Self-Storage Mythbusting: Addressing some common misconceptions about Self-Storage

So What Do You Think You Know About Self-Storage?

For many of us, our knowledge of self-storage units comes from TV and movies. You know the ones – the lead character visits a mysterious unit, in a dark, unsafe location to finally take out that motorbike they conveniently need to escape; or the private detective follows clues which lead them to a dusty storage unit where they find – well, who knows?

In short, our perception of self-storage can be quite far removed from reality. It’s time then, to bust some self-storage myths.

Myth: Self-Storage Is For Long-Term Storage Only

Fact: This isn’t true at all. Self-Storage is ideal for short-term storage too. Flexible and versatile, short-term storage is the perfect way to stow your belongings for the duration of a home renovation or move. If you’re a small business owner it can be ideal for storing stock until it’s time to sell or the appropriate season arrives. Maybe you’ve availed of a bulk bargain that’s too good to pass up but there’s no room in your home? Whatever you need short-term storage for, it’s well worth checking out a self-storage unit that you can rent for as short or as long as you need – self storage is even flexible enough to accommodate you if that short term solution you require turns into something longer term. 

Myth: Self-Storage Is Expensive

Fact: Self storage is flexible with a wide range of unit sizes to suit your needs and your budget. A variety of factors can influence the cost of renting a unit – size, amenities, and location being some of them. However, the idea that using self-storage is prohibitively expensive can be comprehensively debunked. 

If your budget has a little wiggle room, then of course you can consider high end units with climate control, right on your doorstep. If budgets are tight, however, smaller units are available at cheaper prices; and if location isn’t a key necessity then a self-storage facility in a less urban area can also be a lower cost. Some facilities may even charge by item to keep costs down, or you could consider sharing your unit – and the cost – with another party. 

Careful consideration and fiscal planning will create an ideal solution for everyone based on their storage needs. Plus it’s important to consider the alternatives – self-storage could save you higher rent on a location with large storage facilities that you may not use to optimal levels, for example. And the convenience, security and peace of mind alone of renting a self storage unit can far outweigh the monetary cost. 

Myth: Self Storage Units Aren’t Secure

Fact: Self Storage Facilities prioritise the security of your belongings. 

Why wouldn’t they? It’s in the interests of a reputable self-storage firm to make security one of their top offerings to make them a first choice selection! 

There are so many ways that Self- Storage facilities can guarantee the safety of your items. Here’s some of them:

• Personalised Entry Codes for individual units
• On-Site Managers
• On-Site Security Personnel
• Clear Lighting

And that’s before we talk tech:

• Digital Keypads
• Magnetic Keycards
• Smart Locks
• Sophisticated Electronic Access systems
• Biometric Authentication
• Heat-sensitive motion detectors
• Bluetooth enabled access mechanisms
• Cloud-integrated Surveillance Platforms
• Alert Systems

Feeling safe yet?!

Myth: Self Storage Is Just For Personal Use

Fact: Self Storage is commonly used by businesses of all sizes to store inventory, equipment, stock for sale online, seasonal items such as decorations; documents, office furniture, archive material, tools etc. 

In fact, it can be a hugely useful way to cut down on the required size – and running costs – of business premises and act as a business base for start ups, sole traders, wfh businesses, online traders and entrepreneurs of all sorts. 

Myth: Self Storage Is Only For Big Items

Fact: Size doesn’t matter! This is another myth that comes from the movies – raise the storage unit door, dramatically whip off the dust cover and bingo – there’s the ‘66 Camaro, the Baby Grand or that Time Machine you’ve been working on.

Self-Storage Units come in all sizes so they’re suitable for items of all sizes – your gym equipment, your summer clothes, your antique train collection. All shapes and all sizes are catered for!

Myth: Self Storage Is Only For Hoarders

Fact: Self Storage helps you to declutter and be organised.

Hoarding is a distressing and widely misunderstood mental health problem and a hoarder unfortunately has a very different mindset from someone who simply wishes to keep their belongings safe. Users of self-storage units generally have no desire to keep their ‘hoard’ near to them at all times – they simply want somewhere safe to keep items that they actively use but not all the time, that they will need again or to which they simply have a healthy attachment – we all like our stuff, right? But some of us just need more space for it and a self-storage unit is an ideal way to keep the smaller homes of today clutter-free without having to give up our precious things. 

Also, Instead of acting as an encouragement to just accumulate more stuff, self-storage actually requires good organisation, occasional decluttering and constant assessment of stored items.

Myth: The Storage Unit Can Sell My Stuff

Fact: That’s fun staged TV, but not real life, so relax!

We’d all love to open an abandoned suitcase with millions in forgotten cash inside, or find an antique that’s so valuable it’s going to change our lives but the likelihood of that happening at a storage unit sale is even lower than the likelihood of it happening at all!

Self storage companies, in reality, have to follow extremely strict guidelines about what to do with abandoned goods,or goods left in a unit where the rent is unpaid – all of which will be laid out clearly in your terms and conditions when you rent inititally so rest assured no one will be wielding a hammer anywhere near your belongings during your rental term!

Myth: Self-Storage Facilities Are Dodgy And Dangerous!

Fact: TV Shows Don’t Represent Self-Storage Facilities realistically!

We can 99.9% guarantee that there won’t be a shootout between a PI and some sort of smuggler when you go to pick up that box. Nor will you open your unit to find the priceless stolen artwork you saw on the news – or an escaped fugitive. A lot of imagination has gone into making self-storage facilities absolute hotbeds of dodgy dealings and dangerous action in fiction, but the truth is that with 24-hour security, constant surveillance from staff and cameras, comprehensive lighting, instant alert systems and carefully monitored entrances and exits users can rest assured that they’re safe as houses when they visit their self storage facility. 

Myth: Self Storage Is Hassle

Fact: Self Storage couldn’t be easier

It’s in the interests of self storage companies to make their offering as hassle-free for their clients as possible. Many offer 24/7 access, for example and those who don’t have extended hours to facilitate everyone’s busy schedules. And the wonder of technology has made managing your storage unit even easier with  accounts, unit access and security easily manageable online with just a tap on your phone screen.

So, as disappointing as it is to crime writers and bargain hunters everywhere, self-storage is a highly versatile, affordable, flexible and secure way to store your belongings, whether they’re for personal or business use; long or short term.

Unlock the freedom of extra space. Get in touch with Storage World today or get a quote online.