The Ultimate Guide to Using Long-Term Self Storage

Long-term self storage is a solution for keeping your belongings safe and intact when you won’t need them for several months or more. 

Unlike short-term storage, which often involves a quick in-and-out for things like holiday decorations or short stays between homes, long-term storage requires a bit more strategy. Items need to be packed not just for space efficiency but for durability: resisting time, temperature changes and potential pests. Even minor oversights, like packing a slightly damp item or storing fragile materials in cardboard, can become real problems after a few months.

It’s important to note that at storage facilities like SmartStop, there’s no need to choose between a “short-term” or “long-term” lease — everything is rented on a flexible month-to-month basis. That means you can adjust your storage timeline as your needs change, without worrying about penalties or getting locked into a long contract. 

In other words, the real difference between short-term and long-term storage isn’t in the paperwork, but rather the preparation. Again, long-term storage refers to how you pack and protect your items to withstand time, temperature changes and inactivity. Whether you’re storing things for a few weeks or several years, the unit stays the same. What matters is making smart choices to keep your belongings in great shape for as long as they’re stored.

While you can certainly stash your items at a family or friend’s home, self-storage units are ideal for long-term use. Many are climate-controlled or at least air-cooled — perfect for items like electronics, wooden furniture or musical instruments that are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Storage units also provide security measures like gated access, surveillance cameras and locked units for peace of mind. If you’re concerned about the cost, don’t be afraid to compare prices and consider any special online promotions to take advantage of the best deal.

While you can certainly stash your items in your basement or attic, self-storage units are ideal for long-term use. If you find yourself in one of the following scenarios, long-term storage may be a good solution for your needs:

• Travel: Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, placing your items in a storage unit long-term can keep them safe during extended trips. 
• Academic fellowships: Academic and research fellowships often require you to relocate for several months to a year. During this period, long-term storage ensures that any belongings you won’t be taking with you are kept safe until you return.
• Downsizing: Downsizing can be a challenging process, especially when it means you have to part with cherished household items or belongings. Long-term storage offers a middle ground, allowing you to keep items you’re not ready to part with while adapting to a smaller living space.
• Retirement: Retiring looks different for everyone, but it may involve downsizing your home, traveling more frequently or moving to a different city or state altogether. A storage unit can be a great place to keep all the belongings you still want to keep but don’t need to keep with you 24/7.
• Military deployment: Military personnel often face long-term (overseas) deployments or frequent relocations. During these periods, long-term storage provides a secure and practical solution for safeguarding your belongings.
• Hobby storage: Enthusiasts and collectors of items like vintage cars and antiques can use storage units, which are climate-controlled, to protect valuables.
• Small business inventory: If you’re a small business owner, you may need long-term storage for your inventory, especially if you operate out of your home. Storage units are the perfect place to keep additional products, promotional materials and other goods without having to rent additional business space.
• Managing an estate: When handling a loved one’s estate, you may need time to sort through belongings, decide what to keep, or coordinate with family members. Long-term storage offers a respectful and secure place to keep these items until permanent decisions can be made, without pressure or clutter at home.
• Home renovation storage: During an extended home remodel, it’s often necessary to move furniture, artwork and other personal items out of the way. A long-term storage unit keeps these belongings protected from dust, damage and chaos, while giving contractors the space they need to work efficiently.

Not all storage units are created equal, and choosing the right type can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your belongings during long-term storage. The best fit depends on what you’re storing, how often you’ll need access and the kind of protection your items require.

Climate-controlled units are ideal for anything sensitive to temperature and humidity, such as wood furniture, electronics, photographs, clothing and documents. These indoor units maintain consistent environmental conditions year-round, which helps prevent warping, cracking, mold and mildew. If you’re storing items for several months or more, especially through changing seasons, climate control is often well worth the upgrade.

Drive-up units offer convenience. You can pull your vehicle right up to the door, making it easy to load and unload bulky items like appliances, outdoor equipment or heavy furniture. While they don’t offer climate control, they’re perfect for durable items that can tolerate changing conditions or for those who need quick and frequent access.

Storage lockers are smaller, typically chest-height spaces perfect for long-term storage of smaller loads — for example, seasonal decor, luggage, and small kitchen appliances. If you’re storing compact items and want to keep costs down, lockers offer just enough room without paying for unused space.

In addition to unit type, you’ll also want to consider unit size and layout. A unit that’s slightly larger than you think you need gives you room to organize and create walkways, which can be especially helpful if you’ll be accessing the unit periodically. Shelving units and clear labeling can also help keep everything easy to find, no matter how long you store it.

