There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some guidelines that can help you plan better and avoid letting monthly storage costs pile up unnecessarily.
The key is understanding the difference between short-term storage (a few months) and long-term storage (a year or more), and knowing when each makes sense.
Short-Term Storage (1-6 Months)
Short-term storage is perfect when you have a specific timeline and plan. Common scenarios include:
- Moving between homes — Closing dates don't always line up perfectly
- Home renovations — Protecting furniture during construction
- Seasonal storage — Storing winter gear in summer, or vice versa
- Temporary relocation — Job transfers, family obligations, or short-term moves
- Life transitions — Separation, downsizing, or estate settlement where you need time to decide
Tip: If you know you'll need storage for 3-6 months, that's a solid plan. You can budget for it and know when you'll be done.
Long-Term Storage (6+ Months)
Long-term storage makes sense when:
- You have valuable items — Antiques, collectibles, or family heirlooms you want to preserve
- Business inventory — Seasonal stock or equipment you use periodically
- You're living abroad temporarily — Storing household items while working overseas
- You're in a smaller space temporarily — Waiting to move into a larger home
- You have a specific future plan — Like storing furniture for a future vacation property
Warning: If you're storing things "indefinitely" without a plan, you're probably wasting money. Long-term storage should have a purpose, even if that purpose is years away.
When to Reconsider Your Storage Timeline
Red flags that you might be storing things too long:
- You haven't accessed your unit in over 6 months
- You can't remember what's in there
- The total cost of storage exceeds the value of what you're storing
- You're storing things "just in case" without a specific plan
- You keep extending your timeline without a clear reason
How to Plan Your Storage Timeline
1. Set a review date
Mark your calendar for 3, 6, or 12 months from now. When that date arrives, reassess: Do you still need storage? What's your plan?
2. Calculate the total cost
Monthly rate × number of months = total cost. Is that worth it? If you're paying $100/month for 12 months ($1,200 total) to store items worth $500, you're losing money.
3. Make a decision plan
If you're storing things during a transition, set a deadline for making decisions. "I'll sort through this in 6 months" is better than "I'll figure it out eventually."
4. Consider downsizing your unit
If you've been storing for a while, you might be able to move to a smaller, cheaper unit. Review what you actually need to keep.
Special Considerations for Long-Term Storage
If you're storing items for a year or more:
- Use climate control — Essential for electronics, wooden furniture, photos, and documents in Winnipeg's climate
- Check on your unit periodically — Visit every 3-6 months to ensure everything is in good condition
- Update your insurance — Make sure your storage insurance is current and covers the full value
- Keep an inventory — Document what you're storing so you remember what's there
- Pack properly — Use quality boxes, wrap fragile items, and label everything clearly
The Bottom Line
Storage is a tool, not a permanent solution. Short-term storage (1-6 months) is great when you have a plan. Long-term storage (6+ months) can make sense for valuable items or specific future plans, but it should still have a purpose.
If you find yourself storing things indefinitely without a clear reason, it might be time to declutter, sell, or donate. At East Side Self Storage, we offer month-to-month rentals—no long-term contracts required. You can adjust or cancel whenever you're ready.