Well my birthday is in like, less than 2 weeks so I can get it soon (since I only asked for amazon cards) but idk. My friend just got a second 3DS but sold his old one to my other friend for 50 bucks
I have two copies with one 3DS and I don't mind it. The one time I borrowed my brothers 3DS to trade with myself I passed a villager from one town to the new one by accident.
I've never asked but I'm sure there's lots of reliable people on this forum that could hold items for you that you want to transfer between towns.
If you can afford a second 3DS then get one. Maybe look for a used one or a 2DS instead? I just bought a second XL but it's going to be shared so it's not a waste of money. If it were just for me I probably would have went with a used one instead.