Start by making a detailed list of everything you plan to keep in your unit, including furniture, boxes, appliances and any irregularly shaped items like bikes or musical instruments. Then reference the unit sizes below (or use our Size Guide tool) to estimate how much storage space you’ll need.

Small Units (5’x5’ to 5’x10’)

Small units are ideal for storing small furniture pieces, boxes, seasonal items and small appliances. Depending on the exact size of the unit, you can think of this as a hallway closet (on the smaller end) or a walk-in closet (on the larger end).

Medium Units (5’x15’ to 10’x15’ feet)

Medium units are suitable for the contents of a one- or two-bedroom apartment. These units can store larger furniture pieces like sofas, beds, dining sets and several boxes.

Large Units (10’x20’ feet and up): 

Large units are designed to keep the contents of a multi-bedroom house. They can accommodate large furniture, appliances, vehicles and many boxes. These units are comparable to a standard one-car garage.

Packing and organizing for long-term storage requires a more strategic approach than short-term storage, especially if you aren’t going to be checking on your items for several months or longer. Here are some tips to keep your belongings in good condition while they’re in self storage:

Choose the Right Packing Materials

Invest in high-quality, durable boxes, preferably of uniform sizes for easy stacking. This includes bubble wrap, packing peanuts or foam sheets for cushioning fragile items. Seal boxes with heavy-duty tape and consider plastic bins for added protection against moisture and pests.

Disassemble Furniture

Take apart larger furniture pieces like beds, tables and shelving units to save space and prevent damage. Keep screws, bolts and other hardware in labeled bags attached to the furniture they belong to.

Protect Fragile Items

Wrap glassware, electronics and delicate items individually. Fill any empty space in boxes with packing material to prevent items from shifting.

Ensure Good Circulation

While plastic covers can protect against dust, they can also trap humidity and lead to mold growth on items like mattresses and upholstered furniture. Use breathable covers instead. Leave space around large furniture to ensure good air circulation.

Prevent Moisture Damage

Consider using desiccants like silica gel packs in boxes containing electronics or metal items to prevent moisture buildup. Consider placing items on elevated freestanding shelves with legs in case there’s a flood.

Create a Walking Path

Your storage unit can hold a mix of long-term and short-term items. Create a walking path so that you — or someone with access to your unit — can easily grab specific items. This will also make it easier to rearrange items in the future.

Make Items Easily Accessible

Place belongings you may need more frequently in front of objects you don’t anticipate using often.

Stack Smartly

Stack heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing. Avoid stacking boxes too high to reduce the risk of toppling.

Utilize Space Efficiently

Store smaller items inside drawers, wardrobes and appliances to utilize every inch of space. Place items like mattresses and mirrors upright to save floor space.

Place Valuables Out of Sight

If you’re storing valuable items in your unit, consider keeping these items towards the back of the unit and out of sight. Make sure your insurance policy covers these belongings. 

When storing items for the long haul, having a clear and accurate inventory is essential. Not only does it help you keep track of what you’ve stored (and where), but it can also be invaluable if you ever need to file an insurance claim. Start by creating a detailed list of everything you’re placing in storage, grouped by category or box number. Include descriptions, estimated values and, when possible, photos. A simple spreadsheet or inventory app can make it easy to update and reference your list over time.

This step is especially important for items such as electronics, collectibles, artwork or heirlooms. Note that storage facilities may have a limit on what types of valuables you can store in your unit, and it’s never a good idea to store items like your social security card, family jewels, cash or other high-value items in a storage unit.

As far as insurance goes, don’t assume your belongings are automatically covered. Some storage facilities offer basic insurance as part of the rental agreement, but it often comes with limits. Check whether your renters' or homeowners' insurance extends coverage to stored items, and if not, or if your items exceed those limits, consider purchasing additional storage insurance.

Even when everything is packed and stored with care, long-term storage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it situation. If possible, plan to visit your unit every few months, especially if you’re storing sensitive items. 

Here’s what to look for during your visits:

• Moisture or mold: Check for condensation on walls, water damage on boxes or a musty smell, all signs that moisture might be creeping in.
• Pest activity: Look for droppings, gnaw marks and insect casings, especially around cardboard boxes and fabric items. Consider placing pest deterrents like cedar blocks or sealed traps if needed.
• Box and bin condition: Make sure containers haven’t collapsed or shifted, especially if you stacked them. Reinforce or repack if anything looks strained or unstable.
• Temperature-sensitive items: If your unit isn’t climate-controlled, check for warping, cracking, or fading on wooden furniture, vinyl records or electronics.

Ready to move your items into long-term storage? Find a SmartStop facility in your city and explore available unit sizes and online promotions. For more tips on making the most of your storage unit, head to our blog.