Finding the perfect place to store your extra household goods can be challenging. Is the perfect solution to this storage problem renting a self storage unit at a facility nearby? Or is it easier to put those goods into your garage?
Both options offer pros and cons, so when deciding on a garage vs. storage unit, factors such as convenience, security, cost, accessibility, and flexibility need to be considered to help you decide which will work for you.
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Convenience: Self Storage Unit vs Garage
Owning a garage can be a great advantage, especially if you need extra storage space. Having the space to store items such as holiday decorations, seasonal clothes, or sporting equipment that are not in daily use all in one place and not having to worry about finding room for them in your house is one of the conveniences of having a garage.
Another convenience of garage storage is that your goods are immediately accessible when you need them. But garages, while accessible, often end up being cluttered with all sorts of household items, making it difficult to access stored belongings quickly. A garage’s primary purpose is to store your vehicle safely, so if it is packed with your belongings, your car may end up being kept outside exposed to the elements, and vulnerable to being stolen.
On the other hand, even if you have a garage it may already be filled with your belongings. For example, if you live in a small apartment with little to no extra space, your garage may be filled with all sorts of items, where do you intend to keep your car? So a better choice would be to rent a self storage unit for these items so that your garage is used for the purpose it was intended for – your car.
Self storage units are a convenient place to store your belongings and free up space in your home. In addition, if your self storage facility is located within a reasonable distance from your home, you can easily access your stored items whenever you need them.
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Security in Self Storage Unit vs Security in Garage
Self storage facilities employ advanced security measures such as CCTV surveillance, access control systems, and on-site personnel to ensure the safety of stored items.
This level of security tops that of most homes and therefore, garages. They may be more susceptible to break-ins due to being connected to the main house. While it is possible to invest in good security for your home and garage, this comes at an extra cost and may not be as sophisticated as those offered by storage facilities. The security measures at your storage facility do not come with extra charges but are included in your unit rental cost.
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Space: Garage or Self Storage Unit
Garages usually come with limited space. If they need to house your vehicles there may not be much space left for anything else. And most garages share their square footage not only with vehicles, but with bikes, lawnmowers, and any outdoor equipment. This means less room for anything else in the garage.
In contrast, self storage facilities offer a wide range of unit sizes ranging from a small locker to a large 150 sq ft space, accommodating anything you wish to store, be it a few boxes or the contents of a 3-bedroom home. This flexibility enables you to precisely choose the amount of space you require. By choosing the right sized unit you can fill it with your possessions. Used this way you will get your value for money from your storage unit as you will use every available square foot.
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Cost: Self Storage Unit vs Garage
Garages, being a part of a residential property, do not cost you any extra beyond the initial construction or purchase. However, you may need to spend a considerable amount on shelving and organisation systems to make the most of this storage space. You may also need to outlay a considerable amount on security measures such as cameras and alarms.
Self storage units involve recurring monthly fees, which vary depending on size, location, and amenities. Although the upfront costs may seem higher, self storage units offer a flexible pay-as-you-go approach, making them a cost-effective solution for your storage needs. There is no extra charge for security or utilities, so your monthly cost is fixed which makes it easier to budget.
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Damage in Garage vs Self Storage Unit
Although your garage may be a convenient and hassle-free storage option, it is important to remember that items stored in garages are susceptible to damage from weather conditions. This is especially true when temperatures drop significantly during the winter and cause water pipes to freeze or burst. Items stored in garages are also susceptible to extreme temperature changes and pests and insects.
The debate between self storage units and garages ultimately boils down to individual preferences, lifestyles, and storage needs. Self storage units provide you with unequaled convenience, security, and adaptability. They are the ideal solution if you are seeking a dedicated storage space to declutter your living areas.
Garages, on the other hand, can be a suitable option for those who prefer to store items closer to home.
In the end, evaluating factors such as convenience, security, cost, accessibility, adaptability, climate control, and capacity will aid individuals in making an informed decision that aligns with their specific storage requirements.
Stop & Store Lowestoft Self Storage Unit
When you decide that a self storage facility is the answer to your storage woes, these are some of the benefits you can expect from Stop & Store Lowestoft.
- Our storage facility is well-lit and is fully secured with monitored CCTV, intruder alarms, and a secure perimeter fence.
- Our units, which vary in size from 12 sq. ft. to 150 sq. ft., are clean, dry, and secure steel partitioned rooms. To make it easier for you to choose the right sized unit we have a Space Calculator if you are not sure how much space you need for your belongings. Otherwise, contact us if you need any further assistance or information.
- We are open seven days a week to make it easily accessible. Our hours are 8 am to 6 pm so you can come and go as you please during these times.
- Please check customer reviews on our website.
Get in touch with our friendly team!
Phone Number : 01502 580005