Store as much as you like for as long as you like
Store as much as you like for as long as you like
If we asked you to draw out a map of your house, and then draw an X in the room where things get dumped the most often, which room would it be? Our bet is the garage.
The garage is the most commonly used ‘dumping ground’ in most homes, and it can be a convenient space to stash things you don’t need to access every day. But it’s not the best place to store delicate items, and it can rob you of a valuable space in your own home. If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering whether it’s time to move to a self-storage unit. To help you make the right decision for you, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons for both storage solutions.
Cost-Effective: There’s no denying that free is the most cost-effective storage solution you can get. Storing things in your garage doesn’t technically cost you anything, as opposed to a dedicated storage space in a facility.
Convenient: Given that your garage is attached to your house, it makes accessing your belongings very easy. Even if you’ve not been storing things in the most organised fashion, it’s much easier to go through when you haven’t had to dedicate time to make the trip.
Loss of Value: A garage, even a small one, is a valuable space in your home, especially if you’re thinking of selling. A cluttered garage when selling a home has been shown to decrease the value, as buyers can’t see the potential in it. And even if you’re not selling, did you know that keeping your car in your garage can actually reduce your insurance.
Encouraging Hoarding: While being convenient to store things in occasionally, using your garage as a storage space can be a slippery slope to hoarding. After all if you have somewhere in your house you know you can put absolutely everything you don’t have a home for, you’ll never end up decluttering, just moving things around!
No Climate Control: Garages aren’t really designed to be ideal storage spaces for anything but cars. Depending on how well your garage is built and how old it is, they can be damp and suffer from temperature fluctuations – getting far too hot and cold. This isn’t too much of an issue for a car – which can handle all of it and more – but it can damage your more delicate possessions like furniture, wine and even electronics.
Security: Again, this does depend on your garage, but generally they are one of the least secure parts of your house. Even if you set up a security system of your own (which really isn’t cheap), they are easy to break into and clear out quickly. If you’re storing anything valuable, then it’s worth considering a proper facility.
Easy Access: Self storage units are easy to access by design. They have spacious lifts, smooth floors, ramps and secure doors that can be opened securely with a unique code or key. They can also be accessed at any time, day or night, so whenever you need to access your belongings, you know you can.
Secure: When you store your items with a self storage company, their safety is a high priority. Every premises will be equipped with state of the art CCTV, access codes and security personnel, and each unit will have a unique lock, so your belongings couldn’t be safer.
Cost Effective: With self storage units you may have to pay for your space, but you only pay for what you use and how long you use it. Long contracts aren’t really our thing, and instead you get to choose when you stay. So if you want to move out in the middle of the month, you’re only going to be charged for the two weeks you were in the unit.
Not Free: Sadly, renting a storage space is not free, like your garage. But thanks to the lack of long-term contracts, it is less expensive than you think, or than other storage options.
Decluttering: If you’re moving things into a self storage unit you will be forced to declutter. This might be a positive for some people, but it’s a difficult process to go through. It can be time-consuming, emotionally taxing and hard to do, so you may need some help.
Distance: Your garage is attached to your house, and sadly a self storage unit isn’t. So whenever you want to access our belongings, you will have to do some travelling. Depending on the facility you choose this could be a long way or just a short distance – but it does involve putting proper shoes on and getting in the car!
At Blue Box Self Storage, we are happy to help with any kind of storage need, from small units for just one week, to large units for long-term. If you would like help choosing the right storage option for you, just get in touch with our team today.