Choosing between long-term and short-term storage is not a decision that can be made solely on the basis of storage costs. There are certain situations when choosing one type of storage is in the best interest of your belongings.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at when to choose long-term storage over short-term storage.
You Plan to Store the Items for Several Months
A long-term storage unit is best when you plan to store your belongings for more than a few months.
Unlike short-term options such as drive-up units with roll-up doors, which are often rented month-to-month and are easily accessible, long-term storage involves a more significant time commitment, and access may be limited.
For example, long-term storage containers, such as PODS, are stored off-site at a central facility and may take 10 to 15 days to return. If you know you will not need regular access to your items and want a more affordable rate for a longer term, these options can be a good fit.
Regardless of whether you opt for short-term or long-term storage, you will want to take the following precautions.
Before signing a lease, list everything that will be in the unit, calculate its replacement value, and determine which storage option offers you the appropriate access for the price you want to pay.
| How Long? | Best Choice | Why It Wins |
| 1 week – 1 month | Short term (month‑to‑month mini‑storage) | Cheapest in the very short run; no contract |
| 1 – 3 months | Short-term storage | Because it can take several weeks to retrieve your items from a long-term storage facility, short-term storage is recommended. |
| 3 – 12 months | Long-term storage | Lower monthly rate, price won’t jump, climate control is easier to find |
| 1 year + | Long-term storage (with a yearly payment discount) | Steady price, fewer renewals, best for serious downsizing or extended travel |
You Don’t Need to Frequently Access Your Stuff
Short-term storage can be convenient when you need to access your belongings more frequently. However, when you need to store items for extended periods, such as months or even years, we’d recommend a long-term storage unit.
Since you may not visit often, it’s more important to prioritize a clean and secure facility over features like extended access hours.
If you don’t plan to access your items regularly, pack smart by using durable plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to keep dust and moisture out. You can also add moisture absorbers to boxe (Note: The longer you store your items, the more they’re at risk for moisture exposure and other hazards.)
If you do plan to access your items regularly, don’t forget to leave a small walkway in the middle of the unit, so you’re not climbing over everything if you need to grab something later.
| Access Frequency | Best Choice | Helpful Add‑On |
| Weekly (e.g., inventory restock) | Short term | 24/7 gate hours |
| Monthly check‑in | Either | Smart lock that you can open from your phone |
| Every few months | Long term | High‑quality disc lock and renter’s insurance |
| “Set it and forget it.” | Long term | Climate control + desiccant packs |
You’re Trying to Save Some Money on Storage
There’s no way around it, storage is an additional cost. If you are concerned about unexpected expenses and their monthly impact on your budget, then long-term storage is the more sensible option.
Traditional storage facilities often charge higher month-to-month rates for short-term storage, while long-term leases tend to offer better value over time.
Here’s a breakdown to help you compare average prices across different types of storage units. Use it to find a unit that fits your budget (and avoid overpaying for space you don’t need).
| Unit Size (common) | Typical Short Term Price* | Typical Long Term Price* |
| 5’× 5’ | ≈ $45 / mo | ≈ $35 / mo |
| 5’ × 10’ | ≈ $63 | ≈ $50 |
| 10’ × 10’ | ≈ $96 | ≈ $75 |
| 10’ × 20’ | ≈ $137 | ≈ $110 |
*Note: The prices in the table above are national averages and may vary based on location, demand, and availability.
You’re Leaving for a Military Deployment, a Study Abroad, or a Long Vacation
Whether it’s a semester abroad, a military deployment, or a year-long travel adventure, these types of life changes usually come with a clear timeline. That’s exactly why it makes sense to choose a long-term storage option from the start. When you know you’ll be away for several months or even years, it’s smarter to lock yourself into a cost-effective, long-lasting storage solution (especially if the long-term option has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for, such as climate control settings).
We get it. You don’t want to worry about monthly renewals, fluctuating storage costs, or suddenly having to move your stuff because your unit was re-rented. A long-term lease not only saves you money, it gives you peace of mind while you’re away.
Below are a few example situations to help you determine which storage unit suits your trip and which features to prioritize.
| Scenario | Suggested Unit | Must‑Have Features |
| 9‑month deployment | 10’ × 10’ | Climate control, automatic bill pay, military discount |
| Semester abroad (4 – 5 months) | 5’ × 10’ | Climate control, online account so parents can help |
| Gap‑year backpack trip (12 months) | 10’× 10’ | Insurance, two locks (you keep one key, a trusted friend keeps the other) |
You’re Permanently Downsizing
Downsizing is one of the most common reasons people turn to long-term storage. Sometimes this happens due to a life shift or even retirement.
Downsizing is not just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about making smart choices about what stays in your life and what gets safely stored for the future.
The chart below helps prioritize what should be included in your new living space and what should be stored for extended periods.
| Item Group | Keep at Home | Donate/Sell | Store |
| Daily-use clothing | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Formal wear & suits | ❌ | ✔️ if unused | ✔️ Store in garment bags or vacuum-sealed bins |
| Extra furniture | ❌ | ✔️ duplicates or bulky pieces | ✔️ Use furniture pads and keep items off the floor |
| Photo albums & prints | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ Use acid-free boxes; climate control is best |
| Kitchen appliances (extra) | ❌ | ✔️ extras or duplicates | ✔️ Wrap and store in labeled plastic totes |
| Holiday decorations | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ Stack by season in clear bins |
| Books & important records | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ Flat in waterproof containers; avoid cardboard |
| Tools used rarely | ❌ | ✔️ duplicates | ✔️ Organize in tool chest or bins; add desiccant packs |
You’re Storing Seasonal Decorations or a Seasonal Wardrobe
Some renters of storage units think of their unit as a rotating closet. They dedicate a section of their unit to seasonal items and swap them out every few months. In the summer, they’ll store holiday decorations, snowblowers, and sleds. Meanwhile, in the winter, they store their pool toys, lawn mowers, and even kayaks.
