Storage During a Move: Types, Costs, and How to Choose
When your move-out and move-in dates do not align, storage fills the gap. Whether you need two weeks between leases or three months while your new home is renovated, the storage market offers multiple options at different price points and convenience levels. Self-storage facilities, portable storage containers, and moving company warehouse storage each have distinct advantages. Choosing the wrong option wastes money; choosing the right one makes a complicated move manageable.
Self-Storage Facilities
Self-storage is the most widely available and flexible option. You rent a unit at a facility, transport your belongings there, and access them during business hours (or 24/7 at some facilities). Units range from 5x5 feet (closet-sized, 25 square feet) to 10x30 feet (large garage, 300 square feet). A typical one-bedroom apartment fits in a 10x10 unit; a three-bedroom house requires a 10x20 to 10x25 unit.
Monthly rates vary by location and unit size. A 10x10 unit costs $80 to $200 per month in most markets, with climate-controlled units at a 20 to 50 percent premium. Urban locations cost more than suburban facilities. First-month specials and promotions are common — ask about move-in deals. Most facilities require a lock (bring your own or buy one on-site) and may charge an administrative fee.
- 5x5 unit (25 sq ft): small items, seasonal storage — $40-$80/month
- 5x10 unit (50 sq ft): one room of furniture — $60-$120/month
- 10x10 unit (100 sq ft): one-bedroom apartment — $80-$200/month
- 10x15 unit (150 sq ft): two-bedroom apartment — $120-$250/month
- 10x20 unit (200 sq ft): three-bedroom house — $150-$350/month
Portable Storage Containers
Portable containers (PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, U-Pack) are delivered to your location, loaded by you at your pace, and transported to your new address or a storage facility. This eliminates the double handling of loading a truck, driving to storage, and unloading. You load the container once at your old home and unload it once at your new home.
Container sizes typically range from 8-foot (equivalent to a large closet, good for 1-2 rooms) to 16-foot (equivalent to a 10x15 storage unit, good for 2-3 bedrooms). Monthly storage rates are comparable to self-storage, but the delivery and pickup fees add $50 to $150 per trip. The convenience of loading at your own pace — most companies leave the container for 30 days — is the primary advantage over self-storage.
Moving Company Warehouse Storage
Full-service moving companies offer warehouse storage as part of their moving package. The movers load your belongings onto the truck, transport them to a climate-controlled warehouse, and store them in sealed wooden vaults or containers. When you are ready, the same company delivers everything to your new home.
This is the most convenient but typically the most expensive option. Warehouse storage costs $100 to $500 per month depending on the volume of goods (charged per vault or per 100 cubic feet). The advantage is a single point of contact and no double handling — your belongings are loaded once at origin and unloaded once at destination with storage in between. It is the best option for long-distance moves with a gap between delivery dates.
Climate Control: When You Need It
Climate-controlled storage maintains temperature between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and controls humidity. It costs 20 to 50 percent more than standard storage but is essential for protecting certain items. Wood furniture warps and cracks in extreme heat or cold. Electronics can be damaged by condensation from temperature swings. Leather dries and cracks. Musical instruments go out of tune permanently.
Climate control is recommended for storage lasting more than 30 days in regions with temperature extremes. In mild climates like southern California, standard storage is usually adequate. In areas with hot humid summers or cold winters, climate control prevents damage that would far exceed the cost premium. At minimum, store electronics, wood furniture, and anything with leather or fabric in climate-controlled units.
Packing and Organizing Your Storage Unit
Pack storage units strategically. Place items you may need to access at the front. Create aisles so you can reach items at the back without unloading the entire unit. Stack heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Put furniture on pallets or blocks to allow air circulation underneath and protect against moisture on the concrete floor.
Disassemble furniture to maximize space. A disassembled bed frame and headboard take up a fraction of the space of an assembled bed. Wrap upholstered furniture in moving blankets or plastic to prevent dust and pest damage. Fill dresser drawers with clothing or linens to use the space efficiently. Label all boxes on the side that faces the aisle so you can find things without moving boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does storage cost during a move?
Self-storage for a typical 10x10 unit costs $80 to $200 per month. Portable containers cost $100 to $250 per month plus delivery and pickup fees. Moving company warehouse storage costs $100 to $500 per month. Most people need 1 to 3 months of storage during a move, totaling $100 to $1,500.
What size storage unit do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 10x10 unit (100 square feet) typically fits a 1-2 bedroom apartment. A 10x15 unit (150 square feet) provides more room for a full 2-bedroom apartment and allows aisle access. When in doubt, go one size up — the cost difference is $20 to $50 per month, and the extra space makes access much easier.
Is it cheaper to rent a storage unit or use a portable container?
Monthly rates are comparable, but the total cost differs based on your situation. Self-storage requires you to transport items there and back (truck rental costs). Portable containers include delivery but charge pickup fees. If you need storage for less than 2 months, a portable container often costs less overall because you avoid double-handling and truck rental.
Can I store everything in a non-climate-controlled unit?
For short-term storage of less than 30 days in moderate climates, standard storage is usually fine. For longer periods or extreme climates, climate control protects wood furniture, electronics, leather goods, photographs, and vinyl records from temperature and humidity damage. The 20-50 percent cost premium is cheap insurance against replacing damaged items.