Why You Should Consider Temporary Storage During Your Move

Moving is like a tornado—everything gets picked up, thrown around, and then you’re left standing there wondering how you ended up with so much stuff.

If you’ve ever moved before (and we are guessing you have, unless you live in a magical land where you get to stay in one place forever), you know how chaotic it can get.

There's packing, cleaning, unpacking, and trying to find that one thing you swear you packed. Then there's the whole "where do I put all my stuff?" situation.

If you’re scratching your head right now, wondering how you’re going to make sense of it all, we’ve got one word for you: temporary storage.

Now, temporary storage isn't just something people do when they can't manage their belongings for a few weeks.

According to recent statistics, one in 10 households in the U.S. uses some form of self-storage, and over 50% of them use it for moves or renovations.

That’s a whole lot of people putting their stuff in a storage unit instead of dealing with it themselves.

Think about it: whether you’re moving between homes or waiting for your new place to be ready —temporary storage can be so helpful.

It gives you the breathing room to handle the chaos of moving without having to worry about all your stuff being in the way.

So, let’s discuss why temporary storage is your new best friend during a move and why it's worth considering.

What is Temporary Storage, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Temporary storage is exactly what it sounds like.

It's a place where you can store your stuff for a short time—maybe a couple of weeks, a month, or however long you need until your new place is ready for everything to come in.

It’s like a pause button for your belongings. Not forever, just long enough to keep them safe while you get settled into your new home.

Why Should You Consider Temporary Storage?

Your Timing Doesn’t Always Line Up

So, you've sold your place, or your lease is up, but the new house or apartment is still under construction.

Or perhaps the move-in date got pushed back.

In this situation, temporary storage can be a lifesaver when your move-in date doesn't match your move-out date.

With temporary storage units, you can stash your stuff for a little while without stress. Simple, right?

Declutter and Clean First, Move in Later

The next one is that your new place isn’t exactly move-in ready. Maybe there's still a ton of cleaning to do, or some repairs are needed.

Or maybe you're just trying to clear out the old stuff before bringing the new stuff in.

Temporary storage can also be helpful here.

You can put your stuff in a storage unit and take your time cleaning up, fixing things, and getting everything perfect. Once that's done, bring in the boxes.

Staging Your Home for Sale

Let’s say you’re selling your current place before moving. You probably know that showing a clean, uncluttered home is key to getting a good price.

But if you're living in it while trying to sell it, you can also use temporary storage.

Move out some of the stuff you don't use every day— seasonal clothes, old furniture, or even a bunch of old books you don’t need for the moment.

Store them in a temporary storage unit, and your place looks tidier and more appealing to potential buyers.

Moving Stuff in Stages Makes Life Easier

If you’re anything like others, you don't want to deal with the hassle of moving everything at once—and you don’t have to!

With temporary storage, you can do it in stages.

Move in some things right away, then store the rest until you’re ready to bring it in.

This way, you're not overwhelmed by a mountain of boxes and furniture all at once.

You’re Not 100% Sure What Will Fit in the New Place

Sometimes, you have this vision of how your new place is going to look, but when you actually get in there, you realize things just don’t fit the way you imagined.

Or maybe your new place is smaller than expected, and you have more furniture than you thought you’d need.

What do you do with that stuff? Temporary storage for furniture is the answer.

Store the extra pieces until you decide whether they'll fit once you settle in or whether they need to go.

Need More Storage Tips? Check Out Our Complete Storage Guide!

Types of Temporary Storage Solutions

Now, you're probably thinking, "What kind of temporary storage do I actually need?”

Let’s break it down:

Self-Storage Units

These are the traditional units you see everywhere. You rent a space for a specific period, and you can come and go as you please.

Some places are more like mini-warehouses (especially if you need to store some big stuff), and others are just regular storage lockers.

They’re usually pretty affordable and come in different sizes. So whether you need a cheap temporary storage unit or something a little more spacious, you’re covered.

Portable Storage Units

This is like getting a personal moving container. Storage companies drop off a container at your place, you load it up, and they take it away to the store.

When you’re ready, they bring it to your new home.

This is perfect if you don’t want to deal with trips back and forth to a storage facility.

