Using Short-Term Self Storage While Moving

Moving and having to live between homes can be tough, especially if most of your time preparing to move is spent figuring out how you'll survive the transition. To make the whole moving process easier on you and your family, we recommend utilizing short-term self storage. It's a great way to bridge the gap between homes while you're trying to get settled. Check out our guide below for helpful moving and storage tips, as well as advice on how to pick the best short-term storage option for your needs!

When To Use Short-Term Storage

Short-term storage, typically used for a period of three months or less, is a convenient storage solution that can help manage moving transitions or delays. It can help protect your belongings in the event of:

• Last-Minute Moves: If you're navigating a short-notice move, short-term storage can help reduce moving stress as you find housing.

• Gaps Between Homes: If your lease ends before your next one begins, or the sale of your old home closes before your new home is ready, short-term storage can help bridge the gap while you stay with family or in temporary housing.

• Home Staging: Short-term storage can help declutter and keep your space clean as you stage your home for prospective buyers.

• Delayed Construction or Renovations: As you wait for work on your new home to be finished, short-term storage can help keep your belongings secure and clear the space for contractors.

• Indecisions While Downsizing: Trying to decide what to sell, throw away, or keep as you downsize your home? Renting a short-term storage unit can reduce stress and eliminate rushed decision-making.

• Military & Job Relocations: If you’re relocating for a PCS move or new job and your permanent housing isn’t ready, storage can help keep your belongings safe in the meantime.

• Combining Households: Moving in with a partner or roommate often means duplicate furniture and belongings. Short-term storage gives you time to decide what stays before you commit.

• Moving in Stages: If you can’t move everything at once, storage gives you a place to hold items between trips so you can move at your own pace.

What Does & Doesn't Go in Short-Term Storage?

When using temporary self storage while moving, it's best to start separating your items into groups before relocating everything to the storage unit. How exactly do you break these groups down? Focus on items you need every day and items you don't!

Do Move These Items to Temporary Storage

• Furniture & home decor

• Large & small household appliances

• Off-season clothing

• Lawn equipment

• Miscellaneous items (e.g., books, magazines, kids toys, etc.)

The only exception here is if you're moving into a temporary home that doesn't come furnished, in which case, you'll need furniture, appliances, and some miscellaneous items for your short-term stay.

Don't Move These Items to Temporary Storage

• In-season clothing

• Toiletries

• Electronic devices

• Kitchen utensils

• Perishable foods

What you keep with you can depend on the type of temporary housing you choose. For example, you might not need kitchen utensils if you move into an extended stay hotel for a few months, as this housing option typically has everything you'd need for preparing meals. Regardless, try to only bring the items that you need to get through your temporary housing situation so you don't have to move things multiple times.

Also, be sure to check out this list of items that can and cannot be stored in self storage.

Finding the Best Short-Term Self Storage

After you’ve determined which items need temporary storage, it’s time to find a self storage unit! Along with location, you’ll also want to consider rental length, unit size, and the amenities you need. Here's what to look for.

Month-to-Month Leases

Many self storage facilities offer storage unit rentals on a month-to-month basis, giving you the flexibility to end or extend your rental as needed. At Extra Space Storage, you also have the option to prepay up to six months of rent.

Storage Unit Size Options

Only storing small items and a few boxes? A 5x5 storage unit should do the trick. Moving the contents of an apartment? Look at 5x10 and 10x10 sizes. Need to store everything from a multi-bedroom house? A size like 10x20 or 10x30 may be a better option. Check out this interactive storage unit size guide from Extra Space Storage to get a better idea of how much room you’ll want for your things!

Self Storage Amenities

• Climate-Controlled Storage: Climate control is ideal for storing temperature-sensitive items like antiques, paper documents, wood or leather furniture, electronics, and more.

• Drive-Up Access Storage: Drive-up storage makes storing large, heavy items like furniture and appliances easier because you can pull a moving truck—or a personal vehicle—right up to your self storage space.

• Indoor, Outdoor, & Covered Vehicle Storage: Vehicle storage is a good amenity to have if you need to temporarily store a car, motorcycle, camper, trailer, boat, RV, or other recreational vehicle.

• Extended or 24-Hour Access: Select Extra Space locations offer 24-hour storage access so you can visit your unit at any time—even after your facility's typical office and gate hours. We also offer extended access hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at most locations.

Whether you’re building a house, moving to a new city, or between homes, Extra Space Storage is here to make your temporary transition easier! With more than 4,200 storage facilities throughout the U.S., we're your go-to self storage partner for short-term storage needs. Find a storage facility near you!

How Much Does Short-Term Storage Cost?

The cost of month-to-month storage units varies depending on location, unit size, and available amenities. The larger the unit, the higher the price. Small units like 5x5 and 5x10 average $40 to $69 per month, medium units like 10x10 and 10x15 average $120 to $160, and large units like 10x20 and 10x30 average $217 to $317. If you’re only storing a few items during a move, a smaller unit may be all you need. If you’re storing the contents of a full home, plan on a larger size. Amenities like climate control can also add to the total. Contact your local facility for current short-term storage pricing.

Why Is Self Storage Insurance Beneficial?

Moving puts your belongings through a lot, so it’s worth protecting them while they’re in storage. Storage insurance can give you peace of mind that your items are covered if something goes wrong.

Extra Space Storage offers a Customer Protection Plan that covers your belongings against accidental events like theft, flooding, and fire. Getting a policy through your facility can also be cost-effective, and it may keep you from filing a claim on your renters or homeowners policy, which could raise your premiums. Contact your nearest facility for more information or to enroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep things in short-term storage?

Short-term storage is typically defined as three months or less, but month-to-month rentals let you keep your items in storage for as long as you need. If your move takes longer than planned, you can simply continue your rental without changing your agreement or signing a new one.

Can I rent month-to-month or do I have to commit to a lease?

Storage units at Extra Space Storage can be rented month-to-month, so you don’t have to commit to a long-term lease. You can keep your unit for as long as your move requires, and you also have the option to prepay up to six months of rent at a time. Contact your nearest facility to find the right month-to-month option for you.

Can I access my storage unit during my move?

Yes, Extra Space Storage renters can access their units during a move. Unlike storage-in-transit services from moving companies, where your belongings are typically kept in a warehouse and aren’t accessible until delivery, self storage lets you visit your unit on your own schedule. Many facilities offer extended access hours, typically 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can stop by whenever it fits your moving timeline. Select facilities also offer 24-hour access. Contact your local facility for details.

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Need a place for your belongings between homes? Extra Space Storage offers month-to-month rentals with no long-term commitment. Find a storage unit near you!

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