Pros and Cons of Self Storage Sites

Posted on 16/11/2016

Self storage sites can be ideal for storing all sorts of business and household items. However while they have many benefits they are not always the answer to your storage prayers. The pros and cons of self storage are simple to understand and should always be considered before you decide to take the plunge.

Pros


Space

By opting to move some of your items into a self storage room or unit you are also opting to create more space in your house or office. Even if it’s just for the short term, this space can be invaluable when you’re decorating, spring cleaning or expecting guests. If you’re moving it for the longer term then it can also give you back the additional room in your home that you’ve been using instead. This can make a huge difference in your home or business and can keep you de-stressed and calm for longer.


Flexibility

If you’re a retail outlet that needs somewhere to store some additional stock then self storage can give you the flexibility that you need. Unlike lock-ups and buildings, there are no long-term contracts to sign and no additional building costs to factor in. Therefore, you are not tying yourself into any contracts which you may not need in the long run.


Maintenance Standards

When you’re looking to store important things you may want to make sure that they are going to be somewhere that is clean and dry, otherwise you could have kept them in your attic, garage or garden shed. Good storage facilities should always be well-maintained and should always be able to guarantee the safe-keeping of your items without you having to worry about cracks, leaks or decay.


Security

Apart from having high maintenance standards, storage facilities should also have excellent security devices and should be able to keep your items safer than they would be in a lock-up or garage. This level of security can save you from sleepless nights or unnecessary worry and can give you the peace of mind that you need.

Cons


Cost

Self storage units obviously come at a cost and can be a long-term drain on your resources. Before you decide to go ahead with any long-term plans you should always check whether you can successfully keep the items somewhere else in your office or home, or whether in fact you need to keep the items at all. For short-term use, the cost is generally minimal and is far outweighed by the benefits.


Access

While many storage sites now have extended opening hours it is obviously not the same as having your files or furniture somewhere in your own office or home. So if there are important documents or sentimental items which you may need to have access to 24/7 then you should think twice before you put them into a self storage unit. Some larger facilities are now open 24/7 though, so if you find the right storage firm then this may not be a long-term problem.


Convenience

When you want to access your archived files or old childhood toys it can be comforting to know that they are just in the next room. Once you’ve moved them into storage this convenience is removed and you are suddenly required to trek all the way to the storage site just to get that one little thing. If you are likely to require regular access to your stored items then this can be inconvenient to organise and it can lead to long-term dissatisfaction with the storage process.