Garage vs. Self-Storage: Which One Is Better?
People are often confused about whether they should get a self-storage unit to keep their possessions or just leave it in their garage. Depending on the number of things you have, a self-storage unit from a reputed company like SecureSpace Self Storage will give you enough space and security to store your belongings. It is not always easy to decide where to store your precious belongings. You must consider the pros and cons of both garages and self-storage units before making a choice.
Garage Storage Pros
- Convenient solution: Your garage is attached to your home. You can access it anytime you want. You won’t have to drive to a self-storage center to get anything you need.
- Cost-effective: Storing all your extra items in your garage will not cost you anything. Since the garage is a part of your house, you won’t have to pay for the storage space.
Garage Storage Cons
- Not climate controlled: Depending on where in your house it is located, a garage can be moist, too cold, or too hot. This type of extreme temperature can damage some of your items like wine, furniture, and electronics.
- No security: Your garage may not be the most secure place to keep some of your valuable items. A garage is not going to be monitored round the clock. Installing a CCTV camera can also be very costly.
Self-Storage Space Pros
- Easy access to belongings: While a self-storage space may not be attached to your home, if you choose a company like SecureSpace, the storage units will be centrally located and easy to access. You will also get to choose from various sizes and types of storage units. Not just that, keeping the pandemic in mind, you won’t have to visit the unit and can tour the unit virtually and choose a contact-free move-in option.
- Safe space for your possessions: A self-storage unit is much more secure than your garage. It will have gated access, high walls, CCTV monitoring, locked buildings, alarms, extra lighting, and sometimes even 24/7 security personnel. You can rest assured that your luggage, furniture, and other possessions are secure in self-storage units.
- Self-storage units may be cheaper in the long run: While it may look like your garage is a cost-effective option to store your belongings because you don’t have to pay for it, a self-storage unit may work out cheaper in the long run. If you fill your garage with your furniture, clothes, and other boxes, then you won’t have space to park your car. And parking your car outside could increase your insurance premiums. Depending on your car’s value and the risk factors involved, you may end up paying more than what you would pay for a self-storage unit.
- Self-storage units will help you declutter: We tend to hoard things when we store them in our house. But when you choose a self-storage unit, you will be forced to sift through your belongings and keep only those things that you feel are important. You will be prompted to get rid of unwanted clutter.
- Versatile: Your garage space will give you only limited space to store all of your belongings. If you acquire anything new and want to store more old things in the garage, you may not have enough space. But self-storage units are versatile and come in varying sizes and shapes. All of your items can get stored in one place comfortably.
Self-Storage Unit Cons
- Not free: While self-storage units may turn out to be cheaper than garages, in the long run, you still have to pay for them. You must consider the costs of different units before choosing the one that is right for you.
- You will be forced to throw out things: Keeping things in your garage becomes convenient because you can just dump everything you have there. But with self-storage units, you will have to check each and every item and keep only the ones that are necessary, which can be a time-consuming process.
- They are not attached to your home: Self-storage units are not a part of your home. You will have to transport your belongings in your vehicle to the units. This can be a little inconvenient.
- Garage vs. self-storage unit: While a self-storage unit may have a few disadvantages, it still seems like a more convenient option to store your belongings. Keep your specific needs and requirements in mind before choosing between a garage and a self-storage unit for keeping your belongings long-term.
