Moving, Storing or Renovating? Self storage units can offer an economical solution to your project. Finding the right type of self storage unit all depends on what your lifestyle needs are. Are you storing an extra motor vehicle? An outdoor drive up unit at a self storage facility may suffice. Perhaps you’re moving and need a mobile storage unit for convenience. Or you’re storing delicate items that need a climate-controlled unit. Whatever the reason, there are an array of self storage units to fit all your lifestyle needs.
Here we’ll discuss the different self storage unit types and their uses.
Indoor storage units offer protection from external weather conditions. You’ll need to access your unit through the building and pass through security. There you’ll have access to dollies, freight elevators and packing supplies. During business hours, some storage facilities even offer their staff to lend a helping hand when moving heavy items. If you need additional help with heavy items, always check in advance if they have available staff that can help. Given the tighter security measures, indoor storage units are great for people who want peace of mind knowing their belongings are under surveillance 24/7. Depending on what type of belongings you are storing, you can even request for a unit in a certain area of the facility. Perhaps you don’t want your items close to the windows due to sun exposure, you can easily arrange this with your facility of choice.
These units are great for people who are leaving their items for longer periods of time that may only need to access their belongings once in a while. These include heavy tools, outdoor furniture, sports equipment, seasonal items etc. Essentially items that are durable against weather temperature changes.
If you’re looking for extra protection of your belongings, climate controlled storage units are the most advanced units available. These units are located inside to help with external weather conditions. In addition, they also provide temperature control within the unit through dehumidifiers, HVAC systems and thermostats. These weather control measures help protect more fragile items from extreme temperature changes, humidity and condensation. Especially with the harsh Canadian winters, you want all your belongings protected.
These units are great for all your sensitive items that could be affected by weather conditions. However, the downside to a climate controlled storage unit is they are less accessible than mobile or drive up storage units. As they are located within a storage facility, you’ll have to work around the storage facilities’ operating hours to access your belongings.
Ideal items to store in climate controlled units include items such as wood furniture, antiques, artwork, electronics, wine, collectables etc.
If you need constant access to your storage unit, an outdoor drive up storage unit is best. These units are accessed directly from the storage facilities driveway. So you can easily load and unload your belongings. These units are great for when you’re renovating or moving houses. You can drive up, pick up any larger items you need and easily transport them to your new place. These units are great for DIY movers. Especially when making multiple trips to and from the unit. These generally come in a variety of sizes, so it’s always good to know how much you plan to store before choosing a unit.
While a drive up storage unit looks like a garage, it’s always best to check with the storage facilities team what items you are allowed to store. While some drive up storage units allow the storage of vehicles, some may have alternative storage options specifically designed for vehicles. A few best suited items for a drive up storage unit include:
The ever growing popular storage container continues to evolve, and the newest type is the mobile storage container. Mobile storage containers take the accessibility of the outdoor drive up storage unit to the next level. It comes right to your doorstep! Helping you skip the additional step of loading a truck just to unload it again at your chosen self storage location. The benefit of hiring a mobile storage container is the additional time you have for loading. Typically, when you rent a moving truck you have a limited time frame in which you need to load everything. However, with a mobile container, they can be sent to your property at a time that works best for you and for however long you need. Keep in mind depending on where you live, you’ll need to look up the rules and regulations for having a mobile storage container on your property.
These units are best suited for long distance moves and home renovations where you need to temporarily store your furniture items. Always call a couple of days in advance before accessing your mobile storage unit. Some facilities require a few days notice in order for them to make your unit available.
Items that are best suited for a mobile storage container are non fragile furniture items and other belongings that won’t be affected by external weather temperatures.
Given there are so many options for your self storage needs, how do you decide which one works best for you? It boils down to:
Self storage units come in all different price ranges depending on the functionality provided. All have security measures in place, but some more than others. Do you need constant or occasional access to your unit? The type of items you place in the storage unit will dictate what self storage unit and size is best suited for you. When shopping for the right self storage container, ask for quotes on long term and short term rentals. What the hours of access are, if any insurance is provided and if there are any restrictions on storing certain items that you may need to know about.
The great thing about having so many options is the flexibility they provide. Maybe you start off with an indoor self storage unit but upgrade to a climate controlled unit once your storage needs change. Making it easy to always adjust when your needs take a turn.
