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Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page

Types of Self-Storage

Are you looking for some extra storage? Are your personal belongings oozing out of your limited closet space? Or do you need some storage space for your belongings? Self-storage is the answer to all. It is sure to provide you with some extra space to store away the things you don’t immediately need. There are a plethora of companies out there that rent out self-storage facilities. So, you don’t have to deliberately go on a searching spree. What you need, however, is to understand the types of self-storage. Understanding the type of self-storage will also help you define your purpose and requirements. To help you get started, here we have a list of different types of self-storage.

Different Types of Self Storage Available

Usually, self-storage is differentiated based on the purpose that it serves. It’s also classified based on other factors such as timing, need and type of individual, climatic conditions, etc. Incorporating all these factors, following the types of self-storage:

  1. Drive-Up Storage
  2. Climate-Controlled Storage
  3. Business/Commercial Storage
  4. Student Storage
  5. Military Storage
  6. 24-Hour Storage
  7. Vehicle Storage
  8. Mobile Storage

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As you can see, a particular factor has not been used in differentiating the various self-storage options. However, there is a common theme behind all of them - its purpose. While a climate-controlled storage enables you to preserve your belongings, 24-hour storage provides easier accessibility.

Before choosing or renting out a self-storage facility, you should define your purpose. Why do you need that extra personal storage space? Is it for business purposes, personal belongings, or your vehicles? This factor alone can help you choose the best facility. Of course, you’ll have to define a budget for renting this facility. But it’s a secondary factor that comes into play once you have defined your purpose.

1.   Drive-Up Storage

As the name suggests, this kind of self-storage facility enables you to pull up your car beside or inside it. It’s essentially a garage-like space that helps you load and unload your personal belongings. Usually, such a facility is located in a row-like fashion at independent extra space locations. The more developed facilities have a drive-in building, providing extra security to your personal belongings. It also makes it more convenient for loading and unloading activities. So, if you have a vehicle and wish to store some extra stuff lying around, a drive-up facility is the best self-storage option. It also comes with attributes and specifications based on how much you’re willing to pay.

Qualities Of A Drive-Up Storage

  • Easily accessible
  • Provides plenty of space for storage
  • Sometimes contains wide drive-in aisles (ideal for trucks or large-sized vehicles)

Items Commonly Stored In A Drive-Up Storage

  • Personal belongings
  • Seasonal decorations
  • Outdoor recreational equipment including dirt bikes, ski-jets, etc.
  • Gardening equipment
  • Business belongings
  • Vehicles

2.   Climate-Controlled Storage

Also referred to as ‘temperature-controlled storage’, this type of self-storage facility is specifically designed to maintain a constant temperature, as per your requirements. Invariably, the constant temperature will be defined based on what you plan to store in the facility. Usually, however, the temperature remains between the range of 55-85°F. A climate-controlled storage helps regulate moisture and humidity. This is essential to preserve the quality of your belongings. Imagine your prized belongings damaged due to moisture and succumbing to rust. Climate-controlled storage is then the way to go!

Qualities Of Climate-Controlled Storage

  • Protect your belongings from unsuitable temperatures
  • Provides greater air quality
  • Can be integrated with a humidity controller
  • Provides additional barrier from pests, dust particles, etc.

Items Commonly Stored In Climate Controlled Storage

  • Furniture of different materials including leather, metal, wood, etc.
  • Electronic devices
  • Artwork and photographs
  • Antiques and musical instruments
  • Rare collectibles
  • Medications and other medical supplies

3.   Business/Commercial Storage

If you own a business, it would be unsurprising if you’re running short of storage space. There will be tons of office supplies, paperwork, and other equipment that you may not necessarily need for the moment. This type of self-storage is especially useful when you work from home. If your office is in a small room within your home, inadequate storage may definitely become an issue. So, to get that load out of your office, you need a separate business storage facility. Such a facility especially comes in handy when you’re looking to expand or relocate your business. In fact, many businesses avail of business storage on a monthly basis for easy expansion. All you need to worry about is the budget allocation!

Qualities Of Business Storage

  • Provides extra space for storage
  • Allows easy expansion or relocation of office
  • Convenient, especially in a work-from-home environment

Items Commonly Stored In Business Storage

  • Important documents
  • Seasonal office inventory
  • Office supplies
  • Small or large, scarcely-used equipment

4.   Student Storage

Picture this: it’s time to embark on a new journey at a university but you’re clueless about your dorm room size. You assume there to be limited space but end up packing a lot of things. So what do you do with extra stuff which you’ll probably need a few months later - like woolens, decorative items, etc? The answer is simple - a student storage facility. Barring the monthly rent, this facility is the perfect option for you, enabling you to store your belongings during your university years. It’s also a convenient option during vacation time, when you’re off having a good time with your friends/parents. Rather than worrying about your belongings, you can store them at a safe and secured facility.

Qualities Of Student Storage

  • Provides a safe and secured storage space
  • Exclusive discounts available
  • Assistance and delivery services available (with selected companies)
  • Flexible storage options available

Items Commonly Stored In Student Storage

  • University books or notes that are scarcely used
  • Additional or seasonal clothing
  • Any electronic equipment not in use
  • Miscellaneous items for the holiday season

5.   Military Storage

The United States of America comprises one of the largest armed forces in the world, deployed and stationed at various locations in the world. When you’re deployed from one military base to another, naturally you’ll need a self-storage facility to store away your belongings. This is especially true if you have constant base assignments and tours of duty. Continuous deployment can make things difficult. So, the best option to tackle this issue - military storage. Of course, you can sell off a part of your belongings. But if they’re close to your heart, you can keep them in a military storage facility, even if you’re halfway across the globe. Surprisingly, however, military storage is a lesser-known type of self-storage option but useful, nonetheless.

