Whether you’re a business owner or a person in need of storage space, it’s important to make sure you choose the best facility for your belongings. Despite what it may seem, there’s a vast difference between self storage and full service storage. While both can be utilized for various reasons, one may be more beneficial for you than the other. Here’s a definitive guide to the differences between full service storage and self storage to help you make the best decision.
What is Self Storage?
What is Self storage? Self storage refers to personal space for individuals to place their belongings for prolonged or temporary periods of time. When people think of self storage, they usually picture large, garage style storage units lined up along a highway. Ranging in size, convenience, and purpose, self storage units can either be drive-up or climate controlled spaces.
Unlike full service storage, self storage allows you to have complete control over your personal belongings. No one will be managing your storage while you’re away, allowing you to pack and organize your belongings however you want. You can access your storage unit anytime during business hours and take things out when you need them.
Types of Self Storage
Most people use self storage for personal belongings. Some people use it for business purposes, but there are disadvantages that come with storing large amounts of company related products in a small, uncontrolled space. In general, self storage is designed for individual use, especially when one is in transition. When choosing a self storage unit, it’s important to evaluate your needs and choose the best option for your belongings.
Moving
Moving is among the most common reasons people utilize self storage. Self storage units are practically designed for moving purposes. Many people use self storage after they move into a new home, need a safe place to store personal items during a transitional period, or relocate across the country.
Organization
Sometimes, people will take advantage of a storage space to declutter their home and organize everything into boxes. This can prevent the need to move to another location while keeping unnecessary belongings outside of your living space or office. Some people will use a storage space to temporarily store away items until they’re donated.
General Storage
People may not have a particular reason or immediate need for a storage unit. Sometimes, they’ll use their storage space to keep personal belongings safe for temporary periods of time. A perfect example of this includes boats, RVs, or motorcycles. Since these vehicles require seasonal conditions, one may store them away during the winter months until the temperature warms up again.
Business
If someone uses self storage for business storage purposes, it’s usually for basic office items. Even so, some small business owners or contractors may use personal storage units for basic odds and ends. This can include general equipment, files, office supplies, or company vehicles.
College
College is a perfect example of a transitionary period. Students rarely have a definitive place to call their own, so they may use a storage unit to free up space for their temporary home. For example, dorms aren’t usually big enough for students to bring their own furniture, so they use a storage unit to temporarily keep their belongings safe.
Remodeling
Renovating your home or office can take several months. If it’s a particularly intense remodeling project, you may not be able to keep personal belongings around the area. With that in mind, many people utilize a storage unit while their homes are being renovated to prevent any unwanted damage to their personal belongings.
Storage Access
There are usually two main types of storage access: indoor and outdoor drive-up. Outdoor drive-up is usually the more accessible and recognizable form of self storage. Individuals usually have an access code or key to a garage style storage unit placed in an outdoor area. Meanwhile, indoor spaces are placed in a climate controlled building. Choosing the correct space depends on your belongings and how long you intend to stay in one location.
Outdoor
Outdoor units tend to be the more common and accessible form of self-storage. Amenities can change depending on the site itself. For example, some outdoor self storage offers a protectable fence alongside their storage units while others may not have that luxury. In general, choosing to go with an outdoor space may depend on your location’s climate and the items you own.
Indoor
Indoor self storage is mostly convenient for its climate controlled environment. These storage units act more as large walk-in closets designed for the most delicate of personal belongings. These storage units protect your belongings from the elements, which may be helpful if you live in a climate that’s harder on fragile items.
Storage Size
The size of self storage greatly depends on how many items you have and the reasons you need the storage unit. For example, a person using a storage unit for office supplies won’t need the same amount of space as someone who needs space for a boat. Self storage spaces can range in sizes from 5 ✕ 5 to 12 ✕ 30 depending on the individual’s needs.
As one may expect, the larger the storage space, the more expensive it is to use. Even so, a lot of space can be filled with the smallest of storage units. It’s best to take inventory of all your belongings to figure out how much space you need, what kind of access works best for the belongings, and how you plan to organize everything once it’s all in the storage unit.
Amenities
Every self storage facility will be different depending on its access type. For example, outdoor storage facilities may offer 24/7 availability to make up for its lack of climate control. On the other hand, climate controlled indoor spaces may include lockers with your storage unit. You may be more interested in a specific type of storage unit based on the amenities they offer with the space you already have.
Climate Control
Climate controlled spaces can be very convenient for locations with particularly harsh conditions. For example, if you live in an area that’s prone to extremely hot and/or cold temperatures, your personal items could be at risk for damage. Climate controlled indoor storage units usually stay between the temperature range of 55 and 80 degrees. Some even include humidity control and other amenities related to the elements.
