Whether you want to declutter your home or you’re looking for a quick storage solution while moving or remodeling, storage units are a great idea. It is very simple: you rent a storage unit, and you can store your belongings temporarily while relocating, or you can put all of your clutter in there while you decide what to do with it. But you might wonder: are there different types of storage? And what are they for? Thus, we have put together a list of tips on how to choose between different types of storage units.
Indoor units
Located inside buildings and without direct outdoor access. The drawback of an indoor storage unit is the fact that you can’t drive up to them. However, because they are entirely closed off, they usually provide good protection against the elements. Because you don’t have to expose the unit to the outside when just opening it, they hold the advantage of not having to worry about the weather and usually have some climate control. When choosing between types of storage units, indoor units are best suited for storing clutter because you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged by the weather and are generally cheap to rent. There is, of course, still some risk of your storage unit getting damaged, and you should know what to do in that case.
Outdoor units
While still located within buildings, outdoor units offer direct access from outside. Instead of having to go into a building to access your storage unit, you can drive your car up to the door. Because of this, outdoor units are very convenient when you need to store something quickly and for the short term. This makes them a great choice when moving or remodeling your home. However, outdoor storage units typically have limited, if any, climate control. Additionally, opening the unit exposes it directly to the elements and the weather. That makes your belongings vulnerable to dust and dampness. As such, they aren’t the best solution for long-term storage.
Climate controlled units
When choosing between types of storage units, you should carefully consider what you will store in them. For example, while most indoor storage units are climate-controlled to some degree, they can’t guarantee an exact temperature range. It makes them unsuitable for storing delicate belongings such as art, musical instruments, antiques, etc. Climate-controlled units, however, guarantee that temperature will stay above freezing and below 80 degrees. They do so through heating, AC, and insulation, and some units even offer humidity control. This makes climate-controlled units perfect for storing delicate belongings, both short and long-term. However, we should mention that some things can’t be kept in storage units, climate-controlled or not.
Commercial/warehouse storage
If what you are storing can’t fit in a regular storage unit, you might want to consider warehouse storage. Because it is typically used for commercial storage, suiting the needs of various businesses, this type of storage isn’t nearly as accessible as a regular storage unit. However, warehouse storage typically has loading docks to provide easy transport and plenty of space for large items. Still, because of the massive size of warehouses, they might be inconvenient as they will force you to travel farther to access your items. Moreover, warehouse storage is expensive. But, when you need to store something which doesn’t fit into a regular storage unit, this might be the way to go.
Portable storage containers
Also known as mobile storage, people most commonly choose portable storage containers during a move. To put it simply, after being loaded, portable storage containers are stored at a commercial warehouse and only allow limited access to your belongings while they are in storage. This makes them a convenient choice for someone looking to store some belongings for a short time, for example, during a move. They are, however, an excellent choice for businesses as well. Because of the accessibility, mobile storage is a perfect choice for short-term storage and less so for the long term.
Vehicle storage units
When you need to store your car, the types of vehicle storage units aren’t that different from regular storage units. Indoor vehicle storage units essentially offer room for one car while protecting it from the weather. Outdoor vehicle storage is the cheapest, but it leaves your vehicle fully exposed to the elements, and there are some security risks. Covered vehicle storage is essentially the same as outdoor storage, only with a cover over your car to protect it from the weather.
Choosing between types of storage units
Choosing an exact type of storage unit depends on the situation. Let’s take, for example, choosing during a move. If one day you look at Virginia and decide you want to settle here this year,then your most accessible solution would be to rent a portable storage container or an outdoor storage unit. On the other hand, if you want to declutter, your best option will probably be an indoor storage unit near your home. Or if, following the example from before, you choose to move to Virginia: you might want to think ahead and rent an indoor storage unit near your new home. There are many factors to consider, and you shouldn’t rush your decision regarding your belongings.
Conclusion
Choosing between types of storage can vary massively from situation to situation. When you need to choose, think carefully about what you need the unit for, and go from there. We hope that you found this guide to choosing between different types of storage units helpful.