Storage units are a great choice for homeowners who need extra space to keep their valuables. That said, there are several different types of storage units. For someone who has just started exploring the many benefits of storage units, choosing the right one for you can seem like a complicated task. However, the truth is that it is simple to pick the right storage unit, provided you understand your needs.

Let’s take a look at the different storage units available, and the factors you need to consider when choosing the one that’s best for you.

Indoor Vs Outdoor Storage Units

Storage units can be divided into two main categories. These are:

• Indoor storage units
• Outdoor storage units

This is where most first-timers get confused. What is the difference between the two? Well, it comes down to the location of the doors.

Simply put, an Indoor storage unit is situated indoors. You will gain entry into a building, then make your way to your storage unit.

On the other hand, while the Outdoor storage unit will still be associated with a single building having multiple storage facilities, you do not need to enter the building. Instead, you can access your storage unit from outside.

The indoor storage unit has the benefit of offering protection from the elements. If you are in an area with a lot of blowing dust, you won’t have to worry about this getting to you or your valuables. The same is true when living in a cold and snowy climate. Furthermore, think about when it rains. Since you are indoors, you can freely move in and out of your storage facility without getting wet.

The main advantage of renting or using an outdoor storage unit is that you can drive and park your vehicle right outside the door of the unit. This allows for easy and quick offloading and onloading — a great idea when using the services of movers who will often charge you by the hour.

To the storage facility, indoor storage units are more efficient to run. Because of this, they are also often cheaper than outside storage facilities.
If you are not confident with doing your own storage, you can always hire the services of a storage company. They will ensure that your items are stored safely and in the most efficient way.

Climate Controlled Storage Units

When choosing your storage unit, another important factor to keep in mind is climate control. Many indoor facilities have temperature regulation and provide better protection to your items as compared to outdoor storage units.
That said, it is important to note that just because a storage facility is located indoors doesn’t automatically mean that it has temperature control. Some will not have an A/C or even heat control. Due to this, you should ask before you rent.
Secondly, there are still outdoor storage units that feature temperature control. Granted, many will not but if climate regulation is important to you, then always ask before renting.
When deciding on temperature control, you also want to consider the location. Some areas are damp and humid, and furniture can get damaged easily if stored without temperature control.
Also, consider the duration for which you plan to store your items. If you are just keeping your items stored for a month as you move between houses, then temperature control may not be too crucial and an outdoor storage unit will work fine.

Storage Unit Amenities

When deciding on the right storage unit for you, consider whether you have specialty items that Require any type of special storage. For instance, a business may require climate-controlled storage facilities to keep some of their merchandise such as wine or beer.

Furthermore, commercial storage facilities may be able to offer more storage space. This would be more than what is necessary for a homeowner.

Speaking of storage size…

It is important to choose a storage unit that is the right size for your valuables and items. Many people often make the mistake of renting a unit only to find that it cannot accommodate all their items. Therefore, it is a good idea when choosing a storage unit that you pick one that is a lot larger than what you think you will require.

This gives you some leeway in case you have miscalculated your space requirements. Also, consider the size of the items that you require storage for. For instance, you may be looking to store items as large as a couch. It is therefore important to know how to store furniture.

Process Of Choosing A Storage Unit

Now let’s take a look at how to choose the ideal storage unit. You can begin by identifying the types of belongings and items that require storage.

For personal items such as magazines, antiques, books, electronics, important documents, and furniture, consider if you need climate control or just traditional storage without the need for climate control. In this case, you can choose between indoor or outdoor storage units. As a safety tip, for appliances such as fridges, always wedge appliance doors open to keep the doors from open and closing.

If you want to store your car, consider how long you need to keep the vehicle stored and how soon you will need to use it again. If you will not require your car for the whole winter season, for instance, you would need an outdoor storage facility. On the other hand, if you will need the car in the next month, a reasonable parking space will do. For larger items such as an RV or boat, you can get by with finding a good parking space.

For inventory or business files, ask yourself if you require extra office space or whether you need to rent a storage facility. If you don’t require renting a bigger office, you can choose either an indoor or outdoor storage facility depending on the sensitivity of your items. Choose an indoor facility for more sensitive items.

Final Thoughts

To make the most of storing your personal or commercial valuables, you will need to learn how to choose the right storage unit. This is a simple process if you understand your requirements. Also, consider the nature of your items to determine whether or not you require temperature regulation.