We’ve all got items that we don’t use every day and need a home, whether it’s Christmas decorations or garden furniture. So what’s the best solution?
Self storage is usually the go-to option, this way your belongings are kept in a safe space, without taking up space in your home. The process is fairly simple. First, you need to find a reliable self storage facility in your area. Once you have found one, you can rent a unit based on the size you need for your belongings. Then it’s just a case of paying a monthly or annual fee to keep your items stored there.
So what are the benefits and drawbacks of renting storage space?
The Pros Of Renting Storage Space
Extra Space
While you may wish to store your items at home, you might not have the space needed to do so. Because of this, your home can quickly become cluttered and cramped.
That spare room you wanted to use as an office could soon be home to boxes of items you rarely use. It may also restrict you from renovating parts of your home, like a garage or attic.
If you have items you don’t use regularly but wish to keep then self storage can be an ideal option. This way, you can keep your home tidy and free up space while your items are kept in storage. Then, once you need them, you can simply take them out and bring them home.
It’s also useful for seasonal items like camping gear or garden furniture which can be bulky, taking up lots of space in your home.
Security
There’s nothing more important than keeping your items safe from damage or theft. The great thing about storage units is that they are designed to provide peace of mind. Most facilities are equipped with security systems like CCTV, gated access, alarms, and individual locks for each unit. During this time, you won’t have to worry about anyone breaking in and stealing your items.
Protection from theft is key, however, you also want to think about the potential damage to your belongings. Whilst in storage, your items won’t be going anywhere, nor will they be exposed to the elements like they might be if stored at home. Some storage facilities may offer climate controlled units for added protection.
Flexible
Another reason why self storage is an attractive option is that you can use it for as long as you like. Most facilities offer flexible rental terms that allow you to choose the duration of your stay, whether it’s short-term or long-term.
In some situations like moving home, you may only need storage for a couple of weeks or a few months. Whereas if you’re storing items for the long term like collectables or family heirlooms, you can secure a unit for as long as necessary. This gives you the option to store as you go.
The Cons Of Renting Storage Space
The Cost
While self storage is certainly useful, it also costs money. If you need storage space for the long term it could cost you a significant amount of money in the grand scheme of things. You’ll need to factor in the monthly or annual fee for renting the unit, as well as any additional costs for insurance and security features.
The cost of storage can depend on factors such as:
- The length of storage
- Size of the unit
- Location
- Company’s rate
- Storage insurance
If you’re on a tight budget, self storage may not be a cost-effective solution for you. In this case, it might be worth considering selling or finding creative ways to store your items within your home.
Accessibility
Keeping your items safe and freeing up space is at the forefront, however, convenience is equally important.
For example, if you’re storing garden tools during winter, it’s likely that you will want to access them sometime before the summer. This means you’ll need to drive to the facility to access your belongings. Whereas if they are stored at home, you can simply retrieve them from your garage or shed.
On the surface, it may not seem too much of a hassle, especially if it’s something you only need at a specific time of the year. That said, what if you were to store items which you use more? In those cases, the inconvenience of having to travel to your chosen storage facility can become a chore. If that’s something you want to avoid then it may make more sense to store at home.
If you’re based in a rural location, you may be travelling from afar, in which case there are other costs to factor in such as petrol for your car.
Should I Store At Home?
Despite the benefits that come with renting a self storage unit, there may be some cases where you prefer to simply store your belongings within your home.
You may be better off storing your items at home if:
- You have plenty of storage space
- You only have a few items
- You want direct access to your items
- You don’t want to pay for storage
Of course, this is providing you have the space to store – which not everybody has. In which case it makes more sense to rent a storage unit. You can find your local storage facility by searching “(your location) self storage”. Be sure to compare providers before making a decision to find the right balance between cost and service.
