Storage During a PCS Move
A permanent change of station rarely happens in a straight line. You may leave your current quarters before housing is ready at the next installation, spend weeks in temporary lodging, or arrive before you know which neighborhood you want to live in. A storage unit gives your belongings somewhere to wait while the rest of the move sorts itself out.
Before renting, find out what the government will handle. Depending on your orders and the type of move, household goods storage may be arranged or reimbursed through the military, and those rules come with limits and paperwork. Your installation's transportation office can explain what applies to you. Self storage is often used alongside that process for items you want to manage yourself, or to cover gaps the official move doesn't.
Example: arriving before housing is ready
Say you report to a new duty station a month before your rental is available. Your family is in temporary lodging with suitcases, but the furniture, kitchen boxes and kids' bikes need somewhere to go. A storage unit near the new installation lets you unload once, then move everything into the house when the keys arrive. Put the boxes you'll want first, like bedding and kitchen basics, near the door.
Storage While You Deploy
Deployment storage is different from a short move because you probably won't see the unit for months. That changes how you should set it up:
- Set up automatic payments and confirm the card or account will stay valid the whole time.
- Give the facility a current email, a mailing address that will reach you and an emergency contact.
- Ask how to authorize a trusted person to access the unit if something needs to be retrieved.
- Use a sturdy lock and keep a spare key or the combination with someone you trust.
- Keep a written and photo inventory of what's inside, and leave a copy at home.
Pack for the long haul. Clean and dry furniture and appliances before storing them, use plastic bins for anything that could attract pests or moisture, and don't leave food in the unit. If you're storing for a whole season or more in a hot or humid area, climate controlled storage can help protect wood, electronics, documents and photos.
Military Discounts and Legal Protections
Many storage facilities, especially those near bases, offer military discounts. The amount and the rules differ from place to place: some apply to the first months only, some require proof of active duty status, and some can't be combined with other promotions. The simplest approach is to ask the facility directly what they offer and get the terms in writing.
Service members may also have legal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which can include limits on how a storage facility may enforce a lien on your belongings while you're on active duty. How these protections apply depends on your situation and the facility's state, so this guide isn't legal advice.
Questions about your rights?
Your installation's legal assistance office can review your rental agreement and explain how the SCRA or state law applies to you. Tell the facility you're active duty when you rent, and keep a copy of your orders on file with them.
Choosing the Right Size
Size your unit by what you own, not by rank or bedroom count. A junior enlisted member moving out of the barracks may only need a small unit, while a family with a full household and appliances may need one of the largest sizes. List the big pieces first, then estimate boxes.
| Size | Floor area | Typical military use |
|---|---|---|
| 5x10 | 50 sq. ft. | A barracks room, studio or a single member's gear |
| 10x10 | 100 sq. ft. | A furnished one-bedroom or lighter two-bedroom |
| 10x15 | 150 sq. ft. | A two- to three-bedroom home with some appliances |
| 10x20 | 200 sq. ft. | A larger household, or most passenger cars |
If you'll need to get into the unit during a short PCS gap, leave an aisle and size up slightly. For a deployment where nobody will visit, you can pack more tightly, but keep heavy items low and stacks stable. Not sure where to start? Browse all storage unit size guides.
Before You Sign: A Checklist
A few questions up front can save trouble later, especially if you'll be out of reach:
- Is there a military discount, and does it apply to the ongoing rent?
- What happens if a payment fails, and how will the facility contact you?
- Can you add an authorized user, and what do they need to bring?
- What are the access hours, and is the gate code tied to you personally?
- Is insurance or a protection plan required, and what does it cover?
- What notice is needed to move out, and are there move-out fees?
Rates vary by city, unit size, climate control and availability. Compare a few facilities near your current or next installation, and check whether an advertised price is an introductory rate or the regular monthly rent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Active Duty Storage
Do storage facilities offer military discounts?
Many do, but discounts aren't universal and the terms vary. Ask the facility whether they offer a military rate, who qualifies, and whether it applies to the ongoing rent or only the first months. You'll usually need to show a military ID or orders.
Does the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act apply to storage units?
The SCRA may provide protections for active duty service members, including limits on how a storage facility can enforce a lien on your belongings during military service. The details depend on your situation, so talk to your installation's legal assistance office for advice about your own case.
Will the military pay for storage during a PCS?
Depending on your orders and the type of move, the government may arrange or reimburse some storage of household goods. Rules and limits vary, so check with your installation's transportation office before you rent a unit yourself.
What size storage unit do I need for a deployment?
How do I pay for a storage unit while deployed?
Most facilities offer automatic payments by card or bank draft. Set it up before you leave, make sure the card won't expire while you're away, and keep the facility's contact details so you or a trusted contact can resolve any problems.
Can someone else access my unit while I'm away?
Many facilities let tenants authorize another person, such as a spouse, family member or friend. Ask the facility how to add an authorized user and what identification they'll need to bring.
Should I get climate control for a long deployment?
It's worth considering if you're storing wood furniture, mattresses, electronics, photos or documents for several months, especially in hot or humid areas. See our climate controlled storage guide for more.
Can I store my car while I deploy?
Yes, many facilities offer parking spaces or large enclosed units for vehicles. Check registration and insurance requirements first, and see our car storage guide for how to prepare a vehicle for months of sitting.
What can't I keep in a storage unit?
Most facilities prohibit hazardous materials such as fuel, propane, explosives and ammunition, along with perishable food and living things. Check the rental agreement for the full list of prohibited items before you pack.
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