so that you can access things as you need them). Discuss your needs with the storage facility you’re interested in so they can help you choose the right size unit.

Storage containers also come in a few sizes, but the options aren’t as varied as they are with self-storage facilities. Portable storage containers offer storage options in 8-, 12- and 16-ft. sizes.

Location and access

Depending on the reason you need temporary storage in the first place, you may want to rent a unit that affords you better access than you’d need with a long-term unit. For example, if you’re storing items during a home renovation or restoration, consider getting a storage container that you can keep right in your driveway so that you can easily pull items as you need them.

If you don’t need access to your belongings regularly, you’re probably still going to want a short-term storage unit that you can get to quickly and access on your schedule. For the best access capabilities when you’re not housing the storage unit on your property, look for short-term storage facilities that allow for drive-up storage access so that you can easily load and unload your container. Some facilities are more flexible with access than others, so wherever you choose, be sure you know what their rules are.

What’s your budget?

Just like with most things you rent, the budget is a crucial factor. Remember the less amount of time you will spend storing your belongings in the unit the price will be higher. To keep your costs down, it might be best to rent through a storage company that specializes in temporary storage.

Their prices are already formulated with short-term agreements in the mind. Do your research, comparing prices among a couple of options, and see if there are some discounts or deals possible.

Range of dates

We know that you can’t always know the exact date you’ll need your short-term storage unit since that does not depends solely on you, but it would be nice if you can tell them some range of dates.

This is particularly true if you’re storing your items because you sold your apartment or house but still didn’t bought a new one. If this is the case, look for temporary storage with a month-to-month lease. This way you will get charged on a monthly basis, so when you’re ready to take your things out of storage you can simply end u the contract without wasting your money.

When renting the portable storing unit the monthly fee includes the time the container may spend on your property, in storage, or en route to your new home. Some storage container companies, offer offsite storage at their facilities and will pick up the loaded container, store it, and deliver it to your new address.

Unit amenities

If you’re planning to store fragile items, collectibles, art, electronics, or other items that may be susceptible to damage, make sure to look for a short-term option that offers both temperature and humidity control. Especially, if you’re planning to store items during periods of extreme heat or cold.

Even just a short period of time in extreme temperatures, dampness or humidity can damage certain items, so you’ll want to know ahead of time that your things will be protected. In this case, we recommend a self-storage facility with the aforementioned amenities.

Security

No matter if you will store your belongings for the short or long term, you’ll want to be sure the facility is doing everything it can to keep them safe. Look for a short-term storage facility that has things like gates, security cameras, and on-site managers. This is what will give you some peace of mind and let you sleep well at night.

Be sure to factor the safety of your unit into your research, especially if you plan to be storing items of high value. In case security is not that much of a concern, and you have a good security system on your property, renting a storage container is the best and most cost-effective option.

It is good to know that most portable storage units have a locking mechanism so you can use your own lock just to be sure no one else has the key.

The Cost Of Short-Term Storage Units

How much you will pay for the self-storage storage unit  is mainly determined by the following factors:

• Demand – The hype about storage compartments is higher in urban areas.
• Size – The bigger the size of the storage unit, the higher the monthly cost will be.
• Amenities and add-on services –  Facilities with additional amenities like better security systems will cost more. Also, add-on services like buying packing supplies will add to the final price.
• Insurance – Most storage facilities will require you to have insurance. Storage items can be covered by their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. In case you don’t have insurance you will need to secure a policy before renting a storage unit.

What are the cost-effective alternatives to renting a short-term storage unit?

If your budget is very limited you should consider some of the alternatives to renting a storage unit. Here are some of the options:

• Store in transit with your moving company – If you’re going to be hiring a moving company anyway to help you load your items, ask if they offer storage in transit (SIT). This option is great for people storing items temporarily in between moves, as the movers will take your items out of your old home, store them for a set amount of time, and then offload them at your new home when you’re ready to move in.
• Store on your property – If you have a basement, attic, shed, garage, or extra room you can use it to store your belongings. You can use all available spaces in your house like closets, space under the beds, or on top of the cabinets. Plastic containers or plastic moving boxes work well for storing bedding, clothes, shoes, and more.
• Store at your friends and family – Don’t have any extra space? Ask your friends and family to temporarily store some of your belongings in their homes or on their property. It won’t cost you a dime so it’s worth asking.

Are You All Set Up For Your Move?

If your belongings are all packed up, and you are considering your storage options this might be a perfect time to look for a reliable moving company as well. You should know that iMOVE NYC company offers a wide range of moving services.

In case you want to save up some money by packing and unpacking by yourself but still need some help with labor and lifting contact us so we can schedule the estimation.