Self storage is an excellent option for many people who live in urban areas. It can be used to store items that need to be kept but are not essential to your daily routine, and it’s also an excellent place to store your valuables when you travel. If you have ever considered using self storage, this article will provide some insight into its uses and benefits.
What Is Self Storage?
Before anything else, you must understand what exactly self storage is. Self storage is a service that allows individuals and companies to rent out space for their personal belongings. It can be used as an alternative to renting a house, apartment or office if you only need the extra space on occasion.
Why Should You Consider Using Self Storage?
There are several reasons why people might want to use self storage. Some of these reasons include:
Self Storage Is Affordable
People are often under the impression that self storage is an expensive service that only those who are wealthy can afford. However, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, whether you are renting a facility for self storage in Bristol, England or one in Miami, Florida, self storage prices are computed based on the same factors:
- Unit size
- Type and features of the unit (Climate control, ground level, indoor or outdoor, biometric lock pad, etc.)
- Duration of rental
- Accessibility (proximity to airports, highways or public transportation centres)
- Location
You’ll Have Peace Of Mind
Aside from the cost benefits, there are other reasons why you may want to consider using self storage. This includes the peace of mind afforded to you by such facilities. This is because most self storage companies equip their storage facilities with the following:
- 24/7 CCTV coverage
- Comprehensive alarm systems
- Fortified perimeter fencing
- Strict security protocols
- Secure storage units with the option for climate control
- Reliable staff and security personnel
That means you can rest easy knowing that your belongings will be safeguarded and secure from any potential harm. The Self Storage Association UK, however, clarifies that your belongings are not covered by the self storage facility’s insurance. Rather, they urge but do not require self storage customers to buy self storage insurance for their belongings themselves.
Storage Facilities Are Always Accessible
Another reason why you might want to consider using self storage is that these facilities are almost always accessible. Regardless of whether it’s day or night, weekends and holidays included, your unit will be available for access when needed.
Moreover, if you need constant, easy access to your unit, some facilities also provide you with the option to use an outdoor storage unit. When using such units, you can drive your car inside the premises, park right outside your unit and access it whenever needed.
Lastly, storage facilities are often located somewhere near major roads and public transportation centres. This makes it easier for you to visit your unit regularly without worrying about the associated costs of gas or transportation.
Terms Are Convenient And Flexible
The best thing about self storage is that you can rent a space for as long as necessary. That means you can rent a storage unit for just one week or several years, depending on your needs.
Moreover, when renting out space at self storage facilities, you will find that the terms are flexible and convenient. That’s because most of these facilities allow payments through online services such as PayPal or credit cards instead of having to come in person with cash every month.
You also don’t have to worry about managing your belongings and ensuring they are safe if you’re moving out, going on vacation or simply looking for more room in your house or office. After all, self storage units offer a safe place for you to store your belongings without having to worry about them.
The Most Common Uses For Self Storage
Here are some of the reasons why people use self storage:
You Are Moving Houses
There are many reasons why a self storage unit is useful when you are moving houses. As mentioned above, self storage is very flexible when it comes to the duration of rentals. With this in mind, you can use it to store your items while looking for a new place to live or while waiting for your lease to begin.
Additionally, with a self storage unit at your disposal, you can take your time with the unpacking process and not worry about your home being filled with clutter in the form of sealed boxes. You can also use this time to clean your home and organise things as you go.
You Are Downsizing
A self storage unit is also ideal when you are planning on downsizing your home. As the term implies, downsizing means moving into a significantly smaller house than your previous one. Often, this is done by families trying to cut some corners, empty-nesters, and even retirees.
No matter who you are, though, this process would mean having little room for everything you own. With self storage, you can pack all your belongings into one place and simply visit the unit when there is something you need to retrieve.
After Decluttering
Decluttering your parts of your home involves getting rid of items you no longer want or need. However, during the process, it is inevitable that you rediscover things that you do not need but do not necessarily want to give up, either.
This is where self storage can come in handy. You simply pack these items and store them at the unit until you are ready to deal with them. That way, your decluttering project will not be derailed by things that were never meant to go into it in the first place.
Meanwhile, here are some tips for when you are Decluttering Your Kids’ Room.
During Home Renovations
During home renovations, it is often necessary to store large objects like furniture and other items that cannot be left out in the open, where they are at high risk of damage. Self storage units are ideal for this because they are safe, secure, and offer climate-controlled units for fragile items that could get ruined due to moisture and fluctuating temperatures.
Aside from keeping them safe from damage, keeping your stuff in storage also helps make the renovation process much more efficient. You and your renovation team can focus on the task at hand rather than spending a lot of time and, in turn, money navigating through obstacles around the house.
Looking for tips on remodelling your bathroom? Check these out!
You Wish To Store A Vehicle
A self storage unit is also great for storing your vehicle when it’s not being used. You can use this service to store a personal car or even one you’re using as an investment, like a classic Mercedes-Benz from the 1990s. Moreover, it is ideal when you are looking to store recreational vehicles like caravans, boats, or even motorcycles.
When You Need To Store Seasonal Items
Self storage is also perfect for storing seasonal items. There are many things that people might need to keep during certain times of the year, like their Christmas decorations or Halloween paraphernalia.
During these times, it is often very challenging to find a place to store them because they are only needed for a short period of time. With self storage, you can simply pack out your seasonal items and use the service when necessary without worrying about finding another location every year.
You Need A Space For Your Hobbies
You are also able to use your self storage unit for storing hobbies. These activities might be things like artwork, knitting supplies, or perhaps a collection of vinyl records. You must have somewhere safe and secure to store these items because they will only collect dust if not properly stored.
Alternatively, you may use a self storage unit as an alternative space where you can do your hobbies, whether it be crafting, woodworking, painting, or even exercising!
Before Going On A Long-Term Trip
Another reason you might need self storage is before going on a long-term trip.
You need to store your belongings when you are not going to use them for a certain period. This could be because you travelled abroad and plan to stay there for an extended period, or perhaps it is due to military service, thus requiring you to spend weeks or months away from home.
With self storage, you won’t have to worry about paying too much on rent for what is going to be an empty home. Instead, you can ensure the safety and security of your belongings somewhere affordable.
When You Are A Business Owner
Self storage is an excellent choice for business owners as well.
If you are a small business owner in need of space to store your equipment, files, and inventory, it can be challenging to find enough room to rent or buy another place that’ll suit your needs. With self storage units, this won’t be so difficult. You will have the storage space you need, plus it’s a cost-effective option when compared to other options in which you may not even end up with as much room.
Moreover, self storage is also great for any business with seasonal products or goods and needs temporary overflow space for inventory during high demand periods like Christmas time.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got an idea about why you should use self storage and when exactly it is best to use it, you’ll be able to take advantage of the many benefits self storage provides. Also, remember that you must check out a few facilities to ensure you are getting the best storage deals possible!
