From ancient storehouses to high-tech facilities, the self storage industry has come a long way. Today’s facilities feature a wide variety of unit sizes, climate-controlled options, hands-free access, and online reservations.
Families moving into new homes, transitioning between leases, or living temporarily may use self storage for valuables that can’t be moved right away. Businesses of all types can also benefit from renting self storage. Hassle-free renting with flexible terms and secure storage from Self Storage Skaitook to keep your items safe.
Self storage offers a cost-effective, flexible solution for customers in need of extra space. Whether they’re preparing for a move, renovating their home or business, or simply need to declutter, temporary storage is a useful option. In addition to a variety of different unit sizes, self storage facilities also operate 24 hours a day. This provides convenience for people who need to access their storage units outside of regular business hours.
Unlike moving companies, most storage rentals are month-to-month, giving you the flexibility to keep your belongings in storage for as long or short of a time as necessary. This is especially important for individuals who may be in-between apartments or closing on a new home. Moving furniture and other items from one location to another can be an expensive endeavor. Storage units allow you to store your possessions until you’re ready to relocate them into a new space without the hassle.
Storage units are also a great option for those who need to clear out an estate or clean out a family home. If you’re in the process of moving, downsizing, or preparing for a funeral, storage is an affordable and convenient solution. Storage facilities are typically secured and monitored by surveillance cameras and manned security. In addition, they’re often climate-controlled to protect your belongings from extreme temperatures.
Another common use of temporary storage is for homeowners and small businesses that need to temporarily store unused equipment or inventory. During renovations or construction, it’s not always practical to keep large machinery on-site. Storage units offer a safe and secure alternative that allows you to continue working while your materials are in transit.
Generally, most storage facilities prohibit the storage of certain items, including hazardous materials, flammable substances, live animals and illegal goods. However, these policies may vary from facility to facility, so it’s important to consult with a professional before renting a storage unit. In addition to these policies, most companies require that tenants carry their own renters or homeowners insurance to cover their belongings in the event of theft or damage.
Business Storage
While many think of storage space as something that homeowners use to clear out the clutter, it’s also a useful tool for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses like those run out of someone’s home or out of a garage can use storage to keep supplies and inventory on hand until they are ready for them. Larger businesses will often reach out to storage providers for a variety of reasons including excess inventory, document storage, and warehouse storage.
Business storage offers a cost-effective solution to the need for more warehousing and office space. The climate and environment controlled “mini-warehouses” offered by a self storage facility offer much more flexibility than purchasing more commercial space or renovating existing space. Additionally, these facilities can offer businesses a low overhead as the cost is a fraction of other rental options and they may not require council or business rates to be paid.
Whether it’s an overestimation of how many paintings would sell during a sale or a surplus of packaging from a recent shipment, most businesses know that things can go wrong in the course of running their operations. That’s why it’s so important for them to have an offsite storage option that they can rely on. Storage providers who cater to these customers will want to offer 24/7 access, climate control and a range of other specialised features.
While it might seem that only small businesses that operate out of their homes will need a storage unit, the reality is that businesses of all sizes have limited space to work with. From lawyers and eBay resellers to plumbing and HVAC contractors, to manufacturing and food truck operators, almost any kind of business can benefit from affordable, easy-to-access storage space.
For larger business, the need for a storage space is more often a matter of document storage. Many types of businesses are legally required to keep records for a decade or longer and these can take up valuable room. By storing their documents in a secure, central location that is easily accessible during business hours, these businesses can free up essential space that can be used for other purposes.
Residential Storage
There are many reasons that renters and homeowners turn to the self storage industry for their additional space needs. These include seasonal storage for lawn equipment, boats, recreational vehicles and holiday decorations, a temporary place to keep furniture during home or office remodeling, extra clothes, furniture and knickknacks that can’t fit in the current residence, family heirlooms that cannot be easily moved and more. The most popular use of residential storage is to free up space in a home or apartment that is overcrowded with belongings, or in preparation for moving to a larger living space.
In addition to residential customers, self storage is also used by small and large businesses. These businesses utilize storage to store inventory, archived business records and other assets that do not work well in a conventional office or warehouse setting. Renting space in a commercial storage facility is typically less expensive than renting larger warehouse or office space and provides easy access to the stored items whenever the business wants them.
Storage facilities also provide a great place to hold tools, equipment and other supplies for construction projects or other renovations that are taking place in the house or yard. Having a safe, secure and convenient place to keep these materials while they aren’t being used helps prevent them from being misplaced or stolen and keeps the project progress on schedule.
Before choosing a residential storage facility, it is best to research the company and compare prices. Some facilities specialize in certain types of storage, and may offer special amenities such as climate controlled units or security controls. Some facilities even offer insurance, which is generally less expensive than homeowners or renters insurance. It’s a good idea to confirm that your homeowner or renter’s insurance policy covers items stored at the facility, or purchase additional storage insurance through the facility or a third-party provider. Storage companies may also sell packing supplies, including boxes and locks, which can help make the storage experience as smooth as possible. If you do choose to purchase these additional products, it is important to ensure that the locks are of high quality and are secure.
Vehicle Storage
Vehicle storage works in a similar way to regular self storage, and offers various options to help keep vehicles or other motorized equipment protected when not in use. For instance, many facilities offer dedicated outdoor vehicle storage spaces or large indoor parking spots specifically for cars and other smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. Some even offer a more expensive non-shared enclosed option to provide a more private space and better protection from the elements.
Regardless of what type of storage space is chosen, it’s always best to take the time to properly prep the vehicle before storing it. This includes ensuring that the gas tank is empty, and cleaning the interior and exterior. It’s also a good idea to cover any parts that are exposed or vulnerable to the elements, such as the engine, battery, and windows. Finally, make sure that any accessories or extras are removed as well.
For those without a garage or suitable parking spot at home, or who are looking to free up space in their driveway for summer activities, vehicle storage can be an ideal solution. These storage spaces typically come in various sizes, allowing owners to choose one that’s suitable for their particular vehicle. Smaller sedans and small trucks can usually fit comfortably in 10 feet by 15-foot units, while larger SUVs and pickup trucks may require more spacious options of around 20 feet.
In addition to the size of a vehicle storage space, other considerations include location, access, and security. For example, those who want to ensure their vehicle is easy to get to at all times should consider a drive-up storage unit. These are located outdoors on street level, and can be accessed directly from the vehicle itself. Additionally, some facilities provide 24-hour access to vehicle storage units, which are especially useful for those who need to manage their storage outside of normal business hours.
For those concerned about the security of their vehicle, many facilities offer 24-hour surveillance and video monitoring to protect stored items. They may also offer specialized options for more expensive or rare vehicles, as well as for those who are seeking climate control protection. It’s important to shop around and speak with multiple facility managers to find the best value and features for your vehicle storage needs.