The table below breaks down which belongings make sense to rotate in and out of your storage unit when seasons change.
| Season | Common Items | Unit Size | Storage Tips |
| Winter | Skis, coats, holiday lights | 5’ × 5’ | Vacuum‑seal clothes, wrap lights on cardboard |
| Spring | Patio cushions, gardening tools | 5’ × 10’ | Store cushions in plastic totes with cedar blocks |
| Summer | Window A/C units, camping gear | 5’ × 10’ | Place A/C units on pallets to avoid condensation |
| Fall | Halloween props, tailgate gear | 5’ × 5’ | Clear bins let you see through to find items fast |
You’re Storing Business Inventory
If you’re using storage for business purposes, think of the unit as a functional extension of your workspace. Install metal shelving to keep products organized, leave clear walkways for easy access, and use an inventory app on your phone to track what goes in and out.
Since inventory represents dollars invested in the company, it’s worth choosing a long-term storage unit in a secure, well-maintained facility. Climate-related damage and theft are two of the biggest threats to stored goods. However, with proper setup and the right unit, you can protect your products and your bottom line.
This table breaks down for you common business inventory and belongings, and some best practices for proper storage:
| Inventory Type | Risk Factor | Best Storage Choice | Add‑Ons |
| Paper products | Humidity | Long-term, climate control | Dehumidifier packs |
| Electronics | Temperature swings, theft | Long-term, indoor access only | Camera inside unit, insurance rider |
| Handmade crafts | Dust, crushing | Short-term storage (especially if you plan to sell out quickly) | Metal shelving so boxes stay off the floor |
| Bulk retail (fast turnover) | Frequent access | Short-term | Drive‑up unit, pallet jack |
You’re a Hobbyist Who Needs Storage
Anyone who has picked up a hobby at some point can tell you that while hobbies may begin small, they don’t stay that way for long. You may start with one bike and a helmet, but before you know it, you have all the gear, stands, several bikes, shoes, and more.
Long-term storage units are ideal for hobbyists because they can store collectibles and craft projects that aren’t necessarily needed on a day-to-day basis, but are still close to their hearts.
Here are personalized storage unit size recommendations according to hobby. (Pro tip: consider adding a pegboard or wall hooks to lift bikes, lumber, or paddles off the floor.)
| Hobby | Typical Gear | Suggested Unit | Quick Tip |
| Mountain biking | 2‑3 bikes, repair stand | 5’ × 10’ | Hang bikes on wall hooks to free floor space |
| Woodworking | Benchtop tools, lumber | 10’ × 15’ | Cover tools with breathable canvas, not plastic |
| Classic‑game collecting | Arcade cabinets, CRT TVs | 10’ × 10’ | Climate control is a must for electronics |
| Comic‑book archiving | Long boxes, figurines | 5’ × 5’ | Acid‑free boxes plus silica‑gel packets |
You’re Renovating
The type and extent of the renovation you are undergoing can help you determine whether long-term or short-term storage is best. One thing for sure is that construction dust finds its way into every space of your home.
Consider what items you will want to move from the residence before the project begins.
Here’s a general overview of what you may want to move and the storage space you’ll need to accommodate these belongings.
| Renovation Scope | Items Moved Out | Storage Duration | Best Choice |
| Single room (bedroom) | Bed frame, dresser | 1 – 2 mo | Short term 10’ × 10’, drive‑up |
| Kitchen gut | Appliances, cabinets | 2 – 4 mo | Short term 10’ × 15’, indoor |
| Whole‑house flip | Entire household | 6 – 12 mo | Long-term 10’ × 20’ with climate control |
Items You Shouldn’t Put in Long-Term Storage
If it rots, leaks, explodes, or is incredibly costly, long-term storage is NOT a viable option. For important papers and photos, store originals in a fire‑safe at home, and share digital backups with a trusted family member.
| Item Category | Why Avoid? | Better Place to Keep It |
| Food & drinks | Attract pests, rot | Pantry at home, friend’s freezer |
| Live plants | Need light & water | Friend’s house, plant‑sitting service |
| Legal documents (passport, will) | Hard to replace, may be needed fast | Small fire‑safe at home |
| Cash & jewelry | Theft risk, no bank insurance | Bank safe‑deposit box |
| Flammables (gasoline, paint thinner) | Fire hazard, often illegal | Hazardous‑materials locker or shed |
| Batteries & aerosols | Leak, explode in heat | Cool, indoor closet |
| Scented candles & perfumes | Melt, leak oils | Climate‑controlled closet at home |
Final Thoughts
If you’re having trouble finding great storage options near you, consider Neighbor. Neighbor is the most comprehensive storage marketplace where you can find convenient and affordable storage solutions from traditional storage companies to local gems just steps from your front door.
