If you’re ready to make more space in your home, self-storage is a convenient and affordable solution. But with so many types of storage units to choose from, which one is right for you? Store More is here to help you understand the most common types of self-storage options and the benefits of each.
1. Internal Lockable Storage Unit
Internal storage units are a great choice if security and climate control are your top concerns. They’re ideal for storing temperature- and humidity-sensitive items such as furniture, clothing, books, and antiques. Internal units come in many sizes, offering you as much or as little storage space as you need.
By controlling the climate, you’ll ward off moisture and mould during the humid summer months. These units are inaccessible from outside the building, giving you peace of mind if you need to store important valuables.
However, if you need drive-up access, internal units aren’t ideal. Plus, some storage facilities aren’t open 24 hours a day, so you can only access your unit during normal business hours.
2. Drive-up Storage
Drive-up storage is one of the best types of self-storage for people who value convenience. If you’re in a hurry and need to deposit or retrieve items quickly, these units may be a smart solution. Despite being less secure than internal units, they’re protected by 24-hour CCTV surveillance. You can also secure your unit with a padlock for extra security. The best drive-up storage facilities have gated entrances you unlock with a code or key card.
3. Metal Containers
For a storage solution that can stand up to harsh weather conditions, consider metal containers. These containers consist of tough steel that resists wind, snow, hail, and rain. You may have seen metal containers used to ship items by ship and rail, but they also make excellent storage for the average person.
You can outfit metal storage containers with shelves, lighting, locks, and any other extras you need. Shipping containers are also stackable and easy to transport if you’re planning a move. However, metal shipping containers don’t come with climate control by default, and adding a system of your own may be cost prohibitive.
For storage facilities to use shipping containers, the facility must be outfitted with fire alarms and CCTV cameras. The facility must also have staff available to provide access or grant access only through a code or key card.
4. Lock-up Garages
You may feel tempted to store your belongings in a lock-up garage or shed, especially if you already have one on your property and wish to avoid self-storage fees. Unfortunately, lock-up garages aren’t usually climate-controlled, so they’re not ideal for items vulnerable to humidity, mildew, and mould.
Lock-up garages are also much less secure than purpose-built storage units. Thieves can break in easily, even if you secure the unit with a padlock. A CCTV-protected storage unit would be better for those who have expensive furniture, lawn equipment, antiques, or other valuables to store.
5. Box Storage
Box storage is a good choice for people with busy lives. The storage company will come to you, collect your boxed items, and transport them to their facility. When you need to retrieve your items, just call the facility and have your boxes shipped back. This option is convenient, but you might have to pay a premium for the service.
6. Student Storage
If you’re a university student, you may worry about where you’ll put your stuff when you head home for the holidays, visit family for the summer, or move abroad for the semester. Packing up your belongings every few months can be a major hassle, and often, you’ll find yourself packing and loading your vehicle for hours when you’d rather be doing anything else.
Self-storage facilities located near universities can save you hours of time and trouble. There’s no need to buy pricey boxes and packing materials; simply drop off your items in the storage unit and go. When you return to campus, your items will be right where you left them.
7. Business Storage
Whether you operate a small one-person shop from home or a large company with dozens of employees, you can benefit from a self-storage unit. Business storage units are a wise choice if you have limited floor space and little room to keep inventory or equipment. You won’t need to rent additional commercial space or offices for your items, which can help keep your expenses low.
8. Army Storage
It’s common for army personnel and their families to move frequently. Instead of selling or giving away your belongings between moves, put them in a self-storage unit. Storage facilities are also ideal for anyone on assignment away from their home base in service of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, or British Army.
9. Vehicle Storage
Vehicle storage is perfect for anyone needing a car, truck, boat, or campervan. If you enjoy using seasonal watercraft, motorcycles, or ATVs, there’s no need to let these vehicles clutter up your garage or shed until you’re ready to use them. Vehicle storage makes sense for businesses, too. You can store service vehicles, company cars, and construction vehicles when they’re not in use.
This type of storage is highly secure, so you won’t need to worry about thieves stealing or damaging your expensive vehicle. Look for a vehicle storage facility with 24-hour staffing and CCTV surveillance for added peace of mind.
10. Deep Storage
If you require a long-term storage solution and won’t need frequent access to your belongings, deep storage can be a cost-effective solution for you. With deep storage, you store your items in wooden crates and keep them in a warehouse environment.
Deep storage is very secure, but crate contents will be inaccessible for a long time. This isn’t the best choice for anyone who needs to retrieve their items quickly.
Which Type of Storage Is Right for You?
Storage units come in varying sizes and capacities. Consider the following before choosing your unit:
- Internal or external: If your items are sensitive to temperature changes and humidity, an internal unit is your best bet.
- Location: Choose a facility close to you so that dropping off and retrieving items is convenient.
- Access: Do you want a storage unit you can drive up to easily? Or would you prefer an interior unit that’s a little more secure?
- Security: How much security do you need? Most good facilities have 24/7 CCTV surveillance. But if you’re storing expensive items, you may want a facility with around-the-clock staffing or security guards.
- Storage insurance: Many types of self-storage offer insurance to protect your items against damage or theft, and some even require you to buy insurance. However, if you’re concerned about flood damage, keep in mind that you may need to purchase a separate policy.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you make the best choice.
Choose Store More for Your Self-storage Needs
If you’re looking for a convenient self-storage option in Mansfield, Store More is the solution! We offer secure climate-controlled storage units for your furniture, valuables, seasonal items, and more. Call us at 01482 24 24 88 to learn more and reserve your storage unit today.
