Deciding Between Long Term & Short Term Storage in Plymouth
When your business runs out of space, the first thing you will want to consider is where you’re going to store your items. However, that won’t be the only consideration you’ll need to make. You’ll also need to decide on how long you’ll need a storage facility for.
Warehouse storage offers a wide range of benefits in comparison to self storage, especially when it comes to scalability, as well as flexibility to stop and start your storage requirements within a day’s notice. You’re not tied to a fixed-term contract – you’ll pay for the exact space you need, when you need it.
Now all that’s left to figure out is long term vs short term warehouse storage and which option best suits your situation in Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, or across the South West.
What is Short Term Warehouse Storage?
Covering anything from a single day up to a few months, short term warehouse storage is ideal for Plymouth businesses that know exactly when they need the space and when it will come to an end, such as:
- Seasonal storage to get ahead of Black Friday or Christmas
- Office relocations
- Building work or renovations
- Events, exhibitions, or pop-up retail
- Overflow stock during a busy sales period
- Bridging the gap between a container delivery and onward distribution
What is Long Term Warehouse Storage?
With no fixed end date in mind from when you start, long term warehouse storage is suited for businesses in Plymouth with ongoing or even indefinite requirements, such as:
- Stock you hold permanently
- Archives that need to be retained for several years
- Equipment that is used infrequently but needs to remain accessible
The Main Differences: Short Term vs Long Term Storage
Contract Length & Commitment
With no minimum terms, short term storage means you only pay for the time you actually use, whether that’s for a day, a week or a few months. Long term storage is a rolling arrangement, but with the expectation that you will continue to use the space over months, years or even decades.
At ABC Warehouse Plymouth, neither of these options ties you into a fixed contract or minimum storage requirement; the main distinction is really about your own planning. Make sure to check a storage facility’s terms if you’re going elsewhere, as you may find some warehouses or self storage facilities lock you in to long-term contracts.
Pricing
Priced by the day, week, or month, short term storage gives you complete transparency, so you know exactly how much you’ll be paying for the space you use, when you’re using it. On the other hand, long term storage is billed monthly and can sometimes work out as more cost-effective per month if you’re storing consistently over a long period of time. If your storage needs are ongoing, you might not know the total of how much you will pay over time, but you’ll have an idea of the costs per month.
All you need to do is request a free, no-obligation quote to find out the exact costs you’ll be paying.
Scalability
Short term storage needs to scale quickly – up when your stock increases, and down once it’s sold or distributed. With predictable volumes that don’t change from month to month, long term storage tends to be more stable. A warehouse facility offers the flexibility for you to increase or decrease your storage as necessary, regardless of how long your stock stays for.
If your stock levels fluctuate depending on the time of year, you can read more in our blog on How Temporary Storage Can Help Your Business in Plymouth.
Types of Goods
Short term storage involves fast-moving stock, seasonal inventory, or items in transit, which can be stored on pallets or in a dedicated area, whilst long term warehouse storage is used for Archive Storage of documents, Pallet Storage of core stock, or Bulk Storage of raw materials and equipment.
Security
Security shouldn’t change based on how long you’re storing with a 3PL provider. At ABC Warehouse Plymouth, both our short term and long term customers get the same secure storage as standard – 24/7 CCTV, controlled access and mobile security patrols – for the full duration of your stay, whether that’s one day or one decade.
How to Decide Which Storage Option Your Business Needs
If you know when you’ll need the space and when you won’t within a certain timeframe, or if your stock varies based on seasonality or a specific project, short term warehouse storage is likely the best fit for your business.
On the other hand, if you need to store documents with a legal retention requirement or your stock or storage requirements stay consistent throughout the year, long term storage is the way to go.
You don’t necessarily need to make a decision and stick to it. Many businesses start with short term storage during a peak and then later down the line move to a long-term arrangement once their stock volumes become stable. Or the complete opposite – scaling down from long term to short term as their storage needs change.
How ABC Warehouse Plymouth Can Help with Long Term & Short Term Storage
At ABC Warehouse Plymouth, we support businesses across Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, and the South West, with both long term and short term storage from our 100,000 square foot facility. With over 20 years of industry experience and membership of the UK Warehousing Association, UK Materials Handling Association, and Road Haulage Association, we offer:
- No minimum contract terms or storage requirements
- No hidden fees, insurance premiums, or sign-up costs
- Transparent, pay-for-what-you-use pricing
- The same security standards regardless of how long you stay
To find out more, contact us on 01752 697000 or request a free, no-obligation quote. You’re also welcome to arrange a tour of our storage facility and meet our team before you decide.