Making The Choice Between Self Storage And Portable Storage: Part 1

Storage solutions are a safe and convenient way to store your belongings during a transition or when you simply require extra space.  

However, with both being excellent options, each providing great benefits, which one should you pick?  

The answer comes down to what you need out of the storage solution, and to help you decide, we have broken down each solution and provided questions to ask yourself before choosing one that will best fit your needs.  

What are Portable Storage Containers?

Portable storage containers are large, mobile storage units that are brought to your home where you fill them with your belongings. Once you have filled the container, the company providing the container will transport it to your new home or to a secure storage facility for safe keeping.  

When you’re ready, your container will be redelivered to your new home where you can unload your belongings. In short, portable storage containers make moving and storage incredibly easy by conveniently delivering the unit to you.  

Advantages of portable storage containers are that they are an excellent DIY moving and storage solution , they allow you to pack at your own pace, and the overall cost is typically much less expensive than hiring a full service moving company.

For a deeper dive into portable storage containers, check out our ‘Why portable moving containers? Pros and Cons’ article.  

What are Self-Storage Units?

Self-storage units are storage units that you have direct access to. Many self-storage units allow 24/7 access and come in various sizes and unit types, such as temperature-controlled units for temperature-sensitive items. These units are also located in highly secure facilities with surveillance and other security measures.  

Self-storage units allow you to store your belongings for as long as you need with no pick-up or delivery fees. If you want to downsize before a move or temporarily hold your belongings to make a move easier, self-storage units are a fantastic choice.    

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What to Ask Yourself Before Deciding  

Now that you know what each solution is and some of the benefits they provide, you should ask yourself a few questions before deciding which one is best for your needs.

How Much Are You Looking to Store?  

If you want to store an excessive amount of stuff, you are better off with self-storage units as they come in numerous sizes to accommodate your needs. Portable storage containers offer very few sizes, while self-storages come in a large selection of sizes.  

If you want to know how best to organize your self-storage unit, check out our ‘How to organize your storage unit like a pro’ article.  

Are You Storing that are Temperature-Sensitive?  

If you are storing electronics or other temperature-sensitive items, your best bet is a temperature-controlled self-storage unit. Portable storage containers only offers outdoor storage.  

If you are storing valuables in your self-storage unit and want to know how best to pack them to avoid causing damage, give our ‘Packing Boxes for Self-Storage: How to Save Space While Keeping Your Belongings Safe’ article a read.

How Often Do You Need Access to Your Unit?  

If you need consistent access to your items while in storage, , you are better off with self-storage as you can access they anytime, 24/7.

If you have the space , consider storing your portable storage containers onsite at your property.  In this case, it serves as an extra garage, making accessing your belongings extremely easy.  

In the end, self-storage units are the best options for storing many items for a prolonged time while also providing consistent access.  

Portable storage containers are ideal for temporarily storing items while moving, especially if you have many bulky items and are moving very soon.  

However, either option provides secure storage solutions that are great for those who need extra space when moving.  

To learn more about all of the storage solutions available, give our ‘Different types of storage units explained’ a read.  

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