Many of us end up with the problem of where to keep all of our belongings. Ideally, there should be a specific place for everything in the home. But this is not always possible. Over time, we seem to collect more and more stuff, but it needs to be stored somewhere. If you are lucky enough to have a garage, this is often the immediate solution to any storage woes. Anything that needs a place but cannot fit into your home often ends up being dumped in the garage.

This may not always be an ideal solution though, as a garage’s main function is a place to keep your vehicle safe from theft and the elements.

Instead of using your garage as a storage space, you may consider using a self storage facility nearby. Self storage units have gained in popularity over the years, and it is not difficult to see why! They offer a choice of unit sizes so there will be a size that can accommodate all the goods you wish to store. It is also a safe, secure environment where you can be assured that your belongings will be well-protected from theft and damage.

Garage Storage vs Self Storage

The garage is undoubtedly a convenient space to store your things. However, it may not be that ideal. Here is a comparison of garage storage against self storage to help you decide which type of storage is better suited to your specific needs.

The Pros of Garage Storage

Garage storage is convenient. Your garage may be attached to the house, or just a short distance away. This is very convenient as you do not have to get into your car and drive to a storage facility to manage your stored belongings.
Garage storage is free which is why many people use their garages as storage space.

The Cons of Garage Storage

Not secure. Although your garage may lock, it probably isn’t monitored by CCTV 24 hours, so it may not be as secure as you think.
Because a garage is so close to your home and so convenient to reach, it may become the general dumping ground for anything and everything in your home that doesn’t have a place. Before long it could just become another cluttered space that is not used for what it was originally intended, which is a place to keep your car.
Garages are not designed for storage, so there is a danger of climatic conditions affecting the belongings that are held there. Damp and excessive heat or cold can damage goods that are stored there.
A garage is a big selling point for prospective homebuyers, so if you are thinking of selling your house soon, your garage needs to be clutter-free and used for its intended purpose.
You may save money on your car insurance if you keep it in a locked garage, so this is another reason to keep your garage for parking your car.

The Pros of Self Storage

When you rent a self storage unit, you want to be sure that your belongings are safe and secure. Reputable self storage facilities understand this and go to great lengths to protect your stored items. These facilities use advanced security measures, such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and on-site personnel, to keep your belongings safe from theft and damage. With these robust security measures in place, you can rest assured that your items will be well-protected, giving you the peace of mind you need.
Self storage allows you to free up space in your garage. It provides a secure and dedicated space to store your belongings, allowing you to declutter and organise your garage. With the variety of unit sizes available, you will find one suitable for your specific needs.
Self storage facilities are a great solution for people who need extra space to store their belongings. These facilities provide extended access hours, meaning you can access your stored items whenever you need to. This is particularly useful if you need access to your belongings frequently.

The Cons of Self Storage

Renting a self storage unit entails a monthly expense. Make sure that the facility you choose has no added fees such as insurance or admin charges to keep these charges as low as possible.
The location of a self storage facility is an important consideration. If it is far away from your home or workplace, you may need to commute long distances to access your stored items. This can be a considerable inconvenience, especially if you need frequent access to your stored goods.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution in the ongoing debate between using self storage units or your garage for storage. The best choice depends on your individual preferences, priorities, and circumstances. While self storage units offer convenience, security, and flexibility, they come with recurring costs and distance considerations.

On the other hand, using the garage for storage presents cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and customisation advantages, but it may limit the functionality of your garage as a place to keep your vehicle.

In the end, it is worth your while to consider the pros and cons of each option to determine the most suitable storage solution that fits best with your expectations and lifestyle.

Stop & Store Fareham

Managing and organising your space at home effectively is important. By choosing a self storage unit at our facility to keep your belongings you can keep your garage clutter-free to use as a place to keep your vehicle.

So when you need an easy storage solution to store your belongings, try Stop & Store Fareham. We will keep your belongings safely and securely.