While this article spells out 7 reasons why people use a Self-Storage Unit, and we highly recommend you read about all of them, here is a quick list of the top 7 reasons:
- Renovating Your Existing Home
- Moving to a New Home
- Changes in Relationship Status
- A Safe Place for Equipment or Vehicles
- You’re Often in Transit
- Storing Business Inventory or Archives
- Simply Running Out of Space
Compared to other options such as renovating an existing building or renting additional rooms, self-storage units provide an economical alternative for people and businesses wishing to keep their assets and belongings in a secure location that’s protected from the environment.
But beyond the financial considerations, there are several reasons why increasing numbers of people are now using a self-storage unit as an extension of their personal or professional space. Here are seven of the main ones.
7 Reasons People Use a Self-Storage Unit
1. Renovating Your Existing Home
If you’re carving out walls, adding a room extension, or reconstructing a leaky roof, the last thing you’ll need on your carpets, furniture, and appliances is an added layer of dust or building debris.
During those times when home or office improvements are underway, a self-storage unit provides a safe temporary shelter for your valued movable items.
Once the work is complete, you then have the option of removing your belongings from storage and restoring them to their original positions or taking the opportunity to re-plan your interiors.
2. Moving to a New Home
In a complex property market, selling up and moving to a new location isn’t always a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a day. Delays often occur, and without a fall-back option you could be left in a real dilemma if your belongings are set to go, but your new premises aren’t yet available.
Self-storage provides a way station for holding your items until such time as you’re ready and able to move them into their new home.
3. Changes in Relationship Status
When terminating a personal relationship in which cohabitation is involved, it’s often the case that one partner or the other may desire (or even be legally required) to leave the common residence and find alternative accommodation.
On the flip side of the relationship coin, partners forming a new relationship may be in a hurry to leave their existing accommodations and set up house together as quickly as possible.
Either way, a self-storage unit provides a secure resting point for any valued personal items which can’t be relocated immediately.
4. A Safe Place for Equipment or Vehicles
Individuals or organizations who use equipment or hardware that operates on a seasonal basis (such as ski equipment, gardening tools or camping gear) typically won’t want this stuff cluttering up their home throughout the year.
Self-storage units allow such seasonal or surplus items to be safely stowed away during the periods when they aren’t required for active service.
The same holds true for vehicles which may not be called upon for extended periods. Though special terms may apply for the self storage of certain classes of vehicle, the units can provide shelter and environmental protection for cars, boats, motorcycles, trailers, etc.
5. You’re Often in Transit
Frequent travelers may have a need to acquire short-term accommodation that’s incapable of holding all of their belongings (e.g., holiday villas, residence for short-term working contracts). And shifting all of their valuables each time they make a trip may simply be impractical.
A self-storage unit solves these problems by providing the space and protection necessary for holding items that aren’t required on your travels. And rental contracts may be negotiated for whatever length of time is most convenient for the duration of your trip.
6. Storing Business Inventory or Archives
Both large business organizations and smaller entrepreneurs often have the need to store samples, inventory, business archives, and important documents relating to their work. But with office and warehousing spaces taking a serious bite out of their annual budgets, renting larger premises may not be the best or most economical option.
Self-storage units can provide climate and environment controlled “mini-warehouse” facilities at a significantly lower cost than a full-blown property rental. Access to inventory and archives is typically available whenever the owner wants it, and the security controls offered by a reputable self-storage facility give business users the assurance that their valued assets will remain physically safe at all times.
7. Simply Running Out of Space
For anyone who’s running out of space for their belongings in their home or office setting, a self-storage unit provides a secure and economical option for accommodating the surplus. Likewise, self-storage is a sensible option for anyone who’s looking to decongest their existing living or workspace by shifting items that they don’t need to see every day but nonetheless wouldn’t want to lose entirely.
Self-storage units are available in a wide range of sizes, and rental contracts may cover both short and longer terms of storage. Environment and climate-controlled units are available (depending on the storage facility) to accommodate virtually anything – within reason – that you might want to store.
There are usually restrictions on certain items (such as flammable materials, explosives, weapons, and so on), and you’ll need to do some research and consultation before deciding on a suitable facility.
You’ll also need to insure your items against burglary and damage caused by fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other events. Though self-storage facilities may try to sell you their own (typically over-priced and under-specified) insurance, you’re best sticking with a reputable third-party self-storage insurance provider, like SnapNsure™.
Not only will they be able to give you the expert advice and guidance that you need, SnapNsure™ is the only self-storage insurance company to offer “named storm” coverage – and with policies at rates considerably lower than those any self-storage facility may offer.
If you’d like to know more about self-storage options and insurance, contact the experts at SnapNsure™.
