Moving in Los Angeles almost never happens in a straight line.
Your lease ends on the 30th, your new place isn’t ready until the 10th, or escrow gets delayed. Meanwhile, you’re standing in your living room staring at a couch that won’t fit in your car and wondering: Where is all this going to go for the next week?
That’s where short-term storage comes in.
I’ve walked a lot of people through this “in-between” phase all over LA—from compact apartments in Koreatown to houses in the Valley. Let me break down how short-term storage actually works, what your options are, and how we handle it at United Prime Van Lines so you’re not stuck scrambling.
Why Short-Term Storage Is Common in LA
LA is designed to create gaps in your timeline:
- Lease Gaps: Landlords want you out by a certain date, but your new place isn’t ready.
- Renovations: You don't want your furniture covered in drywall dust.
- Downsizing: You are moving from a house into a smaller apartment and need time to decide what stays.
The Reality: Short-term storage is your buffer. It allows your belongings to leave your old place on schedule, stay safe, and get delivered when you are actually ready.
The Main Types of Short-Term Storage
1. Traditional Self-Storage Units
You rent a locker, drive your stuff there, and keep the key.
- Pros: Flexible access (24/7). You control organization.
- Cons: You move everything twice. You need a vehicle big enough. Security varies.
- Best for: Tight budgets and DIY moves where you need frequent access.
2. Portable Storage Containers
A container is dropped in your driveway; you load it, and they pick it up.
- Pros: Load at your own pace.
- Cons: LA Problem: Many neighborhoods (Hollywood, Santa Monica) ban them on streets. HOAs hate them.
- Best for: Homes with private driveways.
3. Full-Service Storage (What We Do)
We combine moving and storage into one continuous service.
- We pack and load your items onto the truck.
- We transport them to our secure warehouse.
- When your home is ready, we deliver them.
- Pros: One team, one plan. No double-handling. Professional wrapping.
- Cons: No daily access (appointment only).
- Best for: Gap moves, renovations, and long-distance relocations.
How Long Is “Short-Term”?
People hear "short-term" and think "weekend." In reality, it means:
- 3–7 Days: Lease gaps, cleaning delays.
- 2–4 Weeks: Escrow delays, waiting on keys.
- 1–3 Months: Corporate relocation, major remodels.
We build in flexibility because in LA, closing dates slip and contractors run late.
What To Look For in Storage
Climate Control
LA isn't humid, but the Valley gets HOT.
- Essential For: Wood furniture, leather, artwork, vinyl records, and electronics.
- Risk: Heat can crack wood and melt certain plastics.
Security
Ask these questions:
- Is the facility monitored by cameras 24/7?
- Are items stored loose or in dedicated vaults?
- Is there pest control? (Crucial in LA).
Packing for Storage vs. Moving
"Packing for storage is not the same as packing for a same-day move."
- Stronger Boxes: Use professional boxes that stack without crushing. Grocery store boxes will collapse after two weeks.
- Furniture Wrapping: We wrap furniture in blankets and then stretch wrap. Leather needs to breathe, so we don't seal it in plastic directly.
- Labeling: Label based on future need. "Kitchen - Daily Use" vs. "Kitchen - Holiday Decor."
What NOT To Store
Keep these with YOU:
- Documents: Passports, birth certificates, titles.
- Meds: Daily medications.
- Tech: Laptops and chargers.
- Essentials: A week's worth of clothes.
Real-World Scenario: The "Escrow Gap"
The Situation: A family sold their home in Woodland Hills, but the new place in Silver Lake isn't ready for 10 days. The Solution:
- We moved everything out on the 30th.
- We stored it in our secure warehouse for 10 days.
- The family stayed in an Airbnb with their "Essentials" bags.
- We delivered everything on the 10th. Result: No double rental trucks, no heavy lifting for the family.
The Verdict
Short-term storage flips the script. Instead of thinking, "Where will my stuff go?", you think, "My stuff is safe; I just need to show up when the house is ready."
If you want help planning a move with storage built-in, we’re here. At United Prime Van Lines, we do this every day. We’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the next chapter.
