short term self storage
Short term storage gives you a secure place for your belongings for a few days, weeks or months, with no long commitment. It is most often used during a house move, a renovation or a gap between tenancies. At Pickfords, quick access self storage starts from £18 a month including VAT.
This guide explains which option suits a short stay, when to book, how to pack so you can reach what you need and what to check before you sign.
When do you need storage for a few weeks?
| Situation | Typical length | What matters most |
| Your sale completes before your purchase | A few days to a few weeks | Quick booking and flexible end date |
| Your keys are delayed on moving day | One night to a few days | Somewhere safe for a loaded van's contents |
| Renovation or new flooring | Two weeks to three months | Protecting furniture from dust |
| Selling your home | Until completion | Clearer rooms for viewings |
| Between tenancies | A few days to a month | Collection and delivery on set dates |
| University summer break | Two to four months | Affordable and you save on rent |
Which short term self storage option is right for you?
For a short stay, choose a quick access option. You may need to collect something before the end of your stay, and quick access makes that simple.
Storage type | Access | Best for |
Container storage | Quick access | Moves and renovations, where belongings stay packed until delivery |
Traditional self storage | Quick access | Stays where you need to visit your unit and swap items in and out |
Drive-up self storage | Long-term | Stays of several months or more |
Our guide to container self storage vs traditional self storage compares the two quick access options in detail.
When to book short term storage
Book as soon as your dates are clear. Demand for removals and storage peaks between May and September, with Fridays and the end of each month the busiest times, according to Pickfords move data 2025. Booking early gives you a better choice of unit sizes and locations.
If your dates are not yet fixed, speak to the facility about holding a unit and confirm how much notice you need to give to start or end your stay.
What to check before you sign
- Minimum storage period: confirm the shortest stay allowed.
- Notice period: check how much notice you need to give when you leave, so you do not pay for time you do not need.
- Access hours: many Pickfords facilities offer 24/7 access, but check your chosen facility.
- Collection and delivery: confirm availability and dates if you are not transporting items yourself.
- What you cannot store: read our guide to things you should not put in a self storage unit.
- Changing unit size: ask whether you can move to a larger or smaller unit.
How to pack for a short stay
With temporary self storage, you will often need items before your stay ends. Pack with access in mind:
- Last in, first out. Load the items you will need first at the front of the unit.
- Pack an essentials box. Keep documents, chargers, medication, bedding and a few kitchen items with you rather than in storage.
- Label by room and priority. Mark boxes with the room and a simple code, such as "1" for first needed and "3" for last.
- Leave a walkway. A narrow aisle down the middle lets you reach boxes without unstacking.
- Take a photo of the unit once it is packed, so you remember where everything is.
- Keep a list. Our guide to creating a storage unit inventory shows you how.
Use sturdy boxes of a similar size so they stack safely. You can order boxes and packing materials from our Box Shop.
How much space do you need?
What you are storing | Typical unit size |
A few boxes and small items | Around 25 sq ft |
The contents of one room | Around 35 to 50 sq ft |
A one-bedroom flat | Around 50 to 75 sq ft |
A two to three-bedroom home | Around 75 to 150 sq ft |
How much does short term storage cost?
Self storage at Pickfords starts from £18 a month including VAT. For a short stay, the main factors are unit size and location. To keep costs down:
- choose the smallest unit that fits your belongings
- set a clear end date and give notice in good time
- use free collection where available
- share a unit with family or housemates if it suits you
Storage with collection
If you are moving or clearing rooms quickly, collection saves time and trips. Pickfords offers free collection for drive-up self storage and storage containers in Horsham, Edinburgh and Manchester. If you are moving home, Pickfords can combine your removal and storage, so one team manages both.
Short term vs long term storage
| Requirement | Short term | Long term |
Duration | Days to a few months | Six months or more |
Packing focus | Easy access to items you may need | Protection and using every bit of space |
Storage type | Container or traditional self storage | Drive-up self storage |
Visits | Often frequent | Occasional |
If you are unsure whether storage is the right choice, our guide is is self storage worth it can help you decide. Students can also read our guide to student self storage.
Short term storage checklist
- Confirm your start and end dates
- Choose a quick access storage type
- Check the minimum period and notice period
- Book collection or transport
- Pack an essentials box to keep with you
- Load items you need first at the front
- Photograph the unit and keep an inventory
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a storage unit for just a few weeks?
Yes. Self storage is flexible. Check the minimum storage period and notice period with your chosen facility before you book.
When should I book short term storage?
As soon as your dates are clear. May to September, Fridays and the end of the month are the busiest times.
Which type of storage is best for a short stay?
Container storage and traditional self storage are quick access options, which makes them well suited to short term storage.
How do I pack a unit so I can reach things easily?
Load the items you need first at the front, label boxes by room and priority, and leave a walkway down the middle.
Can I get my belongings collected?
Pickfords offers free collection for drive-up self storage and storage containers in Horsham, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Book short term storage with Pickfords
Whether you need space for a week or a few months, Pickfords has a flexible option to suit you. Enter your postcode to find short term storage near you, or contact Pickfords today to discuss your storage needs.