Storage units are things people rarely think of until they need someplace to put something. You’ve probably driven by storage units on your way to work or while running daily errands. Who can miss the television shows featuring storage units being auctioned off? It’s easy to see why the public has been so captivated by storage units.
Everyone has too many things and not enough storage space.
No matter who you are and where you live, chances are that you have a lot of stuff in your life. You might not think so, but if you’re honest with yourself and look around at everything currently stored in your house—and the extra space in your garage and wardrobes—you’ll realise how much stuff you have.
Relax. This is perfectly normal. Everyone has too many things and not enough storage space. It’s part of the human experience!
You don’t want to throw those things away, do you? Of course not! You’ve probably kept some of these items for sentimental reasons or because they may come in handy again, or because one day they could be worth something (how dare people call this “hoarding”!).
Storage units provide a safe and secure place to keep your belongings.
As you start looking for a place to store your belongings, it’s important to consider all the benefits of a storage unit.
Storage units offer you a safe and secure place to keep your belongings while they are not in use. Storage facilities have better security features than the average garage or shed. You don’t have to worry about your prized possessions being stolen or damaged by vandals. Many storage facilities have gated access, video surveillance, and onsite managers.
Storage units are well maintained, which is another huge perk of renting one. The grounds will be clean and well kept, and the building itself will be maintained appropriately so that there is no risk of damage from issues like infestations or leaks. Plus, most storage facilities offer climate-controlled units so that your belongings aren’t affected by extreme temperatures or humidity conditions.
Best of all, because storage facilities offer such large spaces (you can find ones as big as 400 sq foot), there is plenty of room for every item you need to store away.
You can access your belongings whenever you need them.
For most of us, the worry isn’t so much who will take our things as it is whether or not we can get to our things when we need them. Whether they be rarely-used holiday decorations or even more rarely-worn winter clothes, that stuff is still important to have on hand. When you’re storing at home, you have limited access to your things – either you never really venture into the basement or attic (usually because it’s too hot or too cold), or your stuff is in a closet. Your family members are always getting in the way. With a storage unit, however, you have a better chance of getting to your belongings whenever you need them – which includes regular business hours and after-hours access. And don’t worry about leaving all of your valuable items unattended – with storage units equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, you can rest assured that no one but you will be accessing your things.
Storage units come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs.
Storage units are available in various sizes, from small units that fit just a few boxes and pieces of furniture to large units big enough to store a car or boat. You don’t want to rent a storage unit that is too big since you will still have to pay for all the space you aren’t using. At the same time, you can’t afford to rent a unit that’s too small and risk not fitting all your belongings.
Before renting, decide what items you need to store and how much space they require. If your needs change later on, many facilities also offer the ability to move into another unit that better fits your needs.
| Storage Unit Size | Size Equivalent | Good for storing the following: |
| 10 sq ft | car boot | handful of items |
| 15 sq ft | wardrobe | bedsit contents |
| 25 sq ft | small shed | studio flat contents |
| 50 sq ft | transit van | contents from a 1 bed flat |
| 75 sq ft | Luton van | contents of a 2 bed house |
| 100 sq ft | Single garage | 2 or 3 bed house contents |
| 125 sq ft | 7.5 ton lorry | 3 bed house + shed |
| 150 sq ft | 1.5 single garages | Large 3 bed house contents |
| 200 sq ft | Double Garage | Office equipment |
| 250 sq ft | 30 foot lorry | 4 or 5 bedroom house, garage and shed |
| 300 sq ft | 40 foot container | 5 bedroom house, garage and shed |
| 400 sq ft | Studio apartment | 6 bedroom house, garage / shed or large business |
You can pack and unpack your belongings at your own pace.
When you pack up your belongings to put them into storage, you don’t have to do it all at once. You can take your time and do it over a few days. If there’s a lot to move, you can enlist the help of friends or family as well.
Another benefit is that you can rent moving equipment like dollies and furniture pads from many storage units to help with loading and unloading your items. Some even offer 24-hour access, so if you have time off work in the evening or during the weekend, you can use that time to pack or unpack rather than do it all during regular business hours. If this still seems too much for you, most storage facilities also have associated moving companies. These movers will pack up your possessions for you and deliver them back when they’re needed again!
The cost of renting a storage unit is much cheaper than moving or buying a bigger home.
The cost of renting a storage unit depends on the size of the unit and the location, but it is typically much cheaper than the cost of moving. It’s much cheaper to store your belongings in a storage unit than to move to a bigger home. And if you’re looking for a long-term solution, you can often find storage units that offer discounts for long-term rentals.
In addition, if you’re looking to declutter your home without getting rid of all your belongings, storing them in a storage unit is a great solution. You can keep the things you love without having them take up space in your home.
Here are some tips for choosing the right storage unit:
1. Pick the correct size.
The right size will depend on how much stuff you need to store and how often you need to access it. A small unit will suffice if you only need to keep a few boxes. But if you’re looking to store more oversized items like furniture or a car, you’ll need a larger unit.
The size of the unit will also affect the cost, so be sure to pick one that is just big enough for your needs. You don’t want to waste money on a unit that’s too big, but you also don’t want to end up with a unit that’s too small and crammed full of your things.
2. Choose the correct location.
The location of your storage unit is vital for two reasons: accessibility and security. If you need to access your belongings often, you’ll want a unit close to where you live. But if you’re looking for a place to store things long-term, you can opt for a unit that is further away and thus cheaper.
As for security, pick a storage unit with security measures in place, such as a gated entry and security cameras. You want to ensure your belongings are safe and sound while they’re in storage.
3. Consider the climate.
If you’re storing anything sensitive to temperature or humidity, pick a storage unit with climate control. This will help keep your belongings in good condition and prevent any damage from the elements.
4. Compare prices.
Storage units can vary significantly in price, so be sure to shop around and compare rates before choosing one. You can often find discounts for long-term rentals or paying upfront, so be sure to ask about those.
You’ll discover many different price points for storage units, so it’s crucial to find one that fits your needs and your budget.
5. Read the reviews.
Before you choose a storage unit, be sure to read the reviews. This will give you a good idea of what other people have thought about the facility and the staff. You want to be sure you’re choosing a storage unit that is clean, well-maintained and has good customer service.
6. Ask about discounts.
Many storage units offer discounts, so be sure to ask about them. You may be able to get a discount for long-term rental, for paying upfront, or for referrals. Be sure to ask about all the available deals so you can take advantage of them.
7. Get insurance.
It’s always a good idea to insure your belongings, especially if you’re storing them for an extended period. Be sure to ask about insurance when you’re choosing a storage unit. Many storage units offer insurance, but it’s always a good idea to check with your own insurance company to see if they have any coverage for stored belongings.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using storage units to keep your things safe. They’re typically cheaper than the cost of moving, and you can often find discounts for long-term rentals. In addition, if you’re looking to declutter your home without getting rid of all your belongings, storing them in a storage unit is a great solution. Just pick the right size, location, and price point for your needs. And don’t forget to insure your belongings!
