Storage Stress Rising: 62% of Seasonal Movers Fear Their Belongings Are a Financial Drain

The snowbird lifestyle is exciting—however, it also comes with additional housing costs, travel expenses, and hidden fees few talk about, like storage.

While paying for storage might not seem like a big deal, it can actually add up quickly.

A recent study by SpareFoot found that 15% of snowbirds spend more than $1,000 per year on storage. Furthermore, 62% worry about storage costs accumulating over time, making it a significant financial stressor.

“Storage can be an afterthought until people realize they need a secure place to store items while they’re away, and by then it becomes an added recurring expense they hadn’t budgeted for,” explains Dave Collins, general manager at Storable in Austin, TX.

By planning ahead and factoring storage into the total cost of the snowbird lifestyle, you can avoid surprises and make more informed decisions about where you choose to live.

Are storage units worth it?

Storage units are a common solution for snowbirds, but they do come with benefits and drawbacks worth considering.

Their primary advantages are convenience and security. They offer a centralized space where your belongings are kept safe and easily accessible. 

“Many units also come with useful amenities, such as climate control and 24/7 surveillance. There are also dedicated spaces for vehicles, RVs, and boats, which can come in handy if you don’t want to take everything with you,” Collins says.

On the downside, costs can add up quickly over time, particularly in high-demand areas. 

For example, the Sparefoot study revealed that snowbirds in California pay an average of $109.70 per month for storage, compared to under $66 per month in states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. 

Marshall Aikman, president at Amazing Moves, Moving and Storage in Denver, emphasizes that storage unit fees are recurring.

“While the monthly fee may seem manageable at first, it can add up over several months or years, especially if storage is needed over a long period of time,” Aikman says.

What initially seems like a temporary expense, can turn into a larger financial commitment than anticipated.

However, it may be worth it, depending on your situation.

“I consider storage units to be a good option if your relocation is seasonal and you need to maintain a fully furnished primary residence while you spend part of the year in another location,” says Adrian Iorga, CEO and founder at Stairhopper Movers in Boston.

A storage unit eliminates the need to transport large quantities of items back and forth, and it significantly eases the logistical burden associated with each seasonal relocation.

Alternative storage options to explore

Many snowbirds turn to informal options like leaving belongings with friends or family—the Sparefoot study found this is true for 53% of those surveyed. 

“It’s a good idea and can be cost-effective, particularly if one is storing a few items or is going away for a short time,” says Collins.

Others use space in their own homes, such as garages, attics, or basements. 

These options might make sense when you don’t need to access your items urgently or you’re not storing anything that’s sensitive to weather conditions.

Another solution is portable storage containers.

You pack them up yourself and they get transported directly to either a temporary location, a second home, or a storage facility. 

“Compared to traditional storage units, portable storage containers allow greater scheduling flexibility and reduce the repeated handling of your belongings,” explains Iorga.