Indoor vs Outdoor Self Storage Solutions
Have you been looking for a space to store items away from your home? Maybe you’re embarking on a renovation project, need to tidy away seasonal items like skis or garden furniture or perhaps you’re about to move house. Or maybe your business needs a space to stockpile office furniture, tech equipment, files or documents. A self-storage unit might be your solution.
But did you know that different types of self-storage units exist? You can store your items in indoor self-storage or outdoor container storage facility. We know that finding the right solution is important, so we’re here to break down the pros and cons of outdoor and indoor storage facilities.
Indoor Self Storage Solutions
Think of an indoor storage solution like the walk-in closet you never had! All units are located in the interior of a large building. They’re often situated in built up areas and used to store items such as electronic equipment, files, documents, furniture, sports equipment and artwork.
The big ticks:
Indoor self-storage is ideal if you’re looking to store items of value, or sensitive, confidential materials.
✓ Cleanliness
Indoor storage tends to be a cleaner option than outdoor storage. Naturally, outdoor storage is exposed to more dirt, rain and dust which can creep in through the cracks of the unit affecting your belongings.
✓ Fewer pests
Indoor, enclosed self-storage units are more resistant to insects and animals. The points of entry for pests are much lower with indoor facilities.
✓ Secure
Security tends to be tighter in indoor storage facilities. In order to get to your belongings an individual would have to enter a building before even making it to your unit. Plus, many facilities have a range of security measures in place to include surveillance cameras, security gates, alarm systems and individual unit locks.
✓ Climate control
Changes in temperature can damage belongings especially those made of wood, plastic or rubber. Indoor self-storage units are often climate controlled to keep the space at a consistent temperature and humidity level. This can help protect items from damage due to extreme temperatures, moisture and pests.
✓ Location
Indoor self-storage units are often located in easily accessible places making it convenient to access your unit when you need to.
✓ Convenience
Many indoor self-storage facilities offer a range of solutions such as moving lorries, packing supplies and a trolley to help you move your belongings in and out of your unit.
The usual drawbacks:
✗ Accessibility
You’ll likely have to use lifts or stairs to access your unit, and many facilities push the prices up on ground floor units. Bear this in mind if you’re looking to store big items - you might need to get them upstairs and down corridors to reach your unit space.
Did you know?
At Dickens Self Storage, we make it easy to store your belongings regardless of whether you need a small, large or direct vehicle access self-storage unit - we’ve got plenty of unit options available and accessibility isn’t an issue whatever you choose.
✗ No 24/7 access
Many facilities are locked outside of business hours, which is a big thumbs up for security, but means you can’t access your items at any time of day.
Did you know?
If 24/7 access is what you need, we do offer some 24hr access units at Dickens Self Storage.
✗ Units might be smaller
It’s worth doing your research, but, in some cases, units tend to be on the smaller side as urban sites generally have less space to play with.
Did you know?
This isn’t a problem here at Dickens. From 10 sq ft all the way up to 100 sq ft, at Dickens Self Storage we offer different unit sizes to meet unique requirements. Use our storage unit size guide to work out what’s best for you.
Outdoor Self Storage Solutions
An outdoor storage solution is a bit like owning a very big garden shed. Outdoor container storage generally consists of shipping containers that have been converted into individual units. They’re often made of steel and are weather resistant.
The big ticks:
Outdoor storage is ideal if you’re looking to store big items such as vehicles, machinery or boats.
✓ Cost-effective
They’re often a more affordable solution than indoor storage units and tend to have more flexibility in their contract terms.
Did you know?
At Dickens Self Storage we offer an easy in/out policy meaning you can store items immediately, and move out with only 7 days’ notice period. You also won’t pay a penny extra on the rent of your indoor self-storage unit for a whole year.
✓ Space
Outdoor storage containers come in various sizes meaning you can select the right container for your individual needs. If you’re looking to store larger items such as vehicles, boats, machinery, then outdoor solutions tend to be bigger and more accessible.
Did you know?
At Dickens Self Storage we offer different unit sizes to meet most requirements, check out our handy storage unit size guide.
✓ Accessibility
Most outdoor storage containers are located on ground level, making it easy to drive up to the door and unload your items.
Did you know?
At Dickens Self Storage we have direct vehicle access units allowing you to drive up to your unit and easily unload your belongings.
✓Security
Most outdoor storage containers are located in a secure compound with heavy duty locks, surveillance cameras, flood lighting, security fencing and controlled gate access.
Did you know?
At Dickens Self Storage we have round the clock security with interior and exterior CCTV and each unit has an individual alarm.
The drawbacks:
✗ No climate control
This can lead to mould, mildew and pest infestations. If you’re storing items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, then an outdoor storage unit might be risky.
✗ Security
Whilst it’s likely that an outdoor storage facility will have locks and security systems in place, they are still more vulnerable to damage from vandalism and theft.
✗ Weather
Bear in mind that the external material of your outdoor storage container will be exposed to the elements - rain, snow, extreme temperatures and sunlight which might result in damage.
✗ Accessibility
Outdoor storage facilities tend to be located in more rural areas which can make them harder to access. Heavy rain or snow can also make entering or leaving your storage unit difficult.
So, Indoor or Outdoor?
Ultimately, the decision to choose an indoor or outdoor self-storage facility will largely depend on what you need to store, your budget, and your unique requirements for storage. We hope that the above guide will have helped you work out what is right for you.
If you’re unsure what self-storage unit you need and would like one of our helpful team members to assist you at your convenience, why not request a call back below?
