More and more people are finding themselves with more stuff than they have space. Maybe you inherited a few dinette sets, or you have a bunch of seasonal decorations that you only need for two weeks a year, or maybe you have a spare vehicle taking up much-needed space in your garage. Whatever your space-problem, self storage units and car storage units could be the answer. Looking for some storage unit tips? Keep reading.
Professional storage units supply you with a personal and private space in which to secure your valuables, whatever they may be. You may think all storage units do the same thing – offer you more space, for a (usually monthly) fee – but that’s not always the case. Check out these three storage unit tips to get the most out of your space.
- You have tons of options. In the United States, there’s been a boom in popularity recently, with a 65% increase in the number of Americans who rent storage space between 1995 and 2012. As of 2012, about 10% of adults in the U.S. currently rent a storage unit for their belongings.
All that demand means plenty of supply. There are about 52,500 storage facilities in the United States today, and approximately 2.3 billion square feet of storage space ready to rent — that’s about 21 square feet per American household.
Financially, the storage unit industry is a beast. It employs 172,000 people in the U.S., generates around $22 billion in revenue, and contributes nearly $3 billion in state and local taxes each year. - Quality matters. Especially if you’re looking for a place to store something with financial or sentimental value. The best units should be spotless and nice and dry — moisture in the air can cause mold to grow and ruin your belongings.
You should also be able to access your unit whenever you want to: seven days a week, and maybe even 24 hours a day. You never want to miss out on a nice drive or a weekend of putting up Christmas decorations with your family because your storage unit is closed for the day. Drive up access is also a huge plus — no more long walks when you’re loading and unloading, and no more navigating exhausting staircases.
Keep a lookout for highly secure storage units; many of the highest quality facilities have electronic gates to ensure the safety of your belongings 24/7. - Storage units aren’t just for stuff you don’t want. Storage units can often be the perfect storage solution for prized possessions that you only use once in a while, or seasonally.
Convertibles, recreational vehicles, boats, and all terrain vehicles are all great examples. Many storage units specialize in secure car storage, and you can even opt for long term car storage if you’re taking a break from your vehicle.
You can use a professional storage unit to store summer vehicles and motorcycles during the winter. This will not only free up space in your garage or driveway; it will also protect your vehicle from weather-related damage like rusting and water damage. You can even take advantage of storage units when you know a storm is on the way — be sure your vehicle is safe and sound before the storm hits!
If you own a recreational vehicle but only use it for a few weeks each year, a storage unit could be your best friend. It would allow you to clear your driveway and lawn, while still having every-day access to your RV. It will also help you avoid extra maintenance from weather-related damage and wear.
And if you have a boat for those summer trips to the lake, store it in a secure unit during the off season to protect its longevity.
Follow these three storage unit tips to stop worrying about space — use these helpful storage unit tips to save your belongings from weather and humidity, and enjoy your new empty driveway! More.