Long-term storage units give you a place to keep belongings that you are not ready to move, sell, donate, or bring into your current space. This may include furniture set aside for a future home, boxes from a family estate, business materials, or household belongings kept during an extended move.
The length of the rental is only one part of the decision. You also need a unit that fits the belongings, an access setup that works for future visits, and a packing plan that will hold up over time.
StorHouse serves the Lehigh Valley and surrounding Pennsylvania communities through six locally managed facilities in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Macungie, Quakertown, and Reading. Since the company does not use third-party management, customers work directly with StorHouse staff when they have a question about a unit or account.
When Long Term Storage Makes Sense
Some storage needs have a clear end date. Others depend on a move, home project, family decision, or business change that may take longer than expected. Long-term storage gives you room to handle the immediate situation without making rushed decisions about everything you own.
Customers may use long-term storage while:
- Living outside the area for an extended period
- Renovating or rebuilding part of a home
- Combining two households
- Managing furniture and belongings from an estate
- Downsizing before choosing a permanent home
- Keeping business inventory or equipment outside the workplace
- Saving furniture for a child or family member
- Clearing rooms for a home sale
Before renting, decide what you expect to keep and how often you may need it. A unit holding furniture for a future move will be arranged differently from one containing seasonal items that are picked up several times a year.
Choose Storage Based on What You Are Keeping
Start with the belongings, not only the price or advertised unit size. A less expensive unit can become inconvenient if the access type does not work for the items or if everything has to be removed to reach one box.
Consider the size and weight of the largest pieces. Measure furniture, shelving, appliances, and packed containers before moving day. If an item cannot fit through the unit entrance or turn comfortably through an interior hallway, that unit will not work even if the total square footage appears large enough.
It also helps to separate belongings by how often they will be needed. Items that may stay in storage for the entire rental period can go toward the back. Seasonal decorations, financial records, or clothing that you expect to retrieve should remain closer to the entrance.
Consider Climate Control for Sensitive Belongings
Pennsylvania temperatures change considerably between summer and winter. Some materials respond poorly to repeated temperature swings or changing humidity levels, especially when stored for many months.
Climate-controlled storage provides a more consistent indoor environment than a standard storage unit. It can be worth comparing when storing wooden furniture, electronics, photographs, artwork, paper files, or upholstered items.
Climate-controlled units are available at these four StorHouse locations:
- Allentown
- Easton
- Macungie
- Quakertown
Bethlehem and Reading do not offer climate-controlled storage. Customers looking for long-term storage solutions in Reading, PA should consider the materials they plan to store and prepare them for standard storage conditions. If climate control is important, compare availability at one of the four qualifying StorHouse facilities.
Climate control does not replace proper packing. Items still need to be clean and completely dry before storage. Boxes should be closed, furniture should be covered, and sensitive belongings should be packed in materials appropriate for their condition.
Standard Storage Can Work for Many Items
Not every long-term rental requires climate control. Standard storage may work well for durable household goods, tools, outdoor equipment, plastic items, and belongings that are not especially sensitive to seasonal conditions.
Preparation still matters. Dirt, food residue, and moisture should not go into the unit with your belongings. Clean items before packing and give them enough time to dry. Do not seal damp fabric, recently cleaned furniture, or wet outdoor equipment inside a container.
Keep boxes and furniture slightly away from the unit walls when space allows. Pallets or sturdy shelving can also help keep boxes organized and off the floor. Check with the facility before installing or bringing in shelving.
Think About How You Will Access the Unit
Long-term does not always mean untouched. You may need winter clothing, tax records, tools, or furniture before the rental ends. Plan the unit around realistic access instead of packing every inch from floor to ceiling.
Drive-up storage can make a difference when the load includes heavy furniture, appliances, tools, or a large number of boxes. A vehicle can be positioned near the unit, reducing the distance items need to be carried.
Drive-up storage is available in Bethlehem, Easton, Macungie, and Reading. Allentown and Quakertown do not offer drive-up access.
Indoor access may be a better fit when the belongings benefit from being inside a building or when climate control is the priority. The best choice depends on what is being stored and how often someone expects to visit.
Pack Furniture for More Than a Few Weeks
Furniture should be cleaned before it goes into storage. Vacuum upholstered pieces, wipe down hard surfaces, and allow everything to dry. Cover furniture with breathable storage covers or clean moving blankets. Avoid wrapping wood or fabric tightly in plastic, since trapped moisture can remain against the surface.
Take apart tables, bed frames, and other large pieces when doing so creates useful space. Keep screws and hardware in labeled bags. Attach the bag to the corresponding furniture without placing tape directly on finished wood.
Do not use sofas, mattresses, or upholstered chairs as shelving. Heavy boxes can compress cushions and damage frames over time. Store mattresses in an appropriate cover and in the position recommended by the manufacturer.
