Self-storage and containerised storage facilities offer individuals and businesses a way to store their belongings securely, but there are critical differences between the two types of storage.
Understanding these differences can help you decide which type of storage is best for your needs. Self-storage facilities generally allow customers to access their belongings anytime, while containerised storage facilities do not.
Containerised storage is generally less expensive than self-storage, but it can be more difficult to access your belongings. Self-storage may be a better option if you need to access your belongings frequently.
However, containerised storage may be the better choice if you look for an affordable and secure place to store your belongings.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Two Types of Storage?
Self-storage and containerised storage facilities offer individuals and businesses a way to store their belongings securely, but there are critical differences between the two types of storage.
Self-storage facilities have owners or operators that ensure the storage units are secure. These facilities are typically owned by private individuals or corporations that operate them as a business venture. These operators typically have a large network of facilities throughout the country and employ staff to maintain the property and the storage units.
Containerised storage facilities allow customers to lease or rent storage modules or containers placed at locations that give them room to operate. These portable containers can be moved from one location to another by crane, truck, or tractor. Containerised storage facilities are managed by companies or private individuals that have portable storage units on their premises.
Self-storage facilities allow customers to rent a unit for as long as they like. Containerised storage facilities limit the time customers can use their unit to a few months or a year. They also offer the flexibility of accessing their possessions whenever they like.
While both self-storage and containerised storage units offer secure storage options, self-storage units offer more self-service options and flexibility than containerised storage units. However, if you need secure short-term or long-term storage, containerised storage facilities offer a viable alternative to self-storage units.
Therefore, what you need is what makes a difference. With no plans to come and go between loading and unloading the container, container storage typically works best for individuals who are storing numerous large items for a longer time. On the other hand, self-storage is your best alternative if you’re like most people and simply need to store items for a short period.
How to Choose the Best Type of Storage for Your Needs?
If you have a lot of belongings to store and need to be able to access them quickly, self-storage might be preferable for you.
Self-storage centres typically offer a wide range of unit sizes and flexible contracts to suit your needs. Containerised storage facilities offer secure storage for your belongings, but you can not access your items as often as you can with self-storage.
If you need a place to store your items long-term, containerised storage might be your best choice.
The Cost Implications of Each Type of Storage
The cost of the type of unit can depend on many factors, including the size of the unit you need and the contract length.
However, there are several areas where the cost of a unit can fluctuate significantly between storage facilities. The following factors can affect the cost of a storage unit:
- Location: The local competition for storage and the prices of storage units will affect your price. Often, it’s less expensive to rent a unit in a less populated area or one without good transport links.
- The Contract Length: In many cases, a longer contract length increases the monthly cost of your storage unit and decreases the amount you’ll pay each month.
- The Type of Unit: The biggest factor in the cost of a unit is the size you need. If you’re renting a unit, consider downsizing to a more cost-effective unit where you don’t need as much space, or consider keeping some of your items at home.
So, as you can see, the cost implications between types of storage can vary substantially between providers.
We recommend that you research and shop around between different providers and types of storage units until you find a unit that meets your needs and is the most cost-effective option for you.
The Time It Takes to Set Up a Containerised Storage Unit
Containerised storage units are portable units stacked on top of each other to create large spaces for storing commercial goods like equipment and furniture.
These units are especially popular with businesses that need secure storage at short notice but don’t have the space for conventional self-storage units. Self-storage facilities are traditional storage units with individual units that can be rented on an as-needed basis.
Setting up a storage unit at either facility typically takes two to three days. However, containerised systems can also be set up on a customer’s premises if space limitations call for it.
Tips for Packing Your Belongings for Either Type of Storage
The common factor in packing your items for storage is that you pack them the same way. However, there are some key differences that you should keep in mind when preparing your items for storage.
Tips for Self-Storage Packing:
- Use small bins or containers to pack small items and store them in these containers to make it easier to access them when needed.
- Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes to make them easier to move and to prevent your items from being crushed and damaged when stacked.
- Wrap your fragile or breakable items in newspaper or bubble wrap to protect them.
- Label your boxes so that you can easily identify them later and know what’s in them without having to open them up.
Tips for Containerised Storage Packing:
- Wrap all breakable or fragile items in thick blankets to protect them when stacked.
- Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top to ensure that anything in the boxes doesn’t get crushed.
- Label your containers with the contents inside and record the contents in each container for easy access later.
- Stack the items you will need most immediately above you so you can access them quickly when you unpack your containerised storage container.
- Be sure to check that you haven’t packed anything you will need anytime soon, as it may be difficult to retrieve it.
- Place a pallet or a sheet of plywood on the bottom of each stack to ensure that it’s stable and secure.
While many think that storage space is simply a square or rectangular room, storage facilities typically allow customers to use space creatively to meet their needs.
Consider how you want to use your storage space when packing your belongings. This will help you determine how to make the most of your available space and make it easier to access your possessions when needed.
One criticism of both self-storage units and containerised storage facilities is that items get damaged when they are stored. While self-storage facilities do not control which customers store their items or how they pack them, containerised storage facilities typically provide secure storage where individual storage units are stacked on top of each other on a secure floor.
This puts less strain on individual containers and reduces the risk of damage during storage or transportation. When storing your possessions with either type of storage facility, you should take extra precautions to ensure that your items are safe and secure.
Summary
Containerised storage is an excellent option for businesses that need to store a large amount of stock or equipment. It is quick and easy to set up, and you can pack your belongings, saving you money. Self-storage is the best option if you are looking for short-term storage.
It is affordable, and you have access to your belongings whenever you need them. However, if you need long-term storage, containerised storage is the better choice as it is more cost-effective in the long run.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any inquiries or require guidance regarding storage solutions and which one is best for your requirements. We will do everything in our power to assist you.