24/7 or Extended Access
24/7 availability gives people access to their belongings whenever they need anything. While employees may not be available in case of emergency, you can access your storage unit so long as you have a key or passcode. If the facility doesn’t offer 24/7 services, they may have extended hours with accessibility and staff on site to help you.
Lockers
Storage lockers are great for people who don’t need a storage unit or have a few extra items that don’t fit their space. These are typically small, conveniently sized storage units between 2 ✕ 2 and 4 ✕ 5. These are affordable spaces that are great for people who don’t have a lot of personal belongings.
Miscellaneous Storage
Sometimes, self storage facilities offer spaces that are designed for specific types of belongings. Great examples of these include storage units designed for vehicles, businesses, and wine. These storage units may include a specific size or covers that protect these items from damage.
Insurance
If it isn’t already covered with your renter’s insurance or another similar plan, some self storage facilities offer insurance with their unit spaces. This covers all belongings in your storage unit if something were to happen (e.g. break in).
Packing Supplies
Self storage facilities may offer additional packing supplies or locks for an additional fee. Some may offer these supplies completely free of charge. Commonly offered packing supplies include moving boxes and padlocks.
Full Service Storage
The key difference between self storage and full service storage is within the names themselves. Unlike self storage, experienced team members manage and package your belongings while you focus on other things. This is more commonly utilized by business owners who may not have time to manage all of their products and belongings.
Full service storage includes packing, carrying, boxing, storing, and transportation of goods within the storage facility. It tends to be less affordable as self storage, making it less popular for people who just need a place to store their belongings. For business owners, full service storage facilities can be a great asset when more work needs to be done outside of the space.
The Process
The full service storage process begins with packing for free or with an additional fee. Once your belongings are all packed and ready to go, the company will pick them up for you. Some companies will inventory your items and make sure everything is accounted for. Finally, they’ll transport all your goods to the warehouse and store them there for team members to oversee.
Facilities can vary in quality, customer service, and amenities. Before deciding on a warehouse to house your products, make sure you do plenty of research ahead of time. If possible, ask for a tour of the facility to make sure everything is up to standards. If they don’t offer tours, look at reviews and customer testimonials to see how well they manage products within their facility.
Safety and Convenience
Overall, full service storage takes away the stress that comes with transporting and moving products. When a professional team is in charge of your belongings, you can relax and focus on other important things. A full service storage facility will take care of your products in an efficient and timely manner, which can be vital for business owners.
Increased Price
Once distinctive difference between self storage and full service storage is definitely the price. When it comes to full service storage, you get what you pay for. Full service storage requires more team members, logistics, and specialized equipment.
Due to these reasons, the price range can elevate in comparison to self storage. With that said, rates can vary by facility depending on location and amenities. There are affordable options available, you’ll just need to find a good balance between price and quality of services.
Improved Technology
As technology continues to improve, so does the wellbeing of your products in storage. Some facilities even give their customers the ability to monitor their products via mobile devices. Digital inventories make it easier to access all your products and services by phone or computer, allowing you to view their storage status anytime.
Management
Full service storage gives customers the opportunity to focus on other responsibilities while they handle your belongings. This can be especially helpful for business owners who can’t always afford to be there in-person. At the same time, the facility should still allow their customers to enter the building with necessary communication devices. Overall, the facility should include a well developed management team that you can trust with their services.
Pros and Cons
Self Storage
Pros:
- Typically more affordable
- Flexible access to your belongings with longer hours
- You have sole access to your belongings since you’ll be the only person with a key or passcode to the storage unit
Cons:
- Self storage facilities vary in security, pest control, customer services and cleanliness
- Self storage facilities are sometimes restricted by monthly contractual obligations
- There’s a risk of accidentally paying for more space than you need
Full Service Storage
Pros:
- Items are picked up, packed, and delivered to you
- Overall convenience, security, and product management
- Items are inventoried and can be viewed digitally
Cons:
- Some facilities include additional pickup and delivery fees
- All items must be delivered, meaning you can’t pull out belongings on your own
- Scheduling delivery appointments can be difficult if you’re in immediate need of an item
OnDemand Storage
OnDemand Storage offers self storage and full service storage options for anyone in need of space. If you’re a local to Boston, our self storage facility offers some of the best amenities for individuals in need of a safe place to keep their belongings. For business owners, our full service storage amenities include pickup, delivery, inventory management, and storage of your products. Contact us today to learn more about our Boston self storage and full storage services!
