Which is better – Indoor, or an Outdoor Storage Unit?

If you have never rented a storage unit before, chances are you’re having a hard time trying to determine which type suits you best. Understandably, a lot of people think these units are just garage blocks with no distinct features. But now that several affordable storage facilities have surfaced due to the growing storage needs of many, you’ll be surprised with how different these storage spaces can be!

Let’s take a deep dive into two of the most common types of secure storage units to help you figure out whichever is more practical for your repository requirements.

Indoor and Outdoor Storage: What’s the Difference?

Indoor storage units are usually located inside a multi-level building. The storage experience is more like having a home office or walk-in closet where you can access the doors from the inside of the building as opposed to drive-up access. Oftentimes, they are smaller and are lined up on hallways on multiple floors, which is perfect if you want your unit to be climate-controlled. This type of storage is typical for urbanized areas as they take up less space and can fit suitably in buildings within metropolitan cities.

Outdoor storage units, on the other hand, are usually larger in comparison to indoor storage units. They are enclosed in garage-like spaces, armed with locks and clear driveways that lead you directly to each unit. These storage spaces are most especially useful for storing large items, vehicles, or when you’re on the move.

Indoor and Outdoor Storage Units: The Pros and Cons

1. Climate Control

As mentioned earlier, if you’d like to keep your items crisp for longer periods, then an indoor storage solution may be the right option for you. For instance, you can store expensive pieces of clothing, antiques, or other valuables that you’d like to stay in their original state for as long as possible. A climate-controlled space that an outdoor storage unit can’t provide is critical for preserving such materials. In some cases, climate-controlled outdoor units are available but bear in mind that the cost will be much more expensive.

2. Space

The efficiency of both types relies on how much space you need to store your properties properly. If you’re simply thinking of basic addition to a small home that’s filling up, then an indoor storage unit will work just as fine. These units will be safeguarded from extreme weather conditions, and you will be enjoying the benefits of added secure storage that the facility will provide. Plus, you won’t be paying for space that you don’t need.

However, if you have large items that need a much larger space for convenient storage, then an outdoor storage unit is your best choice.

3. Convenience

This is one of the biggest factors to consider before deciding on which unit to rent. Driving up directly to your unit is the biggest advantage of getting an outdoor storage space. Nothing beats the convenience of driving directly to the location where you’d unload your items, especially when they’re heavy! If you’re storing pieces of furniture or extra-large boxes, it is best to rent an outdoor storage unit.

4. Short-term or long-term?

How long do you plan to store your valuables? If you’re someone who’s thinking of storing your items for a short period, then choosing a unit type might just be a matter of size and budget. In this case, choosing either of the two types won’t make much of a difference.

But if you’re thinking long-term, then it is best to prioritize factors like safety and affordability. If your material needs to maintain its quality for a longer period, make sure it’s kept in a climate-controlled space with a bit of care. If your stuff includes outdoor or camping equipment that could be easily stored, then an outdoor storage unit is the way to go.

At the end of the day, what counts is your needs as a renter, so don’t get easily swayed by other people’s opinions especially when they’re unaware of your storage needs. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a storage facility near you, and they’d be happy to help you out in getting the storage unit that you need the most.