The Different Types of Self Storage Units
Matt Wallace
10 minutes
December 20, 2022
So you need storage? And you're looking online and seeing a few different options to choose which one is the right for you. Each option has a slight different way of doing things and a different price point associated with.
Which one should you go for?
This guide is going to answer that question for you.
1 - Indoor Storage Rooms
Indoor storage rooms are typically the most popular and well-known storage option. They are located within large buildings and have a team that looks after the location on site. They come in a range of sizes and can be used to store different types of items,, such as furniture, documents or appliances.
Positives for indoor storage rooms
The majority of these big storage facilities have people on site (they work in an office in the building during business hours). This is nice if you have any problems with your storage or want to ask someone in person a question about how it all works.
Also, they look very professional with nice signs, nice doors, etc - it gives the customer a sense of professionalism and a feeling of comfort - “if it looks nice, it’ll be safe.” There is a large range of sizes - you can be quite specific with the size room you need.
Another important point is that your items will be saved from many external problems, such as rain, wind, snow, etc, getting you almost double protection.
Negatives for indoor storage rooms
Indoor storage rooms are typically more expensive than container storage, for example (often quite a bit more!). Usually, this type of storage can be more expensive if you compare it to other types of storage. Also, it is good to think about how often you want to access your indoor storage room, most of them don't always have a 24-hour access option, and the access can be restricted to business days and hours.
Wanting to store very large and heavy items can also be a challenge, as you may need to carry your stuff through hallways and sometimes stairs (or in an elevator) to get to your room. This is why ground and first-floor units are often more expensive.
Who are indoor storage rooms the best storage option for?
Indoor storage rooms are typically the most popular choice for most people but especially for people where the price isn't a deciding factor. They are located within a building, such as a warehouse and have people on site, so if you are nervous about your possessions being safe, the indoor storage rooms might be for you.
Another thing is indoor self-storage units can be climate-controlled, so if you’re looking to store valuable items or sensitive materials such as electronic equipment, leather or wooden furniture, seasonal clothing items or even collections of personal, rare, or valuable items.
2 - Container storage
Container storage is a type of self-storage that involves placing your items in individual containers which are located in an outdoor facility. This type of storage has grown in popularity in recent years as it allows for better protection from the elements than traditional indoor storage units, and also typically costs less.
Positives for storage containers
Storage containers are a great option if you’re looking for more affordable and accessible solutions. The cost of rent depends on the size of the container and how long you need it for, but they are a cheaper option if you compare them to indoor storage rooms. They are typically constructed from metal and come in different sizes.
They are also great if you’re looking to store large items, as they’re usually larger than indoor storage rooms and offer drive-up access. Also, they often offer 24-hour access and security features such as secure fencing around the site, CCTV cameras, and large padlocks on the containers protected by steel lock boxes.
Negative for storage containers
The sites are generally less professional than indoor storage room buildings. The criticism that often gets levelled is that mould or dampness can happen in containers which will damage the possessions inside. However, if you choose a company that offers containers in a good condition this will not be a problem. New containers are very good at keeping things dry and well preserved.
Also, usually, they don’t offer climate control, so if you need to store items that can be affected by humidity or temperature fluctuations (such as documents), this type of storage might not be the best option.
Who is container storage the best storage option for?
Container storage is super useful for anyone looking for a temporary place to store their items, such as entrepreneurs or those who are planning a move. They’re also perfect for builders or any business that has to store heavy equipment. Businesses that also store stock (things they need to run their business) - for example, people who sell carpets. They need somewhere to store their goods until they sell them.
3 - By-the-box storage
By-the-box storage is a type of self-storage that requires you to rent individual boxes or containers which can be kept in an indoor facility. The main difference between this and other types of self-storage, such as container storage or indoor storage rooms, is that you don’t need to rent an entire space — you can just rent individual boxes or containers.
Positives for by-the-box storage
Usually, these services offer a specific package that covers a certain number of boxes and the delivery service to your place. They’ll also offer online inventory tracking, so you can keep an eye on your things at all times.
The storage units are usually placed in secure warehouses and they are managed by experienced staff who can help you if you need any guidance with packing or shipping your items. The price will vary depending on the package size but It’s the most expensive storage option.
Negatives for by-the-box storage
You pay for the convenience and you don't have free access to your goods - when you want to access your stuff you have to pay for them to bring it to you. It's only a good option for those who don’t want to store items for a long time.
Who is by-the-box storage the best storage option for?
By-the-box storage is great for those who only need to store smaller items, such as clothes, books or documents without leaving the comfort of their homes. It’s also perfect for businesses and students that need to archive records, documents and books.
4 - Wine Storage
If you thought about Wine Storage, is because you need to store your wine collection in the best possible conditions. At this type of storage you can find specific temperature control systems and the perfect lighting, to keep your wine in a great temperature and humidity levels. Also, it doesn't matter how many bottles you want to store, those units come in various shapes and sizes.
If you want to know what is the difference between a wine storage unit and a climate-controlled facility, well, the difference is the temperature and lightning that the wine will be stored. In climate-controlled units you have fluorescent lights that can affect the quality and texture of the wine.
Besides that, a climate-controlled unit usually has temperatures greater than 21° C
(70° F), this temperature can cause wine to age too quickly, affecting the taste and aroma of your wine. So if you have a expensive wine collection and want to make sure that nothing will happen with them, the wine storage unit can be the best choice for you.
Negatives and Positives of Wine Storage
To rent this type of storage you need to make sure that the unit is maintained to keep your wine collection safe, so visits might be necessary. The cost of rent will vary depending on the type of unit and its size but it can be more expensive than a climate-controlled storage indoor room, for example. Not all storage companies work with this type of storage, but you can find a few options.
But having a designated place to store your wine collection can guarantee that your bottlers will be protected from sunlight, temperature changes and vibrations. Also if you plan to store your wine in the long- term, this is the perfect environment for it.
Final thoughts
There are a variety of different self storage options available depending on your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for indoor storage rooms, storage containers, by-the-box storage or wine storage, you can find something to suit your needs.
Our advice is that you take your time to research the available options as well as the companies and read the reviews carefully, that way you can store your items without worry. To help with your search you can check our list of Best Self Storage Companies in the UK and make the right choice that best suits your needs.
