Need Temporary Storage Between Moves? The Best Solutions Compared

Moving from one place to another is stressful, with a host of tasks that can tax even the most organized person. Listing your home, selling your home, buying the new place, and planning the move itself creates a mile-long list of things to be done.

Often, people need temporary storage, whether for decluttering, renovating, or a gap in move dates. Finding the right solution for you depends upon several things, including:

• What's necessitating storage

• Storage time needed

• Access needed to belongings or not

• Your abilities and available time to coordinate and execute the storage

• Any HOA restrictions or concerns with security

Let's dive in and explore the best solutions for temporary storage between moves, the pros and cons of each, and considerations you may not have thought of.

Introduction to Types of Temporary Storage

There are many temporary storage types, including the following:

• Mobile storage containers - Services like PODS, 1-800-Packrat, and MOVITS by 3 Men Movers, that provide varying sizes of portable storage units and storage capabilities.

• Self-storage facilities - Places like Extra Space and Public Storage, which give homeowners an off-site solution for storage needs. Most self-storage facilities offer a wide range of sizes, from small lockers to 10' by 30' units capable of holding the contents of an entire home.

• Using friends or family garage space - You can always check with a friend or family member to see if they're willing to hang onto some stuff for you.

Benefits of Temporary Storage

Temporary storage solutions offer numerous benefits, including reduced moving stress, greater flexibility for specific situations, and the ability to store belongings securely.

Situations

It's essential to consider individual needs and to research and compare different storage solutions to find the best fit. Temporary storage provides a flexible solution for storing belongings between moves - ideal for those dealing with the following situations:

• Staging and decluttering a home while it's listed on the market.

• Renovations, either for their current house or a new home.

• Downsizing or a change in living situation requires more time to decide what to keep and what to let go of.

• Long-distance moves during which the homeowner/renter may not know exactly where their next permanent residence will be.

• Gaps between moving dates.

• Storage units can be delivered to your doorstep, allowing you to load at your own pace and store on-site or at a secure facility.

Benefits for Homeowners

Temporary storage provides several benefits to the homeowner/renter, including:

• A convenient and secure way to store items, reducing the need for multiple trips and minimizing stress.

• Portable storage containers provide easy access to stored items, allowing you to retrieve belongings as needed.

• Storage solutions can be tailored to meet individual needs, whether short- or long-term, and can be used for both personal and professional purposes.

• Less is more, and temporarily storing what others may consider clutter will showcase your listed house, making it easier for potential buyers to see how their stuff fits into the space.

• Protection of belongings from dirt, dust, and debris from renovation projects, saving you money and the hassle of cleaning/replacing belongings.

• Time to assess new living situations and the convenience of not feeling rushed to decide where to live and what items work with the new space.

• Short-term storage solutions can be tailored to meet individual needs, whether it's for a few days or several months.

Types of Storage Solutions and Pros/Cons of Each

There are various storage solutions available, including portable storage containers, self-storage units, and full-service storage. While all of these storage methods have a cost, each has a unique set of pros and cons. Understanding each solution will help you make the best decision for your situation.

Portable Storage Pros and Cons

One of the most flexible methods of temporary storage between moves is renting a mobile storage container. Portable storage can provide users with many tangible benefits, but mainly at the cost of their time and effort.

Pros

• Portable storage containers come in a range of convenient sizes, from 8' to 20', and are designed to be durable and weather-resistant.

• Mobile storage containers are designed with security and durability in mind, featuring all-steel construction and lockable steel doors.

• Portable containers can be used for both short- and long-term storage and can be stored on-site or at a secure warehouse.

• Portable storage options provide a convenient and efficient way to store and access stored belongings.

• Many mobile storage container providers have regional or national presences, creating an efficient container delivery system for longer-distance moves or those who need more time to find their perfect living situation.

• Portable containers are ideal for those who want to load and store items at their own pace.

Cons

• The DIY approach of most portable storage container providers means homeowners will coordinate scheduling delivery, pickup, redelivery, and final pickup.

• With DIY portable storage, the heavy lifting is up to you, or you get to coordinate the labor to load/unload.

• Homeowner Association regulations can mean problems with storing anything for more than a few days, or even a complete ban.

• If you're storing on-site, security and weather conditions can pose problems.

Self Storage Facility Pros and Cons

Pros

• Self-storage providers offer greater security than storage containers, as most reputable providers not only monitor the property but also require a key code to enter.

• These facilities also offer a higher level of climate-controlled storage than a storage container can provide when stored in your driveway, making them ideal for storing sensitive belongings such as wooden furniture and musical instruments.

