Moving? Renovating? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Short-Term Storage Costs

Storing stuff outside of a personal home or business is a habit that's on the rise. Almost 20% of Americans said they rented storage space in 2024, with top reasons for long- or short-term storage including limited space, moving, business purposes and home renos.

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Understanding storage cost can help you decide if short-term storage is a good choice for you.

What's the Difference Between Short-Term Storage and Long-Term Storage?

The biggest difference between short- and long-term storage is the length of time you use it. Short-term options let you store items for a few days to a few months. Long-term options let you store items longer — sometimes for years.

Some locations allow you to set the duration, renting storage as long as you need. Other options cater to one or the other.

Other differences you might find between short- and long-term storage include:

• Access: Temporary storage options often support optimal convenience. They may help you store your items on your own property or make it easy to access things every few days. Some long-term storage options are designed for infrequent access, so they may have limited access times or be located further away from your home.

• Contracts: Long-term storage might require a contractual commitment to lock-in rental prices. Short-term storage rentals often cover a few days' use to a month at a time.

• Protection: While climate-controlled options are available in both situations, long-term storage providers may prioritize security and protection from elements like heat, humidity and pests more than short-term storage providers.

Reasons to Use Long-Term Storage

Choose long-term storage options if you need to keep personal items somewhere safe for more than three months. Common reasons for long-term storage use include:

• Extended travel: If you're traveling for several months or more or serving in the military, it may be less expensive to keep items in long-term storage than pay rent and expenses on a home.

• Lack of in-home storage: When closets, attics and other at-home storage spaces are full, a long-term storage unit lets you keep belongings without overcrowding your house.

• Downsizing: Storing items for a year or more offers peace of mind during downsizing, as you still have items if you need them.

• Estate management: During probate or while settling a loved one's estate, storage offers a location for keeping and organizing belongings.

• Business inventory: Businesses can manage excess inventory, equipment and records in storage locations without expanding their own offices or warehouses.

• Seasonal storage: You can use long-term units to store items like holiday decor, patio furniture or seasonal clothing until you need them again.

Reasons to Use Short-Term Storage

Choose short-term storage options if you want to keep items somewhere for less than three months. Common use cases include:

• Moving: Short-term storage can bridge the gap if your move-out and move-in dates don't include some overlap.

• Home renovations: During renovations, off-site storage keeps furniture and belongings protected from dust and potential damage.

• College breaks: Students can store dorm items between semesters without transporting everything back home.

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What Are the Options for Short-Term Storage?

Short-term storage rentals let you keep items accessible but out of your way. Options include:

• Storage lockers: These small, indoor spaces let you store a few boxes, documents or small personal items. Think of it like renting a small closet.

• Storage pods: Providers deliver these portable containers to your home, so you can load belongings at your own pace and access them as needed. In some cases, providers transport the filled pod to a longer-term storage location or your new home.

• Storage units: These rented spaces come in various sizes with month-to-month rental agreements. You can choose from regular or climate-controlled units.

• Full-service storage: Comprehensive storage providers handle pickup, transportation and storage for you. This option offers the most convenience, typically at the highest storage price point.

How Much Is a Temporary Storage Pod?

Storage pod cost depends on factors such as unit size, location and how long you need the pod.

Average PODS pricing ranges for a one-month rental by size:

• 8 foot: $169 to $309 (CAD 231 to CAD 423)

• 12 foot: $199 to $339 (CAD 272 to CAD 464)

• 16 foot: $219 to $359 (CAD 300 to CAD 491)

If you're using a PODS to move and want your unit transported to your new home, costs vary depending on move distance. You'll pay on average $300 to $600 (CAD 411 to CAD 821) for a local move, and up to $8,000 (CAD 10,952) for a long-distance move.

How Much Does a Short-Term Storage Unit Cost?

Storage units typically cost less per month than an on-site pod, though you give up some convenience with this option. When you need to put stuff in your unit or access belongings, you need to drive to the unit.

Temporary storage prices depend on the size and type of unit. Indoor climate-controlled units are most expensive. You may also pay more for specialty units, such as extra-large locations or garage-type units where you can store vehicles.

Average monthly cost ranges for standard outdoor and indoor storage units based on size:

• 5x5: $65 to $100 (CAD 89 to CAD 137)

• 5x10: $100 to $150 (CAD 137 to CAD 205)

• 10x10: $125 to $175 (CAD 171 to CAD 240)

• 10x15: $150 to $200 (CAD 205 to CAD 274)

• 10x20: $200 to $250 (CAD 274 to CAD 342)

Tips for Reducing Storage Unit Cost

Understanding how much a storage unit costs and what impacts prices can help you find ways to save.

• Choose the cheapest option that works for you. If you aren't storing temperature-sensitive items, don't pay for climate control. While HVAC is important when storing clothing and other soft items long-term to avoid mold, a few weeks in the hot or cold typically won't hurt.

• Rent outside of peak season if possible. Storage units may be more expensive right before or after college semesters and during peak moving seasons.

• Add additional units for bulk deals. Some locations offer a discount if you rent more than one unit at a time. Talk to local storage providers about the most cost-effective way to get the space you need.

• Agree to a longer contract. If you know you'll need storage longer than a month, ask about discounts for multi-month contracts.

• Choose a less accessible unit when possible. Storage locations often charge less for units above the first floor or in other less convenient locations, as customers are usually willing to pay more for convenience.