Did you know mess causes stress? If you can’t open your attic drop-down without ducking for cover, it may be time to consider storage. Personal storage can be a great solution for families who have outgrown their space. They’re great for transitioning between homes or storing items you don’t use every day.
Keep reading to discover how you can ditch the attic overflow for good with a reliable storage unit.
Types of Storage Facilities
Storage units can be made to house pretty much anything you want. From RVs to boats to your finest art and china, there’s a unit for it all.
These are just a handful of the units that may work best for you and your family.
Indoor Units
Indoor storage facilities offer secure, sometimes temperature-controlled units. You can get access to an indoor storage unit through the facility building itself.
In other words, you won’t be able to access the unit from the outside. You’ll have to enter the main building to store your items. These units may have temperature control, but that feature is often limited.
Outdoor Units
Outdoor units, despite the name, are also indoors. However, you can access them from outside the main storage facility. This is one of the most common types of self-storage.
One key difference in an outdoor storage unit is its lack of temperature control. Often, these units are subject to the elements. This doesn’t mean your items will be rained on, but if it’s hot outside, it will be hot inside your unit, too.
Units with Climate Control
Temperature control units (also called climate-controlled) keep your items at the right temperature. You can also adjust the humidity levels.
This is crucial if you’re storing pieces of art, instruments, or wooden items that could warp in the heat. Extreme temperatures could damage your guitar or ruin your antique furniture.
Why Use a Self-Storage Facility?
Self-storage is handy whether you’re moving home from college or traveling overseas for a year-long job contract. Below are our top reasons why you may need to use a self-storage facility.
You’re Moving
This is one of the most common reasons someone decides to use a self-storage facility. You may be moving to a new home or relocating to a new city. In these cases, find storage for moving so you can put away larger items until you have the chance to move them.
You’re in the Middle of a Transition
Life sometimes throws us curveballs, and storage units can be a big blessing in those moments. You may be decluttering now that the kids have left home. Or you may have inherited a bunch of items from your parent or grandparent’s estate.
You may be going through a divorce or taking on a new roommate. These transitions could necessitate having extra wiggle room for your personal belongings.
You’re Going to College (or Going Back Home)
If you’re heading home from college for the summer, having a storage unit can help hold your items until the fall. Often, dorms require you to move out over the summer. Unless you’re in your own apartment, you likely won’t be able to sublet.
So instead of packing up your life and bringing it all back home with you, try a cheap storage unit. Keep your school belongings in town while you’re temporarily back home.
You Want to Declutter
We all have those items that we love and cherish but just don’t use.
You may have a beautiful painting passed down from your great-grandmother. The only problem is it doesn’t go with your decor. Or maybe you have a few boxes of memorabilia from your kids’ elementary school days that you can’t bear to part with.
If you want to clear out your house without sacrificing sentimentality, a self-storage unit is a way to do so.
You’re Renovating Your Home
If you’re doing a full remodel, you’ll need a place to store your appliances and furniture. Temporary storage units can be the solution. Even if you’re doing one room, having a place to put extra items can keep the clutter at bay.
You’re Storing Big Items
Another great reason to consider a self-storage unit is to house your larger items. You may not use your boat every weekend. So boat storage is the perfect option for you.
Large storage units can be used to store cars, bikes, trailers, even RVs! Some facilities offer units specifically made for these kinds of items.
What to Look For
If you’re ready to start looking for units, there are still a few things you need to take into consideration.
How Long Will You Use It?
To get the best value for your money, consider your storage time in 30-day increments. That means you should rent a storage unit if you’re going to be storing items for at least a month.
Most options will allow for long-term storage, paid monthly. Be sure to check with the company you’re renting from. The size of the unit, as well as temperature control, and ease of access may affect the price (more on that below).
What Does It Offer?
Double-check any amenities before you sign on to rent a unit. If you need the humidity to be controlled, make sure there’s an option for that. If you’re going to require a certain amount of space, rent the right-sized unit.
If all-day access or security is important to you, check for that too. Some facilities may limit the number of hours you can spend loading or unloading items. Others may not have security on the premises.
How Much Does It Cost?
Size is a big influence on the cost of a storage unit. Before you pick one, make sure you’ve taken stock of what you’re storing. That way, you can find the smallest unit that will fit your needs.
Another way to save space is by using boxes of the same size and filling them economically. And once you’ve packed, keep a list of all those items in a household folder or online reference file.
Find Your Best Personal Storage Option
Beat the mess stress with a personal storage unit. You may be home from school for three months or on the road for 12. Either way, self-storage is a great option for securing your belongings.
Look into temporary units for shorter-term projects like your next bathroom remodel. During the winter, stash your RV, boat, or convertible in a unit instead of in the yard.
To check out our best self-storage services, click here.