Long-term storage may seem more expensive upfront but it can actually save you a lot of money in the long run.
If you’re thinking about taking an extended vacation or if you’re downsizing, you may worry about who is going to look after your things. Or maybe you’re moving to a smaller space in the city and you suddenly find yourself with extra pieces of furniture that are too precious to throw away. In fact, there are a lot of reasons why you may need to rent a storage space.
Worry no more because a long-term storage unit may be the answer to your prayers. In this post, we answer your questions about long-term storage, including the range of prices of different storage units and tips on how to pack your things for long-term storage and safety.
What is considered long-term storage?
The average length of long-term storage is three months to two years. Depending on your contract with the storage provider, you may extend the length of your license agreement
What is the maximum number of years you can use a long-term storage unit?
Most storage unit owners only need the space for three to six months. At Nesta, we have accommodated the needs of storage owners for up to ten years. Special arrangements can also be made should there be a need to extend the lease.
Should you get a long-term or short-term lease for your storage space?
One of the most common questions that people ask about storage units is if they need to rent the space for a short or long period of time.
Consider a short-term lease on a storage unit if:
- You’re in between houses but the size of your house is more or less the same.
- There are leftover pieces of furniture after your move and you’re unsure what to do with it.
- You’re redecorating or deep-cleaning the house and you need to move your things elsewhere for the moment.
- You need some time to declutter your house before you sell items you don’t need anymore.
Consider a long-term lease on a storage unit if:
- You’re unsure what to do with pieces of furniture you no longer want. Maybe you’re attached to it or you’re keeping it as an heirloom.
- When you’re leaving the country or home city for an extended period of time and you want to rent out your house. However, you may want your own things to be stored safely.
Pros and cons of long-term vs. short-term storage units
Both long-term and short-term storage have their own advantages and disadvantages. Check out this chart to further validate your decision when you’re planning to rent a storage unit.
| Short-Term Storage | Long-Term Storage | |
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| Cons |
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If you’re still unsure about getting a long-term or short-term storage unit, be sure to read our first-timer’s guide in choosing a storage facility.
Can I change from short-term lease to long-term lease on my storage unit?
You can renew your lease or cut it short depending on your terms of contract with your storage provider.
At Nesta, we require seven days’ notice should there be a change in your time frame.
Long-term storage price points
The prices of units differ depending on various factors:
- Size. The bigger the size, the higher the rental fee.
- Location. City-based storage units are pricier simply because demand is also higher in these locations.
- Rental length. You can rent on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. Like buying in bulk, yearly rates may be less expensive in the long run compared to a monthly fee. At Nesta, we also have a weekly option for as low as €15 per week!
- Add-ons. Some storage facilities offer add-ons such as climate control. Other storage facilities like Nesta offer trolleys, pallet trucks, moving carts. You may also hire a forklift during the move or a van rental service via the facility.
According to GetMover, these are the average weekly rental prices of storage units in Ireland:
| Storage size | Weekly rental fee, exclusive of VAT |
| 25 SQ FT | €35 |
| 50 SQ FT | €70 |
| 80 SQ FT | €95 |
| 100 SQ FT | €110 |
| 160 SQ FT | €150 |
| 320 SQ FT | €180 |
Long-term storage units can be paid on a yearly basis, which can be more economical in the long run. To inquire for the rates per month or year, you may get a quote here.
How much storage do I need for my room/house?
A common mistake many storage owners make is underestimating the amount of storage space they need. So how much space do you really need?
This table tells you exactly how big your storage space should be, based on the number of rooms you have or cardboard boxes you want stored.
| Size | Dimensions | Boxes it can fill | No. of rooms |
| 9 SQ FT | 3 feet by 3 feet | 2 large, 2 medium or 5 small boxes | Very small room or ½ studio room |
| 25 SQ FT | 5 feet by 5 feet | 84 small or 45 medium or 27 large boxes | Studio or one-bedroom apartment |
| 35 SQ FT | 5 feet by 7 feet | 140 small or 60 medium or 36 large boxes | A large one-bedroom apartment |
| 50 SQ FT | 5 feet by 10 feet | 189 small or 90 medium or 54 large boxes | Two-bedroom apartment |
| 75 SQ FT | 7.5 feet by 10 feet | 273 small or 135 medium or 81 large boxes | Two-bedroom house |
| 100 SQ FT | 10 feet by 10 feet | 378 small or 180 medium or 108 large boxes | Three-bedroom house |
| 150 SQ FT | 10 feet by 15 feet | 546 small or 270 medium or 162 large boxes | A large three-bedroom house or a small four-bedroom house |
| 300 SQ FT | 15 feet by 20 feet | 1092 small or 540 medium or 324 large boxes | Four to five-bedroom house |
How to pack for my long-term storage unit
When packing for your long-term storage unit, consider hiring professional packers and a moving van. They may be a bit costly but you will be assured that our items will be stored properly, without danger of molding or damages.
In case you’re doing it on your own, we have also prepared a few tips on how to pack your things that are suitable for long-term storage.
What you shouldn’t put in long-term storage
To keep your other items safe, be sure not to include these items while packing:
- Food items and anything perishable.
- Valuable documents (if your storage is not climate-controlled).
- Medicine and other medical supplies.
- Plants and pets.
- Flammable or toxic materials such as gasoline, propane tasks, kerosene, lamp or motor oil, fertilizers, tures, paint, cleaners, fireworks, and more.
How to pack furniture for long-term storage
If you decide to rent some furniture storage, be sure you have ticked off the boxes in your checklist when you move out of the house. Then make the most of your space with these tricks:
- Take everything apart and keep screws etc. in labelled ziplock bags.
- Wrap furniture for long-term storage. Wipe it down and make sure there is no moisture that can ruin your furniture.
- Protect glass items. Wrap them in packing paper first,
- Raise furniture off the floor. It’s better if you can place a covering on the floor as well to protect your items.
- Put large items at the back such as sofas, cabinets, etc.
- If you’re storing anything with drawers, fill them up with items.
- Put labels on boxes with fragile items inside.
Do you need climate control for your long-term storage?
You need a climate-controlled storage unit if you’re storing vulnerable items for more than one year. These vulnerable items are those that may be affected by humidity or temperature.
Items that would need to be stored in a climate-controlled environment for long periods of time include:
- Electronics
- Artwork
- Lace or leather clothing
- Important documents and photographs
- Musical instruments
- Wine
- Furniture or anything made of wood, metal, leather, wicker, or upholstery
- Medical supplies
- Makeup or toiletries
- Fragile antiques
- Collectible items such as coins, books, stamps, etc.
Tips when using long-term storage units
Here are a few, final reminders when using long-term storage units:
- Plan the items you want to store. When you’re moving houses or downsizing, it would be necessary to ask yourself if the things you’re packing are essential. You don’t want to take a bigger storage just to store things you don’t want to keep.
- Consider climate-controlled storage units. This is for vulnerable items that may decompose when exposed to changing humidity and temperature.
- Properly pack your items. This is to prevent cases of breakage.
- Consider insuring your items. Despite the security measures of storage units, a lot of things can still happen to your stuff. Consider insuring irreplaceable items in your unit.
- Ask a trusted friend to check in your stuff once in a while. For your peace of mind, you may ask a friend or family member to check in your storage unit every once in a while.
- Set up autopay. If you know you’ll be busy in the coming months (maybe a road trip or adventure to an exotic locale where unfortunately signal isn’t very good) make sure that your finances are in order.
Are you interested in renting a storage unit? Have peace of mind knowing that you will be getting your money’s worth! Request a quote today from Nesta!
