Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage: Which One Do You Need?

Introduction

Self storage is a flexible, convenient and affordable way to store your stuff. Whether you’re in the throes of moving house or renovating, you’re travelling for work, or you’ve simply run out of room in your garage or shed, renting a storage unit is a simple, effective solution. Self storage offers options for all, but which is best for you, short-term or long-term storage? In this guide, we’ll highlight the pros and cons, explaining when short-term and long-term self storage work best to help you find the right self storage in Perth.

 

Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage: Which One Do You Need?

Short and long-term storage offer incredible benefits for homeowners, but which is the best solution for you? If you’re looking for storage, here are some ideal scenarios for temporary and longer-term storage:

Short-term storage

Also known as temporary storage, short-term storage involves renting a storage unit for a brief period. Offering flexibility, convenience and affordability, short-term self storage in Perth can help you free up room, create more space and find a temporary home for your belongings, all while reducing stress. 

Short-term storage is great for:

• Moving house

Moving involves transporting a house full of possessions from A to B. While you’re moving, you might not have space to store all your items at your new home, or you may want to leave rooms empty while you redecorate or renovate. If you rent a storage unit, you can save time and stress while enjoying peace of mind that your stuff is safe. It’s particularly beneficial to store expensive, precious or fragile items, such as pieces of art, musical instruments, jewellery and furniture, during the transitional period. 

Renting self storage in Perth is also a fantastic option if you’re relocating but your new home isn’t ready yet. Rather than packing and unpacking everything twice, you can simply move your stuff into a storage unit and then take it to your new home once you have the keys. 

• Renovating

Renovating has become more popular in recent years. Studies show that Australians ranked third in the list of top renovating nations behind New Zealand and Singapore (source). Updating and revamping your home provides opportunities to add value, extend and create a stunning new base for your family, but it can make life at home trickier. If you’ve run out of room, or you’re worried about damaging items or finding places to store furniture during the project, self storage is a brilliant solution. Storage frees up space in your home and protects items. The beauty of short-term self storage is that you have rapid, easy access to your stuff once the renovation is complete.

 

• Storing seasonal items

If you’re storing seasonal items, you may not need a storage unit for the whole year. Winter clothing and equipment are excellent examples. Heavy-duty coats, boots, ski equipment and winter sports clothing take up a lot of space. During the summer, when you don’t need access to winter gear, short-term storage enables you to create more space at home while ensuring your equipment is safe and secure. 

 

• Renting a spare room out

More and more homeowners are renting spare rooms to generate extra income. If you’re thinking about advertising a guest room or self-contained flat to boost your earnings, you may need quick access to self storage. Perth is a popular holiday destination. Self storage in Perth offers a simple, hassle-free way to store stuff while your spare room or guest suite is in use. 

 

• Travelling

If you travel for work or you’re embracing a more nomadic lifestyle, short-term storage delivers flexible storage solutions while you’re away. 

 

Long-Term Storage

Long-term storage involves renting a storage unit or units for a prolonged period, typically for more than 6 months. Some people hire units for years. Long-term storage offers an effective solution for many homeowners and is ideally suited to the following circumstances:

 

• Downsizing

Downsizing is common among older people, homeowners who want to travel more and parents whose children have left for university or bought their own homes. There are lots of benefits of downsizing, including saving money, releasing equity in your property and reducing maintenance costs and stress, but it can leave you in a quandary when it comes to storage. If you’re moving from a larger house to a smaller home, there may not be enough room for all the things you want to keep. 

 

Self storage offers an alternative to filling every inch of usable space and throwing things away. With a storage unit, you can keep hold of everything you want while enjoying plenty of space in your new home. Flexible storage units give you easy access to your belongings whenever you need them. 

 

• Storing items you don’t need at home

One of the key advantages of self storage is having the option to store items away from your home. If you don’t have space at home, you can store possessions you don’t need or use frequently in a different location. From furniture and outdoor sports equipment to pieces of art and decorative items that have sentimental value, there are all kinds of things you might want to take to a self storage facility. 

 

• Inherited items

Many of us inherit items from family members or friends. Often, these items are precious, they are sometimes valuable, and they are treasured heirlooms. In some cases, you might want to display or keep inherited belongings at home, but in others, you may prefer to keep them elsewhere. Perhaps you’ve been given a painting that doesn’t match the décor of your home, or you’re worried about displaying it with kids or pets around. Maybe you’ve inherited a chest of drawers or a huge wardrobe that you don’t have space for at home. Self storage enables you to keep inherited items without any worries about running out of room, damage or wear and tear. 

 

• Long-term renovations and fixer-upper projects

Some home renovation projects take months or years rather than weeks. If you’re taking on a fixer-upper, or you’re making structural changes or adding extensions, long-term storage can be a lifesaver. Renting a unit for several months enables you to focus on the project without any stress about where to store your stuff or how to protect it. You can also move around freely while you’re renovating, for example, living with friends or family members, renting an apartment or staying in a motorhome or caravan while work is underway. 

 

Looking for Self Storage in Perth? KeepSafe Storage Has You Covered!

If you’re looking for long or short-term self storage in Perth, KeepSafe Storage has you covered. Contact us today or check out our locations here. Our new facility in Joondalup is offering 40% off for the first 3 months.