Use Boxes You Can Identify Later
Long-term storage becomes frustrating when every container is marked “miscellaneous.” Label each box with the room, general contents, and a box number. Place the label on at least two sides so it can still be read after the unit is loaded.
Keep an inventory outside the unit. A simple phone note or spreadsheet is enough for most household storage. Record the box number and a short description of what is inside. Photographs taken before closing each box can also make later searches easier.
Use sturdy containers in consistent sizes where possible. This makes stacking more stable. Place heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones above them. Avoid tall stacks that lean or rely on damaged cardboard for support.
Clothing, bedding, and linens should be washed and fully dried before packing. Closed plastic containers can help keep these items grouped and organized, but they should never be used to seal in moisture.
Leave a Workable Path Through the Unit
A tightly packed unit may hold more, but it can make every future visit harder. Leave a narrow aisle to anything that may need to be checked or removed. Keep frequently needed boxes near the entrance and long-term furniture toward the back.
A practical layout may include:
- Large furniture placed first along the back or sides
- Stable box stacks grouped by room or owner
- Frequently used items near the door
- Labels facing the aisle
- Open space around fragile or awkward pieces
Use vertical space carefully. Tall furniture can save floor space, but unstable stacks create unnecessary problems. Do not place heavy items where they could fall onto boxes or furniture.
Prepare Electronics and Appliances Properly
Back up files before storing a computer or external drive. Remove batteries from electronics, remotes, toys, and tools when appropriate. Label cords and place them with the correct device. Original packaging can be useful if it is still clean and structurally sound.
Refrigerators, freezers, washers, and other appliances must be empty and dry. Clean the interior well before move-in. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and ventilation. Appliances should not be connected to power inside the unit.
If electronics or household appliances will remain stored through multiple Pennsylvania seasons, compare the available climate-controlled storage options before choosing a unit.
Plan Separately for Business Storage
Long-term business storage needs more organization than household overflow. Inventory, equipment, supplies, and archived records should be labeled so an employee can locate what is needed without searching through the entire unit.
StorHouse offers commercial storage at Easton, Macungie, Quakertown, and Reading. Businesses can compare those locations when they need space outside an office, storefront, or work vehicle.
Keep a separate inventory for business property and limit account or unit access to authorized people. Important records may also have retention, privacy, or disposal requirements. A business should follow its own professional or regulatory guidance when deciding what can be kept in a standard self storage unit.
Do Not Treat Vehicle Storage Like Household Storage
Cars, boats, RVs, and trailers have different space and preparation requirements. A standard household unit or parking space should not be assumed to fit a vehicle.
Review StorHouse’s RV and boat storage options if a vehicle will be stored for a season or longer. Confirm the total vehicle length, trailer tongue, height, width, turning room, and current availability with the facility before renting.
Keep the Rental Account Current
Long-term rentals can outlast a credit card, phone number, or email address. Keep your contact details and payment information current throughout the rental.
Review the rental agreement and any storage protection or insurance requirements before moving in. Keep photographs and an inventory of the stored property somewhere outside the unit. If another family member or employee may need access later, ask the facility how authorization should be handled.
Work Directly With StorHouse Staff
StorHouse has been family-owned since 1989 and operated by RAB Management Corp since 1997. The facilities are not handed off to a third-party management company.
That matters during a longer rental. Customers can contact the people responsible for the StorHouse properties instead of working through an outside operator unfamiliar with the facility.
On-site management is available in Allentown, Easton, Macungie, Quakertown, and Reading. Bethlehem does not list on-site management. If speaking with someone at the property is important, contact the location before visiting to confirm office availability.
Long Term Storage Questions
How Long Can I Rent a Storage Unit?
The available rental terms are set by the facility and rental agreement. Tell the StorHouse team how long you expect to store so they can explain the current terms and account requirements.
Should I Rent More Space Than I Need?
You need enough room for the belongings and a practical layout, but unused floor space adds to the monthly cost. Measure large items and estimate the number of boxes before selecting a size. Include aisle space if you expect to retrieve anything during the rental.
How Often Should I Check a Long Term Storage Unit?
There is no schedule that applies to every customer. Check the unit based on the stored materials and how often items may be needed. You should also review the account periodically to confirm that contact and payment information remain current.
Is Climate Control Available at Every StorHouse Location?
No. Climate-controlled storage is available only in Allentown, Easton, Macungie, and Quakertown. It is not available at the Bethlehem or Reading facilities.
Can StorHouse Help Me Choose a Unit?
StorHouse staff can explain current unit sizes, access types, and facility features. Share what you plan to store and identify the largest items before calling. Availability can change, so confirm the exact unit and access arrangement before moving in.
Find Long Term Storage Near You
Choose a StorHouse location based on the items being stored, the access setup you need, and the distance you can realistically manage. Contact the facility to discuss current unit availability and compare your options.