When you think about a storage unit, your mind might immediately think of a small room with a locked door that’s cold and filled with boxes and old pieces of furniture. While this is typically what you can expect from a storage unit, this isn’t the truth as there are a variety of types that you can choose from, all designed for specific storage needs. If you are looking for somewhere to keep your belongings because you don’t have an adequate storage area on your property, here is a quick guide to the different types of storage units available. See which one will suit your needs and resolve your storage dilemma.
Off-Site Self Storage
This is the typical storage unit that you are likely to think about when you’re looking for a place to keep your belongings either temporarily or long-term. These facilities can be found in most towns and cities, and they will come in various sizes, so you can upgrade to a larger unit if you need more space.
Indoor Storage Units
Some self-storage facilities will offer indoor units, which is better for renters who want to shield their belongings from the elements more effectively. Whether you want to rent a unit for personal or business use, having an indoor unit might be more comfortable for you when you come to visit as it won’t be so cold, and you can have better peace of mind that you won’t need to worry about leaks, frost damage, etc.
Outdoor Storage Units
As the name would suggest, these are self-storage units that are located outside rather than an indoor facility. They can be a better choice for renters who will be driving to and from their unit regularly to load and unload items. For example, a business owner picking up stock or equipment, or someone who is moving house or completing renovations and storing their belongings in the unit temporarily. While they might not be as safe from the elements as an indoor unit, you can help to improve the insulation in your units by hanging up wool blankets or furniture pads to keep some of the cold temperatures at bay.
If you are traveling but would like somewhere to keep your car safe, then leasing a storage unit designed specifically for this would be the best solution. Even if you’re passion is restoring classic cars, or you are planning to sell your old car and need somewhere to keep in until you do, these units are brilliant for all of these circumstances. Most storage facilities should offer these types of units, but always do your research and look around to find the best rates.
Sailing can be a lot of fun, but it isn’t always the best idea to leave your boat out on the water during the winter seasons. Stormier weather can leave your boat vulnerable to damage, and colder temperatures can potentially leave frost damage and other problems if severe enough. If you spend little time out on the water during the winter season, it’s a good idea to find a suitable place to store your boat and keep it safe. Boat storage is very specific, and you will need to find a facility that caters to this service, as you won’t necessarily find this in your average storage facility in town.
Climate-controlled units
Another kind of storage unit you can get, and should be offered by most facilities, is a climate-controlled unit. Certain items can be affected by a change in temperature, which is why you need them to stay at a certain level continuously. Some examples of this include electronic devices, household appliances, batteries, artwork, leather, wood, metal, or upholstered furniture, wines, other fine alcoholic beverages, and items of clothing. These are not uncommon items to find in a storage unit, which is why climate-controlled units can be very popular choices.
Temporary On-site Storage
Finally, if you don’t want to take your belongings off of your property, but you don’t have the space in your attic or basement to keep them, you could look at hiring temporary on-site storage to be put up on your land. This will not be suitable for everyone, but if you are having renovation work done on your property, this could be a great short-term solution until the project is complete.
Finding the Right Storage Unit for You
This guide should help to give you some indication of the right type of unit you will need for your storage solutions, but there is more to think about before you sign a lease. Firstly, different facilities will offer different rates and terms when it comes to your storage unit, and this is why you should take some time to shop around and see where you can get the best deals. Comparison websites are a good place to start, but make sure that you inspect the facilities that you’ve seen in person, too. This will help to give you a better indication of the quality of the units before you sign a lease.
You should also ask about security measures on-site at the facility so you know how safe your belongings will be so you can have peace of mind when you leave them there. Most places will have CCTV and perhaps even an on-site security team. Some will be accessible for 24 hours, and others will not. You can and should provide a quality lock for your unit that only you have the key to as an extra measure.
Another thing to factor in when choosing a storage unit is how close it will be to your home. While you might not intend to make regular visits to your unit, the closer it is, the better, particularly if you will be moving heavy items or need to find something in an emergency.
Finally, make sure that you’re checking the terms of the lease thoroughly before you sign. Many storage facilities offer short-term and rolling contracts so you are not tied into a lease for longer than you need to be, but it’s always smart to read the fine print.