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There are many situations in life when you may need to put items into storage. When you’re planning to store your items, it’s crucial to pick the option that best suits your needs. There are many factors to weigh up, but one of the most crucial considerations is whether to choose long-term or short-term storage.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between long-term and short-term storage, common scenarios where one option may be more suitable, and how to choose which storage choice best suits your situation.
What is Short-Term Storage?
Short-term storage refers to items stored on a temporary basis. Usually, short-term storage is used for up to three months and provides a secure place to keep your items temporarily until you need them again.
Situations Where Short-Term Storage is Commonly Used
People opt for short-term storage solutions for many different reasons. Here are some of the most common scenarios where short-term storage is the preferred option:
When Moving House
Moving house can be stressful and there may be a gap during the transition from your old house into your new home. In this situation, it can be challenging to know what to do with all your belongings until you get the keys to your new home. Placing your items into short-term storage is a helpful way to bridge the gap between your move.
Renovation Storage
A house renovation can be a messy process, so moving large furniture items out of your home and into storage is helpful. Placing your items into storage while the renovation work takes place is an excellent way to free up space, and will also ensure your belongings are safely out of the way and protected.
Storing Seasonal Items
Many people have items that they don’t need to use all year round. These items may be used for just part of the year, but they still take up precious space in your home, even when they are not in use. Christmas decorations, barbeques, outdoor furniture, and summer sports equipment are all examples of items that can be tricky to store at home when they’re not being used. Transferring these items into short-term storage helps you to keep them safe and secure, ready for you to use again whenever you need them.
What is Long-Term Storage?
Long-term storage usually refers to placing items into a storage facility for at least six months. Some people opt to use long-term storage for years, and may even keep their items in long-term storage indefinitely.
Situations Where Long-Term Storage is Commonly Used
There are many situations when a storage duration that extends beyond a few months is needed. Here are some examples of common scenarios that require a long-term storage facility:
Downsizing to a Smaller Property
Downsizing to a smaller home can often mean difficult decisions need to be made on what to keep and what to get rid of ahead of the move. In this situation, long-term storage can provide the perfect solution, helping you to keep items you’re not ready to part with, but don’t have room to store in your new home.
Extended Travel Overseas
Whether you’re heading overseas for a travel adventure or spending some time working in a different location, knowing what to do with your belongings while you are gone can be challenging. Placing your items in long-term storage means they will be safely stored in one place while you’re out of the country, and waiting for you when you decide to return home.
Military Deployment
Being in the military can mean that you’re often on the move. While serving, you could be deployed overseas for extended periods or sent to a military base far from your current home. Keeping your belongings in storage means that they will be secure regardless of whether you’re away for months or even years at a time.
Inherited Items, Antiques, and Collectables
Long-term storage doesn’t need to be used simply for everyday items. Instead, it’s also ideal for valuable pieces that you may be reluctant to keep at home for fear of them being damaged or because you don’t have enough space to store them carefully.
Maybe you have valuable items that you have inherited but don’t way to leave them laying around in your home. Perhaps you have an extensive collection that you want to keep out of sunlight and away from potential damage. In these situations, a climate-controlled long-term storage option can be the ideal way to protect your items.
How to Choose Between Long-Term and Short-Term Storage?
If you’re unsure which storage option is right for you, it’s useful to consider the following factors to help you make your decision:
- How long do you anticipate needing storage? Short-term storage is ideal if you only need to keep your items in storage for a few weeks or months. Long-term storage facilities are a better choice if you expect your items will be stored for many months or even years.
- Do you need to frequently access your items while they’re in storage? Short-term storage usually allows you convenient access to your storage unit whenever you need it. Items in long-term storage generally don’t require regular access.
- How much are you willing to spend on storage? Choosing a long-term storage contract is generally more cost-effective than entering into multiple short-term storage agreements.
- What are you storing? If you’re storing paperwork, fabrics, or valuables that may be sensitive to temperature and humidity, it’s often best to opt for a climate-controlled long-term storage facility to keep your items in safe and consistent conditions.
Why Choose Britannia Lanes Self Storage?
If you’re struggling to choose between long-term and short-term storage, there is an alternative option. Here at Britannia Lanes Self Storage, we offer flexible storage contracts tailored to meet your needs, whether you want to store your items for a few weeks or many years.
Whatever you need to store, our secure and convenient storage units are the perfect choice for both short-term and long-term storage.