Just pack it up and let them do the heavy lifting.

Climate-Controlled Storage

If you have some fancy stuff, you don't want to risk in extreme temperatures, like antiques, artwork, electronics, or any items that are sensitive to heat or moisture.

This is where you need climate-controlled temporary storage.

It keeps your items at a consistent temperature and humidity level so they don’t get damaged.

Full-Service Storage

Some moving companies offer full-service storage, which means they pick up, store, and deliver your things for you.

They’ll even pack everything up if you don’t feel like doing it yourself.

It's pricier, but if you're willing to spend the extra cash on peace of mind, it's an option worth considering.

Need Help with Your Move? Find the best self-storage companies and discard your storage problems.

How Much Does Temporary Storage Cost?

Now, before you get all nervous and start picturing your bank account screaming, let us explain it in a way that will make you feel better.

First things first, there’s no "one-size-fits-all" answer when it comes to pricing.

There are several factors that play into how much you’ll be paying for temporary storage.

Location

Just like with rent, location is going to impact how much you pay for your temporary storage unit.

On average, in big cities, you might be looking at around $200-$300 per month for a medium-sized storage unit.

But if you’re out in the suburbs, that same unit might cost only $100-$150 a month.

Unit Size

So, let’s talk size. You can expect the following:

•  Small Unit (5x5 ft): It’s perfect for a few boxes, seasonal items, or some furniture. Prices for this size are usually around $40 to $80 per month.
•  Medium Unit (10x10 ft): You can fit a small apartment’s worth of stuff here. Prices typically range from $80 to $150 a month.
•  Large Unit (10x20 ft): You could store large furniture, appliances, and a bunch of boxes. Expect to pay around $150 to $250 per month.

Climate Control

Here’s what you’re looking at:

•  Climate-Controlled Unit (Small): $60 - $120 per month
•  Climate-Controlled Unit (Medium): $130 - $220 per month
•  Climate-Controlled Unit (Large): $200 - $350 per month

Additional Costs You Should Know About

There are some extra fees you might run into.

Insurance: Most storage places will require insurance for your stuff, and they’ll offer it to you for around $10 - $20 per month.

Lock Fees: Most storage facilities sell locks for $10 - $20, or you can bring your own.

Deposit: Some places may charge you a deposit, which is refundable when you move out. Expect to pay around $20 - $50.

Late Fees: Most places charge a late fee if you pay your bill late (don't be that person!). Be ready to pay $10 - $25 if you're behind.

Find a storage option that fits your budget – Get a Quote Now!

How to Save Money on Temporary Storage

Now that we've discussed all the potential costs, let's discuss some ways to save a few bucks on temporary storage.

Shop Around: Don't settle for the first place you find. Compare prices and services from several facilities to find the best deal.

Look for Promotions: Many facilities offer discounts for the first month, especially if you’re booking long-term. Some places even give you a free month if you commit to a 6-month contract.

Downsize: If you’re storing too much stuff, get a smaller unit. Do you really need to store that treadmill you haven’t used in three years? Probably not.

Avoid Climate Control (If You Can): If your stuff doesn’t need special treatment, skip the climate control to save a chunk of change.

When Should You Definitely Consider Temporary Storage?

Now you have a better idea of temporary storage, when should you definitely use temporary storage?

• If You’re Moving Between Places

  If there’s a gap between when you move out and when your new place is ready, temporary storage is the best option.

• If You Have Too Much Stuff

  If you are moving to a smaller place, you can store your extra items you don't need. It’s cheaper than renting a bigger place just for storage.

• If You’re Renovating or Organizing

  If you are renovating, cleaning, or home staging. You can temporarily store your furniture and personal items to keep them safe.

Will Temporary Storage Help You?

In short—yes, it absolutely can.

Temporary storage isn’t just for people who are in between homes. It’s for anyone who needs a little extra room during a busy life event like moving, renovating, or decluttering.

The options are affordable, secure, and easy to access, which makes it one of the smartest decisions you can make during your move.

Recommended Resources

• Portable Storage Units - How Do They Work

• Trailer Storage – Everything You Need to Know

• Long Term Storage – Things You Need to Know

• What Can You Fit in a 10x10 Storage Unit