Whether short-term or long-term storage, they both certainly have benefits and people choose either of them for various reasons. In essence, the only difference that they both have is their length of use. But for a quick rundown, let’s first define what these storage solutions are before we proceed to the factors that will help you determine which is more suitable for your needs.
Short-Term Storage
Defined as anything less than three months, short-term storage provides you with a temporary space that you can use to store your belongings. It is ideal for people who are looking for an affordable yet convenient storage solution for a short period of time.
Related: The 5 Important Benefits of Short-Term Self-Storage
Long-Term Storage
Long-term storage, hence its name, provides you with a space that you can use for a longer period of time or basically more than 3 months. Several businesses utilize this option as an extra storage space for their inventory and supplies, while many households treat it as a solution to remove clutter and create an extension of their wardrobes at home. Long-term storage is also perfect for people who plan to go on a sabbatical or travel for extended periods.
Related: The 4 Benefits of Renting Long-Term Storage Units
So now, how do you decide between short-term and long-term storage?
- Recognize Your Storage Needs
Every household or business has its own specific storage needs and reason for choosing to rent a storage unit. As much as possible, try to assess your situation or the current transition you’re going through and base your decision on that. To recognize or identify your storage needs, you have to ask yourself or at least keep in mind the following questions:
- What’s your reason for storing?
- Consider your reason for storing. Are you moving out and need a temporary place to store your things while getting settled into the new house? Or are you planning to go on a sabbatical? Whatever your reason/s for storing may be, thinking about them can help you decide which option to get.
- What will you be storing?
- Are you going to store seasonal items? Supplies and inventories? Furniture items and appliances?
- How long will you store them?
- Are you aiming for temporary storage or more permanent storage? Is it only for less than 3 months or more?
- How often do you plan to access your storage unit?
- Length of Use
As we’ve mentioned, short-term and long-term storage mainly vary depending on the length of use, which means it’s important that you keep in mind how long you need it for. For example, if you need to store for about 3 months or less, then it’s best to opt for short-term storage. But if you need storage space for an extended period of time or quite permanently, maybe more than 3 months, then you may want to consider long-term storage instead.
In the event that you chose short-term storage and would need to extend, you can just contact your self-storage provider and extend your contract. However, for people who are in the process of downsizing or those who are renovating their homes, it’s advisable to go for long-term storage from the beginning, so you don’t have to keep on extending your contract when the work takes longer than your estimated length of time.
- Think of Your Budget
While they differ in terms of length of use, they also differ when it comes to cost. Both are equally cost-effective, depending on the needs of the renter. Short-term storage is more budget-friendly compared to long-term storage since you’ll only be storing for a short period of time. Long-term storage, of course, is more pricey compared to short-term storage because aside from the extended use of storage space it provides, you’ll be given long-term security, which equates to an increased convenience on the renter’s part.
- Accessibility and Security
Don’t get us wrong, both short-term and long-term storage certainly provide convenience to people who choose either one of them. But needless to say, since long-term storage comes a bit pricey compared to short-term storage, you can also expect that you’ll have extended perks for it such as better security and accessibility, giving you more ease while you store your things.
Both short-term and long-term storage serve their purpose and provide notable benefits to people who opt for either of them individually. There’s no actual better option between the two of them because it all boils down to which one of them fits your storage needs and budget best. This article only serves as a guide in deciding which storage option you should rent.
Looking for a self-storage facility nearby to store your belongings? Contact us today and we will be glad to assist you!
