9 Facts Everyone Should Know About Self Storage

Home / News / 9 Facts Everyone Should Know About Self Storage

When it comes to self-storage, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions that people have. In this blog post, we will dispel some of those myths and give you nine facts about self storage that everyone should know. From the amount of space you can rent to the different types of storage units available, we will cover everything! So whether you are a first-time self-storage user or someone who is just looking to learn more about it, read on for some interesting information!

All About Self Storage Units

Self Storage Has Been Here For Centuries

The very first modern self storage facility was built in the year 1958 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The concept of self storage has been here for centuries wherein researchers discovered that the ancient Chinese units, which are all dated as far as 6,000 years ago are filled with items that they don’t want to store in their own homes.

Some of the items recovered from these self storage units are collectables, family heirlooms, and flip-flops. Today, people are using self-storage units to house boxes of seasonal decor, clothing, and even pieces of furniture to help organise their garages and living spaces.

People Prefer Renting Self Storage Units in The Long Term

Self-storage units are becoming more popular, which is why a lot of people prefer renting self-storage units in the long term for their convenience. Based on surveys, people who only planned on renting self storage units for a short period ended up renting for more than a year. Also, according to a poll that the Self Storage Associations created, 13% of the participants rented for less than 3 months, but a whopping 52% rented for more than a year. These surveys and polls show that people prefer renting self-storage units in the long term.

If you plan to rent a self storage unit, it would be best to choose a unit that you can comfortably use. It may be tempting to rent a smaller unit to save on money, but renting a bigger one will let you access more of your things and let you store more in the future.

People Use Self Storage Units for Different Reasons

Some people think that self storage units are only for people who require extra space at home or in their garages, especially since most self storage units are filled with furniture, clothes, and other personal belongings. But some people are using self storage units to store collectables, like books to protect them against harsh weather conditions.

Businesses are also using self storage units to help them with their inventories or business addresses since some self storage facilities today can receive deliveries on their behalf.

Self Storage Facilities Are On The Rise

Since self storage units can store almost anything, it has resulted in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. In fact, self storage is a highly profitable industry as it has generated more than 24 billion dollars annually while contributing more than 3 billion annually in taxes.

Self Storage’s Estimated Cost Is Easy to Calculate

Some people tend to ignore the benefits of renting a self storage unit because of the expenses that you might incur. This is because renting a self storage unit is usually connected to expensive life transitions, including moving to a new home, redecorating and renovating.

Usually, you need to calculate the estimated space that you need so you can determine how much you will spend on the self storage unit. For example, if your bedroom is filled with valuables that you want to store in a self storage unit, the unit may cost around  $100 per month.

When calculating the estimated cost, it would be best to stack boxes and furniture to take advantage of the space vertically. If you are unsure of the cost, you can always talk to the self storage facility’s staff and they will gladly help you out.

Self Storage Has Their Own Do’s and Don’ts

Many people think that they can store almost everything in a self storage unit. But what they don’t know is that there are do’s and don’ts that people should know about, which means that you can’t store everything that you have in mind. Dangerous goods and hazardous items can not be stores in self storage units. Also, perishable food and plants are not allowed because they can attract mould and rodents, which will damage your own self-storage unit and the ones beside your unit.

Self Storage Facilities Outnumber McDonald’s

In the US, a lot of people are using self storage units to keep their homes and office organised and clean and the industry boomed. According to a study conducted in 2015, there are 48,500 self storage facilities in the US alone outnumbering McDonald’s restaurants. This simply means that there are a lot of options so don’t settle for the first self storage facility that you see.

Self Storage Units Should Be Examined First

Not all self storage units are created equally and not every unit is safe for every valuable item you have. That is why it is best to check the self-storage company before renting one out. Narrow down the self-storage units you’ve been eyeing and visit each of them to physically check if there are no holes or damages. Choose one that will give you the peace of mind that you and your valuables deserve.

Self Storage Units Should Be Organised

Some people think renting a self storage unit means tossing whatever boxes they need to store. Keep in mind that your self storage needs to be cleaned and organised regularly and stacking your boxes in the right way will help you access them when needed. You need to make sure that all of the items that you have in the boxes are clean and dry, and are packed in the right way.
If you are going to store furniture, it would be best to use bed linens because it will help your furniture breathe and help them stay protected.

Conclusion

These are the nine facts about self storage units that you should know about before or during renting one. Choose a reputable self storage facility that will take care of you and your valuables for as long as you are with them. Remember to inspect the self storage unit first before settling for one to ensure that your valuables are safe and secured with them.

 

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

 

Organised Fridgeneatly organised storage