Estimation of catchment-wide monthly changes in soil water storage (Delta W) has always been challenging, particularly for watersheds undergoing vegetation restoration. This study evaluated the impact of different vegetation restoration (plantation and grassland) on actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and Delta W by integrating the Generalized Complementary Relationship of evapotranspiration (GCR, based on meteorological data) into the water balance model. The results indicated that the Delta W values were close (NSE >= 0.62) when using the GCR to calculate ETa and obtain Delta W based on water balance. Over multi-year scales, the plantation's ETa was higher than that of the grassland and is more sensitive to soil moisture. The age increase of the plantation seems to enhance ETa, reduce its fluctuation, and strengthen the regulatory and control effect on Delta W. Delta W during the year follows a sine-like curve, soil moisture deficit reaching its maximum in May, and June-July being the time threshold for negative to positive Delta W conversion. During the growing season, the grassland (with larger Delta W) had more prominent water retention capabilities than the plantation, but the opposite is true during the non-growing season. Additionally, precipitation had different linear positive feedback relationships with Delta W and the GCR's parameter alpha (R-avg(2) = 0.78 and R-2 > 0.71, respectively). Overall, natural grassland restoration may be a better choice than artificial plantation in terms of a more balanced approach to intake and expenditure for soil moisture, with an urgent need for rational soil moisture regulation and control in the first half of the year during future vegetation restoration efforts. By including the GCR into the water budget calculations, this study not only expands the application of the GCR but also provides new insights into acquiring Delta W under different vegetation restoration approaches in the Loess Plateau, offering specific suggestions for improved future restorations.