Qualities Of Military Storage

  • Helps during the transition from one military base to another
  • Saves money by providing an affordable storage option
  • Convenient especially in cases of immediate deployment
  • Can be large enough to store items worth two bedrooms

Items Commonly Stored In Military Storage

  • Valuable personal belongings
  • Trophies and medals
  • Recreational equipment
  • Miscellaneous household items

6.   24-Hour Storage

These days, you tend to lead a hectic life. You find yourself completing a long to-do list on a daily basis. So naturally, you cannot find time to check up on your stored items at a reasonable time. For people like you leading a busy life, a 24-hour self-storage facility is a match made in storage heaven! Given the 24-hour timeline, this type of storage facility provides you with the flexibility to access it at your convenience. There are several added features that heighten the security of your personal belongings. These include security cameras, controlled and monitored door access, electronic gates, well-lit and secured surroundings, etc. So, if you’re concerned about your safety during the commute, this facility ticks the right boxes.

Qualities Of 24-Hour Storage

  • Ideal for those living a hectic professional lifestyle
  • Tightened and heightened security
  • Accessible round-the-clock

Items Commonly Stored In 24-Hour Storage

  • Personal or business belongings
  • Recreational or scarcely-used equipment
  • Valuables and expensive objects
  • Musical instruments
  • Antique pieces
  • Artwork

7.   Vehicle Storage

Are the winters too rough in your area? Or you’re going away for a long time and need your vehicle in a safe place? Or do you prefer public transport these days, due to the heavy traffic? If yes, then is your vehicle taking up too much space in your backyard? There’s an easy solution to this problem - vehicle self-storage.

Of course, it’s justified to ask - what’s the difference between your garage and a vehicle storage? Apart from the fact that the latter requires monthly rent, it’s also a more practical option. For instance, during winters, you need special equipment to remove the accumulated snow. You need to store it at an accessible location. By storing away your car in a facility, you’ll get a whole garage-worth of space to store this equipment. Moreover, your vehicle won’t get dirty, ridding you of the responsibility of cleaning your vehicle at regular intervals.

Qualities Of Vehicle Storage

  • Safe, secured and clean storage facility
  • Versatility in terms of storage unit size
  • Affordable monthly rental plans available

Items Commonly Stored In Vehicle Storage

  • Standard-size cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Trucks
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Small trucks and trailers
  • Side mirrors and other vehicular accessories

8.   Mobile Storage

A relatively new entry to the universe of self-storage is a facility called mobile storage. All you need to do is call up the company, describe or decide the size and get a storage unit delivered to your address. You can fill this unit with all your belongings at your own pace and convenience. Afterwards, you call up the service provider for carrying to another location for unloading. Here, the control lies in storing your belongings at your own pace. So, unlike a conventional and static self-storage facility, you have a mobile alternative to make your life easier. An added advantage is that you save money and time on multiple rides to the self-storage facility. Both valuable aspects can then be used on completing more important tasks.

Qualities Of Mobile Storage

  • Time and money-saving self-storage option
  • Storage unit available in a variety of sizes
  • Can be transported even when fully loaded and thus, “mobile”
  • Applicable for home renovations, donation drives, help during disasters, relocations, etc.

Items Commonly Stored In Mobile Storage

  • Personal or business belongings
  • Household items (in case of renovation or relocation)
  • Heavy, scarcely-used equipment
  • Small vehicles
  • Books, antiques, and miscellaneous items

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Facility

Now that you have understood the types of self-storage, you need to figure out the other aspects before renting out a self-storage facility. Some of the aspects are as follows:

  • Size of the facility
  • Duration of storage
  • Budget specifications (as mentioned earlier)
  • Safety of storage facility
  • Accessibility and convenience
  • Home insurance policy (whether the valuables be covered if they’re moved to another location)

Once these secondary factors have been sorted out, all you have to do is rent out a self-storage facility that perfectly fits your requirements. You also need to pay close attention to the company that rents you this facility. Here, a little bit of research can go a long way in giving you the ideal self-storage facility.

Conclusion

The ideal self-storage facility can easily give you that extra space to store your personal or business belongings. It stores them in a safe and secured manner without any hustle. It’s also about the amount of control you get over your belongings. Unlike a conventional storage facility that is dictated by the service provider, self-storage provides you with utmost control and access over your belongings. Such a facility can also cater to your budget requirements. So, you don’t have to worry about your monthly savings running low. All you need to worry about is the purpose behind using this facility. When you define this aspect, the remaining factors also fall into place. And then, you’re good to go!

Also See: Moving Out of Storage Unit

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FAQs

What Is A Self-Storage Service?

Self-storage is a specific type of storage facility allowing you to store your personal or business belongings in a safe and secured manner. It also provides you control over your storage instead of relying on the storage provider or company. Hence, this option is viable for those wishing to store their valuables, artwork, musical instruments, etc.

What Property Type Is Self-Storage?

Self-storage properties are spaces that are rented out on a short or long term basis to tenants. These may include indoor or outdoor spaces, lockers, and/or containers.

What Is Class A Storage?

Class A storage comprises facilities that were built in the 2000s, in ideal and modern neighborhoods.

Also Read: How to Choose a Storage Facility