Different Self-Storage Types: Which one to choose?

 In Storage

Outdoor, indoor or mobile self-storage? There are many reasons why you might need a self-storage solution and also different items you’ll want to place into storage.

Are you between house moves or renovating your property? Is your house undergoing repairs? Or perhaps you are in need of extra space to hold seasonal merchandise for your shop? These very reasons can guide you in choosing the best type of storage you need. Each storage type comes with benefits and features unique to each type.

Outdoor Self-Storage

Outdoor self storage

These units are typically used for storing vehicles, caravans, machinery and boats. Accessed from outside the building, they are often built with a roof with wire or mesh as the dividing wall and work well for items that can withstand all types of weather. Quick access to your goods is a plus, and you can often drive your van or truck right up to your storage unit. However, always be considerate of the value of the items you place in an outdoor storage facility.

When to choose outdoor self-storage

  • If you are in need of a lot of storage space for large items
  • If some storage facilities will not allow you to store machinery or vehicles indoors
  • If drive-up access to the outdoor storage unit is important (unloading then loading a moving truck may be easier)

When NOT to choose outdoor self-storage

  • If you have a lot of smaller items, like moving boxes and household furniture, then mobile self-storage or an indoor self-storage unit may be a better option for you
  • If you are storing personal belongings of high value, an outdoor self-storage unit may not offer the security you need
  • If you are storing temperature-sensitive items, consider how temperature fluctuations of an outdoor storage unit may impact your goods

 

Indoor Self-Storage

Indoor self storage

Generally speaking, access to your indoor storage unit or ‘storage locker’ will be via some kind of security system, be it access controlled gates or doors. Some indoor facilities offer monitored climate control, while others, due to their building’s construction, offer a more stable temperature environment for your precious belongings. Security and temperature control can be the most important factors when choosing an indoor storage solution.

Indoor self-storage facilities will also offer both ground-level and an upper-level access option. Ground level access may be more convenient, but can often be more expensive than upper-level storage units. If you want faster and more convenient access to your goods, then ground-level access may be the better option. If accessing your goods via a lift, or if you don’t plan frequent access, an upper-level unit may offer a cost saving for you.

When to choose indoor self-storage

  • If you have small items, from moving boxes to household furniture, office archives or your wine collection
  • If security is important to you, most indoor self-storage facilities offer security gates and doors, enclosed buildings and monitored premises, offering you additional peace of mind
  • Not all indoor facilities have a monitored climate control system, but modern building constructions and insulation offer additional protection for your goods that outdoor self-storage facilities can’t.

When NOT to choose indoor self-storage

  • Indoor self-storage facilities will generally not allow for the storage of vehicles, including cars, boats, motorcycles, so if you have these items than an outdoor storage solution may be a better option for you

 

Mobile Self-Storage

Mobile self storage

Mobile self-storage can offer the best of both worlds – the convenience of bringing a storage container directly to your door and packing it in your own time; or having the container be collected and stored at a storage facility. The mobile self-storage option is suitable for both long and short-term storage requirements.

In addition, some mobile self-storage facilities offer inside and outside storage options, with different pricing options depending on where your container is stored.

When to choose mobile self-storage

  • Are you downsizing? Having a mobile self-storage container delivered to you gives you the time you need to sort through your possessions. Maybe you want to keep some items in storage, or downsize and pack at the same time for your next move.
  • Are you renovating? Clear furniture and belongings out of the way while renovations are carried out. If you keep the mobile storage container on-site, you can have constant and easy access to your goods during your renovation project.
  • Thinking of selling and need to de-clutter first?  This is a perfect option when you’re preparing your home for sale. Make you home look as large and inviting as possible by removing some of the visual clutter. Place your precious items into a storage container and have it moved to a secure storage facility while your house is on the market. Then once sold, you can have the container delivered right to the door of you new home.
  • Are you moving house? Or between homes? Mobile self-storage containers can offer a more convenient solution that a regular removalist. Pack at your own pace; sort and downsize at the same time; then have the container collected and moved for you. No matter whether there is one week or several months between moving out of your current home and into your new home, your goods can be safely stored at a secure storage centre.
  • Do you require different size options? Some mobile self-storage facilities offer containers in just one size, whereas others, like PODS, offer different container sizing and pricing options to suit all storage and moving needs.

 

Moving and storage containers come in 3 sizes to make life easyCan PODS help?

At PODS, we know moving and storage. It’s what we do every day. We offer flexible and affordable mobile storage and moving solutions, along with the expertise of a team who have worked in the space for many years. Our Customer Care team can advise you of your options and assist in anyway they can to make your next move or storage situation as easy and stress-free as possible.

Call 1800 467 637 to talk with our Customer Care team, or click here to get an instant quote now.

Showing 2 comments
  • Victoria Addington

    My sister was intending to store items in order to free up space and reduce clutter while she prepares her home for her new working arrangement. I’m delighted I found your article because you covered a variety of options that we could choose from. As you mentioned, this also includes indoor storage, which may shield your belongings from the elements and keep them from becoming dusty or wet. I’ll make sure to tell her about this and look into self-storage facilities we can visit because I believe it would be a terrific idea. I appreciate you sharing!

    • Elaine Cross

      Hi Victoria, thank you for your interest, please feel free to let your sister know that you can go onto our website and request a quote, or you sister can call us on 1800467637

      thank you
      Elaine