Need to rent temporary storage space? Renting short-term storage to keep your belongings secure can help you manage stress while moving, remodel your home, downsize into a smaller home, organize seasonal items, and more. Check out our temporary storage guide to learn which option is best for your needs!

What Is Temporary Storage?

Temporary storage is short-term storage that’s typically used for three months or less. Short-term storage can hold anything from household items like televisions, lamps, and furniture to large-scale equipment and business inventory. If you lack space for temporary storage solutions at home—like an outdoor storage shed, spare closet, or empty attic space—you can use rentable storage options like moving containers and monthly self storage units.

Here are some instances where people may consider temporary storage options:

• Moving short or long distances
• Downsizing from a house to a condo or apartment
• Moving in with roommates
• Relocating for work
• Reducing belongings to move back in with your parents
• Decluttering your home or workspace
• Saving items for a garage sale or online reselling
• Storing furniture during a home renovation project
• Reducing clutter for home staging
• Seasonal self storage for items like lawn equipment to snowmobiles
• Storing vehicles like RVs and boats during the off-season
• Securing recreational equipment when not in use
• Keeping belongings safe while traveling
• Commercial storage for excess inventory or supplies and equipment that aren’t currently in use

Types of Short-Term Storage

Need a temporary storage solution? From short-term storage unit rentals to mobile storage containers, explore the diverse options available to you below!

Self Storage Units

One of the best short-term storage solutions is renting a self storage unit—which you can reserve in-person or online. Storage units are typically the most affordable option, and most facilities offer a variety of amenities like climate control, drive-up access, and vehicle storage. You’ll typically find a range of sizes—including storage lockers—available to rent month-to-month, with the most commonly available sizes ranging from 5×5 to 10×30. Short-term self storage is also a secure option, with security features like electronic gate access, video surveillance, and more in place to help protect stored items. If you need easy access to your unit, many storage facilities have extended access hours or even 24/7 access to make the self storage experience more convenient. Just keep in mind that with temporary self storage, you’re responsible for moving your items, which could require making multiple trips or renting a moving truck.

Portable Storage Containers

Storage containers are large, weather-resistant boxes that can be set up anywhere on your property as a temporary portable storage option. Popular for remodeling projects and temporary construction, the main advantage of on-site storage pods compared to off-site storage units is that your temporary storage is right on your property, so you don’t have to go out of your way to store or retrieve items. Additionally, if you’re using the storage container for moving, the company will handle transportation for you. That said, keep in mind that storage containers tend to be more expensive, with additional monthly fees and costs associated with a company coming to pick up the container for you. And while having a storage container directly on your property is highly convenient, this solution lacks the level of security that you’ll find at a storage facility.

Full-Service Storage

The most comprehensive and hands-off short-term storage rental option is a company offering full-service storage. Full-service storage involves a company coming to pick up your things, storing them at a facility, and then delivering them to your chosen location when the time comes. This method requires the least amount of your time, allowing you to focus on other things. However, full-service storage comes at a much higher cost. You’ll also be sacrificing control over the moving process since you’re paying someone else to pack, move, and store everything for you. Additionally, you won’t have immediate access to your things once they’re in storage.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Short-Term Storage

When deciding between temporary storage units, portable storage containers, and full-service storage, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing which temporary storage option is best for you.

• Space Required for Items: How many items you need to store directly informs which storage space is right for you. Storage facilities often have more unit size variety when compared to storage containers.
• Duration of Storage: Determine how long you’ll need storage. For very short projects, a portable container may work best, while slightly longer or unknown timelines may be better suited for a month-to-month storage facility.
• Cost Implications: Your budget will help dictate which temporary storage solution to choose. Generally, self storage units are the most affordable option, followed by storage containers. Full-service storage options typically have the highest costs.
• Security Measures: Evaluate the security features of each storage option. Off-site storage facilities tend to offer more extensive security measures than a portable storage container on your property.
• Climate Control: Determine if any of your items need climate-controlled storage. Your books, keepsakes, artwork, and more may require an environment with temperature or humidity control to help preserve their condition.
• Ease & Frequency of Access: Think about how often you’ll need to visit your items in storage. If you need to have access to your items more frequently, consider renting an option that offers extended hours or 24/7 access.

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Need short-term storage for a project or move? Extra Space Storage is the top eco-friendly storage provider across the U.S. that provides secure self storage for temporary residential and commercial storage needs—including vehicle storage and wine storage—in addition to solutions like drive-up access and climate control. Find cheap temporary storage near you today!

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.

View all posts by Mike Beutler