When it comes to finding the right storage solution for your needs, the choice between storage units and container storage can be a difficult decision. Both options offer unique advantages and cater to different storage requirements, whether you’re looking for a temporary solution or a long-term storage.
In this guide, we delve into the key differences between unit and container storage, helping you determine which option best suits your personal or business storage needs.
What Is a Self Storage Unit?
A self storage unit is a room, locker, or other storage space often held within an indoor storage facility that individuals can rent out in order to store belongings. These units are available in a wide range of sizes and offer a safe and secure place for individuals to store and access their personal and business belongings whenever needed.
Storage units are often used by people who are struggling to find space for items in their own homes or business premises. Offering both temporary and more permanent storage solutions, self storage facilities are popular amongst those who are moving home, own a small business, or simply require a ‘spare room’ to store items they may need in future.
Benefits of a Self Storage Unit
Accessibility
Self storage units offer exceptional accessibility for those who require frequent access to their belongings. When owning a storage unit, you are the only person with the key to your padlock, meaning only you can access it, with no need to request for access from staff. Additionally, some facilities like Atrium Self Storage have helpful extras such as lifts, larger loading car parking bays, and free use of on-site trolleys, making it easier for you to transport your items to and from your unit.
24hour Opening Hours
Unlike many storage container facilities, storage unit facilities offer 24-hour / 365-day access to your unit. No need to book a visit or call in advance, simply arrive when you need to and access your unit all hours of the day and night.
For individuals using their storage unit to store excess stock, it’s essential to have the ability to retrieve and store your business inventory on short notice to adapt to changing demands. With a self-storage unit, you can access what you need whenever you need it, ensuring that your business doesn’t miss out on potential opportunities.
Flexible Terms and Sizing
Atrium Self Storage offers flexible rental terms and a variety of unit sizes, allowing you to adjust your storage needs if and when your space requirements change. Whether you need a small locker for a few boxes or a larger unit to store business inventory, there are options to suit your specific storage requirements, allowing you to upsize or downsize whenever you need to ensure you only pay for the space you need.
Use our unit size guide to find the right storage solution for your needs.
Indoor Units
Unlike container storage, self-storage units are typically located indoors, which makes them more comfortable for moving items, especially in bad weather. In addition to protection from the elements, indoor storage facilities provide better lighting and accessibility through elevators, making late-night visits much more pleasant compared to accessing an outdoor container unit.
What Is Container Storage?
Container storage is a type of self storage which utilises larger spaces for item storage, sometimes using shipping containers in an outdoor space or yard. In contrast to self storage units, storage containers can offer much larger storage capabilities, making them ideal for storing very large, inconvenient items such as machinery.
Often used by construction companies, containers offer both onsite and offsite storage, either being stored at an external storage site, or onsite at your premises. This makes them particularly useful for building sites, as materials can be securely kept in a container where they are needed, instead of being needed to be transported from another location during construction hours.
Benefits of Container Storage
Relocate Items
Some container storage facilities offer container relocation services, enabling you to move your items to your preferred location. While this can be helpful for items that are difficult to transport, relocation services can be expensive.
The cost of the move typically takes into account both the weight of the items and the distance travelled. Additionally, particularly heavy items may require specialised lifting equipment, which can further increase the overall cost of moving your container, if so you plan on utilising this service, you may want to add up the costs first.
Store Large or Irregular Items
As mentioned above, storage containers are perfect for accommodating oversized and hard-to-move items. Their spacious interiors make them ideal for storing large machinery, construction materials, or even sometimes vehicles.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses with significant storage needs, as containers can handle bulkier and irregularly shaped items that might not fit in traditional storage units. Additionally, the robust construction of shipping containers ensures that even in outdoor environments, your items remain protected from harsh weather conditions.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Storage Solution
How Often Do You Plan to Access Your Unit?
When choosing between self storage units and container storage, consider how frequently you’ll need to access your stored items. Self storage units typically offer more convenient access, with many facilities like Atrium Self Storage providing 24/7 access, allowing you to retrieve or store items at any time which suits you. This is ideal for those who need regular access, such as businesses managing inventory or individuals with fluctuating storage needs.
In contrast, container storage often has more limited access hours, especially if located in a secure outdoor facility, which can be a disadvantage if you need spontaneous access to your belongings.
What Security Do You Require for Your Unit?
When thinking about the security of your items, it’s important to consider your options. Self storage units, usually tucked away inside indoor facilities, often come with additional security measures like CCTV cameras, access control systems, and individual unit locks, protecting them against unauthorised access, and giving you peace of mind when storing your precious or sensitive items.
Container storage units are typically constructed from durable steel, offering protection against the elements. However, these facilities often lack the extensive surveillance systems found in indoor storage facilities. If your items are particularly sensitive or valuable, container storage may not provide the same level of security and peace of mind that self storage unit facilities can offer.
What Size of Unit Do You Require?
The size of the storage space you require is another key consideration. Self storage units come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from small lockers to large rooms, making them suitable for storing anything from a few boxes to the contents of an entire house.
On the other hand, container storage offers extra space that smaller units cannot, often being able to accommodate items which wouldn’t be able to be easily moved to an indoor self storage unit. This makes them ideal for storing large, bulky items such as machinery, vehicles, or construction materials. If you have significant or irregularly shaped storage needs, container storage may be the better option.
How Much Do You Want to Spend on a Unit?
Cost should always be taken into consideration when choosing between self storage and container storage. Self storage units generally offer flexible pricing plans based on the size and rental duration, with options to adjust as your needs change, making them more cost-effective for short-term or fluctuating storage needs than storage containers.
Container storage can be more cost-effective for long-term storage of larger items, especially if you don’t need flexible access. However, additional costs such as transportation or specialised equipment for moving heavy items should be factored into your total costs. It’s important to weigh the cost against your storage needs and access requirements.
Ready to find the right storage solution for your needs? Speak to a friendly member of the team at Atrium Self Storage.