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Deciding between warehouse storage and self-storage can be tricky. That’s why we put together these helpful pros and cons to help you make the right call:
Warehouse Storage
- Pros: Climate-controlled space, tons of room with high ceilings, full-service moving and packing options, pest control, safety from floods.
- Cons: More services could mean more expensive, no quick access to your items.
Self-Storage
- Pros: Full-access to your items, potentially a lower-cost option.
- Cons: Little options for how much space you can have, few units have climate-control, you have to handle moving your items in and out by yourself, no safety from pests and floods.
Warehouse storage provides secure storage with tons of space and much more protection. Self-storage provides flexible storage that is potentially cheaper, but at the cost of major damage to your items. Do your research and make the right decision for your Philadelphia storage.
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1 out of every 10 Americans rent offsite storage space, and that number is only growing. People moving to the city and ending up with less storage space is a factor, as is the growth of the idea of minimalism, as well as there being people who just can’t stand to throw anything away. There are numerous reasons for why this trend has been happening and it doesn’t seem to be stopping. So, as you join the many other Americans who are storing their items, you may be wondering what the best option for you is: warehouse storage or self-storage.
The Differences
When people think of storage, they may not even know that there are multiple options. For those who haven’t considered storing anything off-site before, all storage seems very similar. So, in terms of warehouse storage and self-storage, which is which?
What is Self Storage?
You may recognize these as the huge complexes, often brightly colored, that are outside of cities and off of highways. Self-storage is where you will find your storage unit.
A storage unit is essentially a locker that’s as big as a garage. These are typically just enclosed within a fence or wall with security. Most of the time, you are given a key to the unit and are allowed to come in and access your unit at any time. All the self-storage company does is rent out the unit to you and provide security.
What is Warehouse Storage?
This version of storage is commonly used alongside moving services. With warehouse storage, instead of renting out storage units you rent out vaults or pallets within a larger warehouse. Your packed items are then stored in your vault or pallet until you need them again. Since your items are fully packed away, you will have to give a heads up if you want to get access to your items.
As mentioned, warehouse storage is often done alongside a move. It is a common option for those temporarily downsizing or temporarily relocating. This means that the moving company is able to pack up your items in the home that you are moving from, take them to the warehouse and store them there, and then, whenever you are fully ready, take your packed items to your new home. The same is true if you’re not moving and just need storage space.
The Pros and Cons
Now that you know the difference between warehouse storage solutions and self-storage, you can begin the process of figuring out which is the ideal storage system for you. Both options are useful, but for different situations. We have laid out some of the most important pros and cons of warehouse storage and self-storage so that you can make a truly educated decision:
Pros of Warehouse Storage:
- Complete climate-control to keep your belongings in top condition.
- Tremendous amount of space. Vaulted roofs mean that large and oddly-shaped items won’t have a problem fitting.
- 24/7 surveillance of your items.
- Typically, a moving company will bring your items to the warehouse right from the home. They are even able to pack your items for you.
- Pest-control
- Protection from flooding
Pros of Self-Storage:
- You have access to your items at your own convenience.
- Easy option for those with just a few belongings to store.
- Can be a lower-cost option.
Cons of Warehouse Storage:
- You have to schedule a time to get access to your items.
- There are more services and more flexibility, which can add up to a higher cost.
Cons of Self-Storage:
- There can be different sizes of units, but there is ultimately a cap in terms of how much space you can have.
- Only a small number of units have climate-control.
- This is not a full-service option. You will have to handle storing your items in your unit and handle removing them.
- Prone to water damage and rodent infestation.
These are some of the key points on the pros and cons of warehouse storage and self-storage. These points won’t necessarily tell you which is objectively better, but they will help you make a decision on which storage option is best for you.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, warehouse storage and self-storage have some important differences. Self-storage is ideal for storing less items that won’t have a problem without climate-control. Warehouse storage is great for storing large quantities of items or valuable items that require certain amenities to be kept in top-condition.
I wish that I could suggest one to you, but the truth is, you’re the only one that knows what’s best for you. Whether you want the security of warehouse storage or the flexibility of self-storage, I hope that this guide can help you make an educated decision that you feel truly comfortable with.