Storage units aren’t just for long-term storage. Short-term storage can be a really convenient option in many moving and apartment maintenance scenarios. Discover three options for short-term storage and learn how you might use them in this guide.

Reasons to rent short-term storage
For many people, the logistics of moving might require using off-site storage for just a few weeks or months. If you’re subletting your apartment, for example, short-term storage can be a lifesaver. Putting all your personal belongings into short-term storage while someone else sublets your place allows you peace of mind; your stuff will be out of the temporary tenant’s way, and you’ll know that it’s locked safely away in secure storage.

A permanent move might also call for short-term storage. Moving out of an apartment often requires some wait time if you’re holding out for a new place to become available, and in these cases, short-term storage is a great option. If, for example, you have to move out of your current apartment at the end of the month, but your new unit won’t be ready for a few weeks following, short-term storage is a convenient and cost-effective way to put your items “on hold” until you’ve got your new living arrangement settled.

But you don’t necessarily have to be leaving your apartment to put short-term storage to good use. Another common reason why people rent temporary, short-term storage is because their home or apartment is undergoing renovation.  What happens if a pipe breaks in your apartment and you have to clear belongings out? What if the carpet’s being replaced? Short-term storage is really handy in all of these scenarios.

Short-term storage options
When it comes to temporary storage, most renters have three basic options: on-site apartment storage, off-site storage at a self-serve facility, and portable storage.

On-site storage
If your apartment community offers the ability to rent garages, closets, or storage lockers, you may be able to move your belongings out of your apartment, but still keep them very close by. These types of convenient storage options are usually very popular, so check with your property manager to see if you can work out a temporary storage solution right in your own backyard.

Off-site storage
If there’s no on-site storage available at your apartment community, you might consider finding a storage facility near your apartment. You’ll have to arrange to get your personal belongings out of your apartment — which may require renting a moving truck, as well — and then decide how much storage space you need. Depending on what’s available in your area, you can rent storage units as small as a hall closet or as big as a studio apartment.

Portable storage
The final option for short-term storage involves portable storage. Portable storage units from companies like 1-800-Pack-Rat or U-Pack offer consumers the convenience of extra space with a degree of flexibility. When you rent a portable storage unit, you choose the size unit you need and have the unit delivered to your door. These units come with locks, and you’re in charge of making sure that your unit is safe and secure while it’s in your possession. If you only need the unit for a few days, it can stay outside your apartment in the parking lot (but check with apartment community management first!) But if you don’t need it for a while, the portable storage company will pick it back up and store it in a warehouse for an additional fee.

Do your homework
Short-term storage can be a great solution. Just be sure to research your options — making sure a unit is temperature-controlled, secure, and easily accessible, for example — and the experience of renting short-term storage should be fairly stress-free.