How to Use Temporary Storage During Military Deployment?
Aug 28, 2026 / Public Storage
Temporary self-storage during a military deployment can provide space for eligible furniture, clothing, and household belongings while you’re away. Start by deciding what you’ll take with you, what can be donated or discarded and what you want to store, then choose a unit based on how much space and which features you need.
Key Takeaways
- Sort your belongings before choosing a storage-unit size.
- Keep military orders, identification, financial records and other sensitive documents with you rather than placing them in storage.
- Clean and completely dry belongings before packing.
- Label boxes and create a simple inventory.
- Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for some household belongings.
- Drive-Up Access can make loading multiple boxes or furniture easier.
- Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, which can accommodate changing timelines.
What Should You Do Before Putting Belongings in Storage?
Start by sorting what you own into four groups:
- Take with you
- Store
- Donate
- Discard
Doing this before you pack keeps you from using storage space for things you no longer want.
Once you know what will be stored, create an inventory and group belongings by room or category.
Keep military orders, identification, financial or legal records and other sensitive documents outside the storage unit and somewhere appropriate for access while you’re away.
How Should You Pack for Temporary Storage?
Clean and completely dry belongings before packing them.
Use sturdy boxes, bins and covers appropriate for what you’re storing. Label containers on more than one side and keep a simple inventory on your phone or another accessible location.
A basic packing system might look like:
| Category | Packing Approach |
| Clothing & linens | Clean, dry and pack in labeled containers |
| Furniture | Clean and use appropriate furniture covers |
| Electronics | Follow manufacturer recommendations and label components |
| Kitchen items | Clean and completely dry before boxing |
| Seasonal gear | Group by season or activity for easier unpacking |
Avoid packing prohibited, hazardous, perishable or unsanitary items.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need During Deployment?
The right storage-unit size depends on the amount of household belongings you plan to store.
| Unit Size | Approx. Space | May Work Well For |
| 5’x5′ | 25 sq. ft. | Boxes, clothing and smaller household items |
| 5’x10′ | 50 sq. ft. | Furniture and belongings from a studio or single room |
| 10’x10′ | 100 sq. ft. | Furniture, appliances and belongings from multiple rooms |
| 10’x15′ | 150 sq. ft. | Belongings from about a two-bedroom home |
| 10’x20′ | 200 sq. ft. | Larger household storage needs |
Use the Public Storage Size Guide to compare additional dimensions and approximate capacity.
Should You Choose Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage.
They may be worth considering for certain furniture, electronics, clothing and other household belongings that can react to changing conditions.
More than 90% of Public Storage properties—4,300 of more than 4,600 facilities—offer climate-controlled units.
Learn more about climate-controlled storage.
Is Drive-Up Access Useful Before a Deployment?
It can be, particularly if you’re loading furniture or multiple boxes at once.
Drive-Up Access lets you pull a vehicle directly up to a ground-level storage unit for easier loading and unloading.
More than 45% of Public Storage properties—2,200 of more than 4,600 facilities—offer Drive-Up Access units.
Learn more about Drive-Up Storage.
How Should You Organize a Storage Unit Before Leaving?
Pack with your eventual return in mind.
- Keep an inventory of boxes and larger belongings.
- Label containers by room and contents.
- Place heavier boxes below lighter ones.
- Leave a walkway if the unit size allows.
- Keep items you expect to retrieve first toward the front.
- Make sure the person managing your affairs while you’re away has only the access information they appropriately need.
The easier the organization is to understand now, the less sorting you’ll have to do later.
Can Month-to-Month Storage Work for Deployment?
Yes. Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, which can accommodate military timelines that may change.
Customers can also complete a storage rental online in minutes.
FAQs About Temporary Storage During Military Deployment
Can I rent a storage unit temporarily for a deployment?
Yes. Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, so you can rent based on your storage timeline.
What should military members avoid putting in storage?
Do not place sensitive documents, prohibited items, hazardous materials, perishable goods or other restricted items in a storage unit.
Should I use climate-controlled storage during deployment?
It may be worth considering for household belongings that can react to changing temperature or humidity. Availability varies by facility.
What size storage unit should I rent?
It depends on how much you plan to store. A 5’x10′ may work for belongings from a smaller room, while 10’x10′ and larger units provide more room for furniture and multi-room household storage.
Can I rent my unit online before deployment?
Yes. Public Storage customers can complete a storage rental online in minutes.
How do I find temporary storage near me?
Find a Public Storage location and compare current unit sizes, features, and pricing.
