Long-Term Storage Could Be the Right Option for You

Long-Term Storage Could Be the Right Option for You

When many of us think about self-storage, we primarily think about a short-term solution, or at the very least, a storage solution with an expiration date. Think getting organised when moving home, business storage to ease the transition when moving between office premises, or easy storage solutions should you decide to let your home stay while you tick off that travel bucket list.

However, self-storage isn’t just for the short term. It’s also a viable long-term solution. From storing excess commercial stock to keeping that 1965 Ford Mustang in pristine condition, ready for those long, leisurely Sunday drives, even storing additional furniture and soft furnishings that you’re just not ready to part with just yet, and so much more, long-term self-storage can be a godsend for any number of reasons.

So, let’s have a look at long-term self-storage in a little more detail to help you decide if it’s the right option for your needs, starting with a basic definition of what it is.

What’s long-term self-storage?

Now, forgive us; we know that defining long-term self-storage is reasonably straightforward. However, to make sure that you can choose the right solutions for your self-storage needs, it’s important to clarify long-term storage.

In a nutshell, long-term self-storage is typically defined as self-storage needs lasting three months or less. Think about when you’re moving home. The transition takes time, more often than not. You might find the whole process less overwhelming and much easier if you stagger and scale moving all your belongings into the new property over a few months.

But where are you going to store your belongings in the meantime? Sure, you could cram everything from floor to ceiling in the rooms, stacking boxes atop boxes. But surely, it’s easier to keep your stuff in self-storage, accessing what you need when you need it, right?

This is a short-term self-storage solution. A long-term self-storage solution is one that you use, generally for three months or longer. It can be a solution for a few months or even many years.

Circumstances Tailormade for Long-Term Storage

Now that we’ve defined long-term storage and touched on a handful of circumstances where long-term storage is appropriate, it’s time to explore these in a little more detail.

Downsizing or moving your home or business premises

We’re already categorising downsizing or moving home as ideal for short-term self-storage, but let’s not forget that short-term solutions can gradually evolve into long-term solutions. You may just find that the convenience, ease, and affordability of self-storage allow a short-term solution to gradually evolve into a long-term solution.

Whether you’ve downsized your home and want to maximise your existing space by streamlining your belongings or want to save on commercial rental or mortgage costs by tightening operational square footage, self-storage can help you easily manage excess personal belongings and commercial stock.

There are many benefits to long-term self-storage in either of these circumstances, but we’ll just highlight two or the most common: better organisation and less stress.

When you won’t be at home for an extended period of time

Whether you’ve finally decided to finally take that round-the-world trip or have a son or daughter who are about to embark on their university education, creating space to let your home or transform a bedroom into a home office space or gym suite, for example, storing essential belongings in a self-storage unit keeps them safe and secure in your absence.

If you’re considering listing your home as an Air BnB or opening it up to the rental market in general, whilst you’re not living there, long-term storage of belongings that you don’t want to risk being broken or ruined is a must, and self-storage is the ideal way to make sure that your antique chinaware, Damascus steel kitchen knives, or anything else you treasure won’t be lost, misplaced, or cause any accidents!

Off-season belongings

As any homeowner will tell you, some belongings are only good for a season. We’re thinking about winter duvets, thick woollen winter coats and jumpers, lawnmowers and gardening equipment, lawn chairs and patio furniture, Christmas decorations, etcetera. You could find a place for these belongings in your attic, garage, or utility closet, but let’s be honest, if you do this, you’re leaving them at the mercy of the weather and damp, cool, or unseasonably warm air.

Putting belongings that you know you’re not going to need for at least a few months into long-term self-storage will free up space in your home, maximising your square footage. Of course, you don’t need to have them in storage forever. However, the seasonal switcheroo, moving summer stuff into self-storage in the autumn and simultaneously collecting winter stuff, will make your house feel cosier and more welcoming all year round—not filled to the seams with everything you own!

For those with an automotive passion, self-storage is a great way to keep that classic Ford Mustang, MGB, or Jaguar E-Type in pristine condition all year round and ready for those summer drives in the countryside.

Business Assets

Maybe you’ve decided to operate your business remotely, maybe with a satellite office. Maybe not. Perhaps you’re determined to downsize your square footage. But you still have an abundance of stock you need to keep in storage.

If so, then self-storage is the perfect answer. Use self-storage, and you’ll be able to drastically reduce your long-term commercial overheads. Better still, you can even scale your self-storage needs when you need extra storage space.

What to Consider When Choosing Long-Term Self-Storage

Before you settle on long-term self-storage and choose the right self-storage provider, there are a bunch of considerations that you should always factor in to any decision.

The facility’s location

Although proximity may not appear to be a primary consideration when seeking long-term storage, that doesn’t mean that accessibility is unimportant.

Don’t forget that there may be occasions throughout the year when you need access to what you have in storage. From seasonal decorations to excess business stock, it’s always wise to make sure that you can access your storage unit when you need to.

Operational service level

Another important consideration when deciding which self-storage facility to choose is the type and level of service provided. Do they meet your requirements?

Does the facility provide 365-day-a-year access? Remote and in-person security measures? Scalability options? Is the facility capable of storing your car, or any specific storage requirement you have long-term?

Don’t forget that you’ll likely be in it for the long haul. Having a storage facility equipped with everything you need to keep your belongings safe and secure is paramount.

Cost and payment plan

Before you sign any documents agreeing to either a long-term or rolling self-storage service, be sure that you know and understand the financial obligations of your self-storage. This will help you decide on the right self-storage provider and budget accordingly.

When deciding on a self-storage provider, be sure to get a few different quotes for various long-term self-storage providers. Then decide on the price and services that meet your needs.

Check the available unit sizes

The good thing about self-storage units is that you can tailor a unit size to your needs and even scale your square footage should your long-term storage needs grow over time.

Remember to ask for storage unit sizes to get a better understanding of the available options at your preferred storage location. You can give the facility a call or even pay them a visit in person to check out their units if you really want to.

Get recommendations

Like any other service, self-storage that comes recommended, either by stellar online reviews or a personal recommendation by a trusted source, will appeal to a broader range of customers.

Take some time to read or listen to what existing customers have said about the self-storage business’s level of service, prowess, affordability, and any other decision-making factors important to you.

Is long-term storage the right option for you?

When all’s said and done, when deciding if long-term storage is right for you, it’s really just about your personal needs. It’s that simple.

Of course, you can always opt to scale your self-storage. Remember, circumstances change. People’s needs evolve. Knowing that your personal or commercial belongings are safe and secure in long-term storage will give you peace of mind, whether you’re not planning to be at home for extended periods, require additional commercial storage square footage, or are downsizing your home or business premises.

Interested in learning more about whether long-term storage is the right option for you? Want to arrange a long-term storage solution? Get in touch with EASS today.