One of the most popular ways to store and protect our precious belongings is with self storage units. According to the Self Storage Association, the self storage industry has been among the fastest growing industries worldwide for the last 35 years. Today, American self storage facilities span 78 square miles, an area that is over triple the size of Manhattan.
What is it that makes self storage so popular? Namely, people like being able to keep their precious items safe and secure in an affordable way. However, that goal can be accomplished in a number of ways. After all, not every item kept in self storage can be protected and preserved in the same way. If you need help selecting a self storage unit that is right for your needs, here are three things to keep in mind.
- Do You Need a Climate Controlled Storage Unit?
- Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Storage
- How Much Space Do You Need?
The types of things kept in self storage units are as varied as the people who use them. Some people store old clothing, others store their motorcycles. Many people use their self storage units as a way of protecting precious collectibles; comic books, sports memorabilia, and other rare items often find protection with a self storage provider.
Each of these items have different environmental needs. For example, if your clothing is kept in an environment that is too damp and warm, then it will grow mold. Sports memorabilia, too, should be kept in the proper environment to help keep time at bay. Whatever you want to store, consider climate controlled self storage units to help protect your goods.
You need to decide whether or not you want an indoor or outdoor storage unit. The main difference between indoor and outdoor storage, beyond location, is accessibility. With an outdoor unit, you can simply drive up to the door with your truck, hop out and unlock the door, and start unloading your items. Indoor storage units, on the other hand, require a bit more work to get to. Indoor solutions require you to enter a building, walk to your unit, and then load from there. This extra work may result in extra protection for your belongings.
The most important part of choosing the right storage units is space. After all, one of the main reasons Americans use self storage units is because they do not have enough space in their homes to hold their belongings. The beauty of self storage is that there are size options for every need. Some facilities offer storage for items as big as a boat! Whether you need to store a few boxes of clothing or a car, make sure you find a size that works for you.
Whatever you want to store, wherever you are in the country, there is likely to be a self storage service that is right for you. As the SSA notes, 83.9% of all U.S. counties have at least one self storage facility. Keep these tips in mind to find the one that fits your every need. More.