Whether you’re downsizing, in between homes or have simply accumulated too much stuff for your home to hold, storage facilities are the answer. They can house anything from sporting equipment to electronics and other valuables. The key, however, is to get the right kind of storage unit for your items.

Most storage units come in varying sizes, from small pods to large, shed-sized units. They may or may not be climate controlled. Depending on the storage rental company, the time frame could be as short as a day or as long as many years. Here’s an overview of the different types of storage facilities:

  • Drive-up storage: Drive-up storage allows customers to pull their vehicles right up to the door for easier moving. They usually have doors that roll up like a garage door, and often come in comparable sizes. However, you’ll need to check with management about whether you’re allowed to store your car on the premises (and determine whether your insurance will allow it, too). The units may be grouped together or in separate “buildings,” depending on the company and their specific setup. Before storing delicate items, inquire as to whether the storage units are climate controlled and sealed.
  • Indoor storage: Indoor storage is the most likely to be climate controlled, which is key for electronics, clothing, linens and other items that could get damaged in extreme heat, humidity, cold or other inclement conditions. Usually, these units are contained in a larger building. You may be able to use the facility’s dollies or other moving equipment to tow your stuff around. If the unit is located near the outer wall, be sure to ask management how this will affect the climate control in your specific unit.
  • Outdoor storage: These storage units are usually covered and partitioned off by wire mesh, so they’re best suited toward outdoor equipment like boats, cars and RVs. In other words, you won’t want to store your pristine classic car in an outdoor storage unit—but it might be a good place to park your boat and trailer during the offseason. Expect that rain, snow, dust and other outdoor conditions will reach your items.
  • Mobile storage: This type of storage unit is great for when you need to store items temporarily on your own property. You can also use them to store your items on the company’s premises. The company will usually deliver storage “pods” to your home, which you can fill over the course of days, weeks or months, if you choose. The company can move them back to their location, or take back the empty pod when you’re done.

When choosing a storage unit, it’s important to think about what kind of care your items require. You should also get a general sense of the amount of space you need. If possible, pull out all the applicable items and measure how much space they take up when appropriately packed and stacked.

If you’re still not sure, one of the helpful staff members at A Plus Storage Corporation can help. Call today to get started.

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