Why Garage Storage is Better Than a Self-Storage Unit

Why Garage Storage is Better Than a Self-Storage Unit
June 23, 2021

Are you constantly feeling like you have too much “stuff”? If you’re like most people, the answer is yes! Whether you’re tired of cramming storage boxes under your bed, or you can’t fit one more thing in your closets, you’ll need to address your lack of home storage sooner rather than later.

You may have considered renting a nearby storage unit. After all, an estimated one in ten Americans is already doing it.

But is this the best option? Maybe not.

On-site garage storage is almost always a far better choice. If you haven’t considered purchasing a portable garage or shed, now is a great time to explore the possibilities. Here are a few reasons why this could be one of the smartest things you do this year.

Cost of Garage Storage vs. Self-Storage UnitsCost of Garage Storage vs. Self-Storage Units

Cost of Garage Storage vs. Self-Storage Units

At first glance, the upfront cost of purchasing a backyard garage or portable shed may seem intimidating. However, in the long run, having your own garage storage is almost always far less expensive than renting a storage unit.

According to Move.org, a standard storage unit will cost you approximately $60 to $180 a month ($720 to $2,160 per year), while a climate-controlled unit runs anywhere between $75 and $225 per month ($900 to $2,700 per year).

In addition to the monthly rental cost, you’ll often also run into hidden fees and extra expenses. This may include a storage unit setup fee and/or required monthly insurance fees. The facility may also upsell you on extra security features, a more convenient location, and other upgrades that raise your price and pad their bottom line.

Many people don’t realize they can purchase a large storage shed for $1,000 or less. If you think you’ll use your storage unit for at least a year, the investment will quickly pay for itself. Even if your timeline is fairly short, a portable shelter is a durable, long-term solution that will provide you with safe and secure storage year after year.

Versatility

If you’re handy and you would like to save even more money, using a DIY portable building kit will lower your initial costs even further. Not only is this an extremely economical solution to your home storage problem, but it also offers a ton of versatility.

If you decide you no longer need your shelter for storage, you’ll have other options. There are many uses for a temporary garage or storage shed, like hiding holiday gifts, protecting lawn equipment, or even creating a comfortable outdoor workshop.

You could also move it to another location, rent it out, or sell it and recoup a large portion of your initial cost. Use your imagination and the possibilities are endless!

Security

Even though you’re not regularly using the items you’ve put in storage, you’ll still want to keep them safe and secure. Locking your unit will help, but you’ll have to come to terms with the fact that you’ve put a complete stranger in charge of safeguarding your possessions. There’s always at least some concern that your items could be stolen or damaged.

Not only do you not know much about the facility’s employees, but you also don’t know what’s being stored in the units near yours. They could contain dangerous chemicals, firearms, explosives, or a slew of other things you wouldn’t necessarily want near your property.

There’s also a chance the storage unit’s climate control could fail. If it’s not caught in time, this can result in mold, mildew, or pest problems.

When you opt for garage storage on your property, you know exactly what’s going on at all times. You can keep your garage locked, restrict who has access to the keys, and even add your own security cameras.

It’s easy to check your on-site portable garage at any time. This makes it more likely that you’ll catch any small maintenance problems before they become a major issue.

SOJAG Everest Garage storage unitSOJAG Everest Garage storage unit

Convenience

When considering the benefits of buying a portable garage, convenience deserves a spot at the top of the list. Obviously, you won’t purposely put items in storage that you’re likely to need often. However, there’s always a chance the need will arise – otherwise, you won’t have kept them in the first place.

When the time comes, getting the item you’re looking for from an off-site storage unit will be a hassle.

First, there’s the drive out to the facility. Depending on the location, this can be an ordeal in itself.

Unless you’re using a storage facility with 24-hour access, you’ll also need to plan your day around their business hours. And if it’s a major holiday, there’s a good chance you’ll have to wait until the next business day.

Even if you are renting a 24-hour unit, you may feel more comfortable going during the daytime or find that you want someone to go with you so you feel safe and secure while you’re retrieving your items.

Consider how much different the same situation becomes when you have garage storage on your property. When you need an item, all you need to do is walk out to the garage and get it. There’s no waiting, no hassle, and you can even access your stuff on Christmas morning!

Organization

Stacking box after box into your storage unit doesn’t just make it hard to find things, it can also create a danger. You would be surprised to learn how often people are injured trying to pull down boxes that are stacked up in a storage unit.

Don’t take this chance. It makes far more sense to customize your portable outdoor shed or garage in a way that will help keep everything organized.

It’s easy to add shelves, hooks, overhead racks, or even a garage cabinetry system to your portable shed. Not only does this help keep things organized, but it also ensures you’re using all available space to its full potential. This will help you fit more items into the same amount of space and allow you to quickly and easily access your things when you need them.

When you own an on-site garage storage unit, customization allows you to turn it into a much more viable long-term solution. Imagine how much better your life would be if you didn’t have to dig through box after box every time you needed to access something you’ve put in storage. Think about how much money you’ll save by not purchasing duplicate items because you can’t find them when you need them.

Taking the time to organize your space upfront will reduce frustration and give you back hours of time you otherwise would have wasted.

Decluttering

If you’re someone who has difficulty getting rid of things, renting a storage unit will only reinforce this bad habit. When items are placed in an off-site storage unit, they tend to be “out of sight, out of mind.” This severely restricts your decluttering potential and increases the chances that you’ll end up needlessly shelling out money for storage rentals year after year.

Even worse, when you start running out of space, it’s far too easy to tell yourself your unit is too small instead of admitting you have too much stuff. Chances are, you’ll end up simply renting a bigger unit, which will raise your monthly costs even further.

When you have on-site garage storage, it’s easy to pull everything out and reassess whether you still need it. Since everything you’re storing is already on your property, it’s a great idea to thin out your collection by having an annual yard sale. Not only will this help you declutter, but it will also give you a chance to make some extra money each year.

For any items that don’t sell, you can do a quick evaluation to determine whether you’ll put them back in your garage storage unit or donate them to charity. Donating your unused items will help reduce your carbon footprint and allow you to pass them on to someone who can put them to good use.

ShelterCoat Garage StorageShelterCoat Garage Storage

On-Site Home Storage is the Clear Winner

Whether you’re already renting a storage unit or you’re still trying to decide how to handle your lack of home storage, now is the perfect time to consider buying your own on-site storage space. It’s clear that renting a self-storage unit is a bad idea. You’ll end up wasting time and money while lining someone else’s pocket.

Don’t make this mistake!

We have a wide variety of storage solutions to solve your needs. Your options range from inexpensive portable storage units to larger storage sheds or even durable, long-lasting garages.

Take a look through our selection of storage sheds and garages today. You’re sure to find a solution that’s perfect for your budget, available space, and storage needs. Simply choose your unit and we’ll arrange for fast, easy delivery to your home or business.

Have questions or don’t see what you’re looking for? Give us a call! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help.

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