Short-Term Storage: Choosing the Best Option
There are plenty of reasons why you may be on the lookout for a short-term storage solution. Perhaps you’ve got some time between moving dates and nowhere to keep all of your belongings, or maybe you’re doing a home renovation project and need to clear out a couple of rooms during construction. Regardless of why you’re looking for short-term storage, you’ll want to keep a few considerations in mind when choosing how and where to store your items.
What is short-term storage?
Short-term storage is generally defined as storage for three months or less, but it’s really just storage where you know you want to be able to access your belongings sooner rather than later.
What are your short-term storage options?
The storage option you choose should be predicated on both the type of transition that you’re making and the things that you intend to store. Your two main options are a self-storage facility and curbside storage in a storage container or containers (pods).
The self-storage facilities will typically charge you on a month-to-month basis, which is ideal for short-term storage and will let you move out of your self-storage unit easily. If you need to store something that requires a climate-controlled environment (furniture, electronics, musical instruments, etc.), then you’ll need a self-storage facility with climate-controlled options.
A portable storage container requires you to bring the storage facility to your own driveway. It’s a popular option for short-term storage because you can have easy access to your belongings for as long as you need to. However, you’ll have to compensate for the lost space in your driveway. Additionally, check with your homeowners’ association to see if you need permission to keep the unit on your property.
Both options have their benefits. Self-storage offers on-site amenities, security, a variety of sizes, easy access, and extra peace of mind. The pods are budget-friendly, easy to load and unload, and are within an arm’s reach since they can be placed on your property.
What is the best short-term storage option for you?
When researching the best fit for your needs, keep the following variables in mind.
How much space you’ll require
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.
Portable storage containers also come in a few sizes, but the options aren’t as varied as they are with the self-storage facilities. PODS, for example, offers storage containers in 8-, 12- and 16-ft. sizes.
Storage 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.
Storage security
Short or long term, if you’re storing your items, you 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 for the best assurance that your belongings will be protected. The more bare-bones the facility, the less you’ll likely be spending, but it may not be worth it in terms of site security. Be sure to factor the safety of your unit into your research, especially if you plan to be storing items of high value.
If security is not that much of a concern, you’re confident you can keep an eye on your rented storage container, or you have a good security system in place on your property, renting a storage container might be a more cost-effective option. Most portable storage units have a locking mechanism you can use with your own lock.
Where can I find a short-term self-storage storage unit?
Here at AAA Storage World, we have affordable storage units that are accessible to you 24/7. Keep your items safe from the elements with our climate-controlled units. We also have an option similar to the portable storage container with our mobile storage option. However, instead of continuing to take up space in your driveway, we will come pick up your storage unit after you have packed it for your convenience.
We also have student packages for college students who are looking for short term storage between academic years. Whatever the reason you need short term storage, we are here to help and make this process as convenient and affordable as possible for all our customers.