Wondering how long you can keep items in storage between moves? This guide covers time limits, costs, packing tips, and more so your stuff stays safe in transit storage.
When you’re moving between homes, putting your belongings into transit storage can give you flexibility during the transition. But how long can you actually store items in between moves? The answer depends on several factors.
As your local storage and moving company, we recommend limiting transit storage to 2-3 months in most cases.
Extended durations risk damage, discarded items, and unnecessary costs. However, with proper prep and planning, you can safely store possessions for 6+ months when needed.
Here’s what to consider when deciding how long to keep items in transit:
Storage Time Limits
Most storage facilities allow items to remain for 1-6 months without issue. However, stays beyond 3 months usually incur higher monthly rates.
Rules also vary by company and locale.
Typical transit storage duration limits:
| Storage Company | Time Limit | Notes |
| Public storage units | 1-6 months | After 6 months, items may be auctioned or discarded |
| U-Haul portable containers | Maximum 6 months | Higher fees apply after 30 days |
| PODS portable containers | No set limit | Units can remain in storage yards indefinitely |
Before booking transit storage, verify time limits and potential fees with your provider. Clarify procedures for extending stays if needed.
Long-Term Storage Viability
Even if a storage company allows lengthy stays, keeping possessions in transit storage for over 3 months introduces risks:
- Higher costs: Storage fees accumulate over time. Long stays can become expensive.
- Physical damage: Moisture, pests, weather shifts, etc. threaten items over months.
- Lost/discarded items: Storage providers may sell or toss possessions left too long.
Without regular climate control and inspection, storage conditions decline. Prioritize shorter storage durations whenever possible.
Packing Tips To Enable Long-Term Storage
For situations requiring 4-6+ months of storage, specialized packing can help objects survive:
- Use storage-grade boxes: Reinforced cardboard resists moisture and pests.
- Wrap fragile items individually: Bubble wrap and paper prevents breakage.
- Add desiccant packs: Silica gel adsorbs condensation that causes mold.
- Freeze fabric items: Freezing kills bugs and larvae in cloth goods.
- Inventory possessions: Catalog all stored items for future reference.
Take time to properly pack goods needing lengthy storage. Protecting contents preserves integrity.
Alternatives To Transit Storage
If you must relocate but cannot move into your new home right away, transit storage fills the gap. But it is not the only option:
- Rent local storage: Keeping items nearby allows regular inspection.
- Move twice: Make two moves instead of utilizing storage.
- Sell/donate: Eliminate unnecessary possessions before relocating.
These methods prevent items staying in facilities long-term. Evaluate your situation to determine the best approach.
Key Takeaways – Transit Storage Duration Limits
To summarize key guidelines on time limits for storage between moves:
- Ideal duration: 2-3 months or less
- Maximum duration: 6 months
- Higher fees: Usually apply after 30-90 days
- Special packing: Protects contents needing 4+ months of storage
Avoid open-ended storage. Set target move and retrieval dates. Book just enough time to bridge the gap between homes.
Establish reminders to re-check items and confirm next steps as closing dates approach.
With mindful planning and preparation, you can store possessions securely during a move without losing cherished belongings to damage or discard.
Reach out to discuss your storage needs – we’re here to help make your relocation smooth from start to finish!