• Easier access than off-site container storage. No calling ahead to pull containers, with the only limitation being hours of access.

• Security features may include 24/7 access, secure facility storage, and on-site staff, providing a safe and convenient way to store belongings.

Cons

• Moving into self-storage requires coordinating the transport of your goods, so you'll need to find help, rent a truck, or hire a moving company to load and unload your belongings.

• DIY heavy lifting and the necessary time to load, unload, and organize the storage unit.

• Most self-storage providers either don't provide packing materials or sell them on-site.

• Since most facilities have multiple floors, you pay more for the prime real estate on the 1st floor, or pay more in time and effort getting your stuff up/down with elevators. Time = Money, so movers will take longer moving into any floor besides the 1st.

• Accessing your stuff is easy, but traveling to the off-site facility takes time and effort to coordinate.

Full-Service Moving and Storage Service Pros and Cons

Pros

• Moving and storage services can be tailored to meet individual needs, whether it's a local or long-distance move, with the movers storing on-site at their secure facility.

• Professional moving services include packing, moving, providing packing and protective materials, and creating a comprehensive solution for moving and storing belongings.

• Full-service moving and storage providers offer a low-effort experience, allowing homeowners to focus on other tasks while professional movers handle loading, transportation, and storage.

• Convenience for larger home moves.

Cons

• The potential costs associated with hiring local movers to load your belongings, transport them, and unload them at their facility. By using movers with on-site storage lockers, you are adding an extra touch to your belongings (load-move-store), then another round when you are ready for your new place.

• Lack of accessibility to your belongings, depending on how the movers store your stuff. Some limit access more than traditional storage unit providers, charge fees to access, and require an appointment to gain access.

• Not the most cost-effective method for longer storage needs, in comparison to self-storage units.

Full-Service Portable Storage Containers

Newer hybrid service models are combining the best of moving and storage to create an experience that offers less hassle, less effort, and fewer touchpoints for both the consumer and their belongings. Companies like 3 Men Movers offer the flexibility of portable storage containers and professional moving services that ensure the protection of your stuff. The pros and cons shift to time and effort, and in many cases, can be a better value than hiring movers to move your home to a self-storage site.

Pros

• Less time spent securing the storage unit, coordinating labor and protective supplies, and reducing the need to be on site at a self-storage building to let the movers in, supervise, and lock up after.

• Movers will spend less time and use less of your money by avoiding unloading the truck at their facility and instead storing it in the portable moving containers on site.

• Fewer touchpoints mean a lower chance of damage arising.

• Same climate-controlled experience as most self-storage buildings, with your stuff protected from theft and the elements.

• Less time spent loading your belongings back into a truck, transporting, and unloading at your new place.

• Professional movers will be quicker and require less physical effort on your part.

Cons

• The cost will be more than a DIY move of your belongings would be.

• Access may be limited to the mover's hours of operation, which are typically shorter than those of self-storage buildings.

• Some businesses cannot provide a network for moving containers from city to city, as DIY suppliers may be able to.

Considerations for Self-Storage Units

No matter the solution, understanding what solution best fits your needs comes down to the following:

• How long do I need the storage for? The shorter the time, the better DIY mobile storage containers may fit. Some even have weekly versus monthly rental rates.

• Are you on a tight timeline for your move? If so, a full-service storage solution will require less coordination and time to execute.

• Do you need access often? If so, a POD in your driveway is your best bet.

• Are you skilled enough to load a container, and do you have the proper protective materials to keep everything intact? If not, professional movers have the skills and tools to get you into storage while minimizing damage.

Planning and Final Thoughts on Temporary Storage

As with any move, planning and investing time up front to research your needs will lead to a better outcome. A simple checklist is imperative to getting things done easily and on time. A few things to focus on while planning:

• Prepare a budget for what you're willing to spend and what you're willing to trade (time for money and effort).

• Research how much storage will cost, services provided (including tools available, materials provided), and understand how much space you need and how long.

• Skillful packing and protecting your belongings for your type of storage needs

• Planning for temporary storage can reduce moving stress and provide a hassle-free experience.

• It's essential to research and compare different storage solutions, and to consider factors such as container size, security features, and access to stored items.

Knowing your "why" and planning will help ensure you have a secure, convenient way to store your belongings for your specific needs, whether short- or long-term, mobile or on-site. Compare what you value most and what each type of storage provides, and you'll be on your way to an easier move.

If you like the idea of a full-service, low-stress solution, remember that 3 Men Movers offers a turnkey mobile storage solution that combines a one-call move-in and the same for move-out. Call or visit the 3 Men Movers website to learn more and get a quote.