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What is Short Term Storage?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Short term storage is a type of storage situation where belongings are housed in a professional storage facility for a limited period of time. There is some difference of opinion as to what constitutes a short period versus a long period. Many sources consider storage for periods longer than one year to actually be long term storage, although others consider any type of arrangement where storage fees are paid on a month to month basis to qualify as short term storage.

There are a number of short term storage options that may be employed. The most basic of these storage facilities is known as mini self storage. With this approach, an individual rents space at a professionally managed storage company. Typically, the client is assigned concrete or metal storage space that is enclosed and is accessed via a rolling door. A simple solution of this type is ideal for temporarily storing personal belongings, odd pieces of furniture, or any other items that can be moved with relative ease when and as necessary.

Padlocks may be used to secure storage facilities.
Padlocks may be used to secure storage facilities.

Some types of short term storage also offer the benefit of spaces that are climate and temperature controlled. These are especially desirable in areas where humidity levels are high during the summer months, and the stored items may be damaged by the heat index, which is a means of measuring temperature based on both the actual temperature and the effect that the humidity level has on that temperature. Wood furniture that could be warped or otherwise damaged in extreme heat conditions is a good example of an item that should be stored in a controlled environment.

There are also portable storage options that may be leased for a short period of time. These types of short term storage can be transported to any site desired by the client, utilized for a few weeks or months, then returned to the owner. Some clients make use of this storage solution when remodeling a home, making it easy to store furniture and other belongings in the storage pod or similar device without the need to transport them to some sort of permanent storage facility.

In general, short term storage options allow clients easy access to their belongings. While some facilities allow access during a limited number of hours per day, others allow customers to visit the facility any time of the day or night. In all cases, these short term storage options usually allow clients to secure their assigned facility with the aid of padlocks or electronic locks that require the entry of a key code before the contents of the facility can be accessed.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Padlocks may be used to secure storage facilities.
      By: VRD
      Padlocks may be used to secure storage facilities.