15 Reasons To Use Short-Term Storage
Short-term storage is the process of using a temporary storage unit for a specific period of time. This could be a few days, a few weeks or during seasons when the items are not needed.
Moving house, divorce, death of a loved one, travel or renovations are the most common reasons why people use short-term self-storage.
- 1. Moving House
- 2. Travelling
- 3. Left Luggage
- 4. Business Storage
- 5. Student Storage
- 6. Death of a Relative
- 7. During a Divorce
- 8. During Renovations
- 9. Downsizing Your Home
- 10. Decluttering Your Home
- 11. Seasonal Items
- 12. Camping Gear
- 13. Collectable Items
- 14. Hobbyist Gear
- 15. Furniture Storage
- Short Term Storage FAQS
1. Moving House
According to the SSA’s Annual Industry Report 2021, 29% of self-storage customers were moving house.
A storage unit will allow you to keep your items safely if you’re in between homes temporarily. For example, if you’ve sold your previous home before moving into a new property.To learn more, read moving house storage.
2. Travelling
If you’re travelling for a few months, you may want to consider using short-term storage for items you’re not taking with you. This is also useful for students or anyone who rents, as items can be stored during the time you are not renting.
3. Left Luggage
Useful for short city breaks, companies can offer short-term storage for your luggage. This allows you to enjoy your break without the added worry of taking a suitcase everywhere. You'll know your personal belongings will be protected in the secure units.
4. Business Storage
Short-term storage can be a perfect solution for business storage. Whether you are upscaling your business, starting out or between offices, storage can be an asset. It can be used to store everything from office supplies and equipment to stock for an Etsy or eBay business.
To learn more, read business storage.
5. Student Storage
Whether you're between accommodation, going home during a break or studying abroad, short-term storage is ideal for students. As student rooms have typically a single bed, you'll roughly need a 50 sq.ft size unit.
To learn more, read student self-storage.
6. Death of a Relative
According to recent data from SSA, a death in the family is the most common life event that people use storage for.
Following the death of someone close, it can often feel too soon to sort through their belongings. Eventually, you will need to decide what to do with them. But in the immediate aftermath, a storage unit will make sure the items are kept safe until you are ready.
7. During a Divorce
Divorced or separated people are twice as likely to use self-storage, according to SSA’s 2021 report. Storing your items during divorce proceedings can at least take the pressure off organising them. This allows you to take your time during this difficult period.
8. During Renovations
The SSA found that people renovating their homes are 3 times more likely to use self-storage. When renovating your house, it often isn’t practical to keep furniture and other possessions in other rooms whilst the work is being done. Short-term storage is ideal for keeping your items off-site and protected.
9. Downsizing Your Home
When downsizing your home and belongings, organising years of possessions can be emotional. It is also a time-consuming process. Keeping items in short-term storage allows you to take your time sorting through your possessions. It also means you can keep your items safe during to process of buying and selling.
To learn more, read downsizing your home.
10. Decluttering Your Home
Short-term storage allows you to keep belongings safe and out of your home until you have the time to decide what you are keeping. This can make you realise what you actually use regularly and what you miss having in your home. Once you return to the unit, the items you haven’t thought about or needed can then be sold or donated
To learn more, read decluttering your home
11. Seasonal Items
Seasonal items like Christmas decorations or garden furniture are only used for short periods of the year. Storing seasonal items in short-term storage is an ideal way to free up some space in your home. It also keeps them safe and free from damage.
12. Camping Gear
If you’re an avid camper, it’s likely you will have a large amount of camping equipment. If your home is too small to store your equipment, you may want to keep these items in storage between trips.
13. Collectable Items
Items like toys, figurines, music paraphernalia and sports memorabilia can take up a lot of room in a home. Short-term storage can be ideal for these items until you find a home for them long-term. You’ll also have peace of mind that your collectables are safe and secure with 24/7 CCTV too.
14. Hobbyist Gear
Hobby gear can very often take up a lot of room and if it’s currently not being used, it can become a hindrance in the home. From painting supplies to large pieces of equipment, these are items that can take over your home, especially if you live in a small house or flat.
15. Furniture Storage
Large items like furniture are difficult to store in an attic and many people will donate or sell these items if they don’t have room. Hiring a unit for short-term furniture storage allows you to keep these items safe until you have found a place for them.
Perhaps it is a family heirloom or the perfect item you've found at a flea market. Instead of missing the opportunity, you can store it short-term, allowing you to enjoy it when you are ready to have it in your home.
To learn more, read furniture storage.
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Short Term Storage FAQS
We've answered commonly asked questions to help choose short-term storage.
Why Use Compare My Move to Find Short Term Storage?
We work with storage companies across the UK to help with your short-term storage. Here’s why you should use us for your short-term storage needs.
Flexibility
Our storage partners offer flexibility, with both short and long-term storage options. Companies offer various sizes and many have the flexibility of accessing or collecting your items at any time.
Storage insurance
Our storage companies have Public Liability insurance, with many offering extra insurance for peace of mind. You’ll also have the opportunity to get your own insurance for your items if required.
Security
Our storage companies offer secure short-term storage solutions for your personal belongings. Their units will be monitored with a 24/7 CCTV security system.
Collection service
When you receive a quote for storage, this will be the price of the storage unit and won’t include the removals of the items. Many of our storage partners are also removal companies, so can offer a safe collection and drop-off service for your items.
How Much Does Short-Term Storage Cost?
The average cost of storage in the UK is £23.94 per sq.ft per annum. The amount that your storage unit costs will depend on the number of items you are storing.
Below we’ve listed the average costs for a range of time periods and storage unit sizes to get an idea of how much you’ll pay for your short-term storage.
| 50 sq.ft | 75 sq.ft | 100 sq.ft | 150 sq.ft | 200 sq.ft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Week | £23.02 | £34.53 | £46.04 | £69.06 | £92.08 |
1 Month | £99.75 | £149.63 | £199.50 | £299.25 | £399.00 |
2 Months | £199.50 | £299.25 | £399.00 | £598.50 | £798.00 |
3 Months | £299.25 | £448.88 | £598.50 | £897.75 | £1197.00 |
6 Months | £598.50 | £897.75 | £1197.00 | £1795.50 | £2394.00 |
1 Year | £1197.00 | £1795.50 | £2394.00 | £3591.00 | £4788.00 |
To learn more, read our guide on storage costs.
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