Do you need more space in your life? Whether you’re between moves, remodeling, decluttering, or selling your home, storage can give you that extra breathing room that you’re craving. It’s not easy letting go of your things, but the right storage service keeps both you and your things happy.
So how do you choose the best storage service for your needs? Your belongings come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s no wonder there are so many storing options to choose from. Before you store your things, consider the pros and cons of the following types of storage.
Self-Storage
How it works
These are individual units rented to tenants on a short-term basis, often month-to-month. Sizes vary from a small locker to a space large enough for the items of a four-bedroom house. Pricing depends on the size of the unit.
Pros
- Self-storage facilities may include 24-hour video and alarm monitoring for the safety of your belongings.
- Some facilities offer climate control.
- You have 24-hour access to your belongings, 7 days a week. So if you have a spur-of-the-moment ski trip, you can get your snow gear at any time.
Cons
- Facilities with units are known as “self” storage because you have to do the heavy lifting, packing, transporting and storing yourself. You also have to rent a truck, pay for gas, mileage, and insurance. You also have to buy the pizza and beer for your helpful friends.
- Countless rows of units mean poor land-use practices.
- You pay a premium for the luxury of visiting your stored items, but how often are you really going to access your unit? Standard spaces and default prices mean you pay for unused space.
Portable/Mobile Storage
How it works
A unit is dropped off and left at your home/business while you load it with whatever you want to store. Once you’ve packed your unit, it is picked up and transported back to the facility. It is stored until you make arrangements to have your items delivered to you.
Pros
- Portable storage units are convenient because they are left directly on your property. You load and unload your belongings at your convenience.
- When the units are picked up, they are taken to a secure location.
Cons
- You must load and unload your belongings into the storage unit yourself.
- Standard spaces and default prices on the units mean you pay for unused space.
- These units tend to be smaller than storage facility units. So, if you need to store your entire home, you might need a few units.
- These units are not aesthetically pleasing. They may detract from your curb appeal if your home is for sale.
- No cameras or security are provided while the units are on your property.
- Once off your property, access to your belongings may be an extra cost.
Full Service Storage
How it works
A full service storage provider comes to your home, packs up your items (if needed), and loads them onto a moving truck. Your belongings are then transported to a clean, secure, and eco-friendly storage facility. For example, with the full service storage offered at NorthStar Moving Company, you simply tell your team what you want stored. They make sure your items are custom-wrapped and packed. They also create an itemized inventory, so you never lose track of anything you’ve put in storage. You can also pack your belongings yourself. With full service storage, you do as much or as little as you want. This option streamlines the storage process, saving you time and hassle.
Pros
- You don’t have to rent a truck, pay for gas, mileage or insurance.
- This is the most affordable option because you only pay for the space you need.
- You can customize your storage services to suit your needs. Add more space if ever needed. Pay for less space when taking items out.
- All your stuff is itemized and tracked on an inventory list.
- A full service storage warehouse is secure and eco-friendly. No space is wasted.
Cons
- You need to make an appointment to access your stored items or have them delivered to you.
- There is a fee to access your stuff.
- You don’t have 24-hour access to your belongings.
Boutique Storage
How it works
Boutique storage, also known as concierge storage, is a personalized storage service that caters to your specific needs. You can store a number of items or an individual item. However, you only pay for the space you use. As with full service storage, an expert team packs your items, creates a detailed inventory, then transports and stores everything for you. A major difference, however, is that whenever needed, the team also picks up specific items from the warehouse and delivers them to your home (or vice versa). If you need that stored armchair your mother-in-law gifted to you before her next visit, just call the team. They will have it delivered to you in no time.
Pros
- No need to rent a truck, and pay for gas, mileage, or insurance.
- Access a specific item, or many items, and have it delivered directly to you.
- It is less expensive since you only pay for the space you need.
- You won’t ever break a sweat. A team packs/unpacks for you.
- Detailed inventory helps track and access all itemized belongings.
Cons
- You need to make an appointment to access your stored items or have them delivered to you.
- There is a fee for the pickup and delivery of items.
- You do not have 24-hour access to your belongings.
Determining Your Best Option
Finally, ask yourself the following to figure out what you need:
- How much storage space do you need?
- How often will you need to access your stored items?
- Do you have the time and/or manpower to move your things?
- Will you be returning for all of your belongings, or just an item or two?
The answers to these questions can help determine which option is best for you. Also, if you need to store a unique item, like your automobile or a wine collection, specialized storage services are just the solution. Contact us to learn more about our luxury services and moving happiness home.