When you start looking for a storage unit, you’ll find there are both indoor and outdoor units available. It’s important to know the difference between the two in order to preserve the longevity of your belongings. Which one is best for you all comes down to what you’re storing, how long you’re storing it for, and how it needs to be stored. To help you determine whether you need an outdoor vs. indoor storage unit, we’ve compared and contrasted the two.
outdoor vs. indoor storage unit: The pros and Cons
Outdoor Storage Unit
An outdoor storage unit is very similar to a normal garage. They’re outside and arranged in long rows with multiple units. They have concrete floors and walls, no insulation, no temperature or climate control, and you can drive your vehicle right up to it.
Pros
Convenient Access
Access to an outdoor storage unit couldn’t be easier. You’re given a passcode to get through the main gate of the storage facility. You drive up to your unit. Open it up. Load or unload directly from your vehicle. Close up the unit, and drive off. No dealing with sharing elevators with other customers. And there are usually no steps involved when it comes to an outdoor storage unit.
Larger in Size
You can rent a larger outdoor storage unit for a lower price than an indoor unit of the same size. This is usually because it comes with less features and accessibility. But if you’re just looking for a simple storage space, an outdoor storage unit is perfect for you.
Cons
No Climate Control
Most outdoor units do not come with any sort of climate control, meaning you’re at the mercy of the weather. If you live in a milder climate and only require storage for a month or two, lack of this feature might not be a deal breaker. But if you’re looking for long term storage through harsh winters and blisteringly hot summers, you might want to opt for an indoor storage unit. It depends on how you need to store your items. Rapid changes in temperature or humidity cause certain materials to expand and contract, which can lead to irreparable damage. To determine whether or not you’ll need climate control, check out our post with more information.
Exposed to the Elements
While loading and unloading is easier with an outdoor storage unit, you’ll be exposed to the elements as you do so. It could rain, snow, sleet, or hail, not to mention be freezing cold or swelteringly hot. And you’ll have to deal with it all as you load or unload your items.
Indoor Storage Unit
An indoor storage unit is smaller than an average garage but usually has climate control. They’re located in a building with multiple floors and an elevator, and you have access to floor dollies and hand trucks.
Pros
Climate Control
Most indoor storage units come with climate control. This feature is invaluable if you’re storing anything you want to preserve in it’s current state. It may not be necessary for what you’re storing, but you can check if your items need climate control in our post all about it. But a good rule to gauge whether or not something should be stored in climate control is if you’d be devastated if something happened to it.
Even if an indoor storage unit doesn’t include climate control, the temperature fluctuations will be much milder than in an outdoor unit. The building is heated or cooled for customers accessing their storage units, meaning your unit is not directly exposed to extreme temperatures.
Protection from the Elements
Having an indoor storage unit means dealing with the elements a bit less. You’ll still have to move everything from the building to your vehicle, but you won’t have to worry about rain or hail blowing into your unit while you’re looking for what you need. And even if there is a torrential downpour with no lulls in sight, you can load your items onto a dolly and cover it with a tarp to give things a bit more protection while you load them into your vehicle.
Cons
Inconvenient Access
While accessing an indoor storage unit isn’t an obstacle course, it’s a bit more inconvenient than an outdoor storage unit. They’re usually located in a building with multiple floors. Even though most indoor storage units have an elevator, you’ll have to share it with the rest of the building. If the elevator is in use and you’re in a bit of a hurry, you’ll have to go up or down however many flights of stairs to get to and from your unit. And while the company you’re renting from will usually provide hand trucks and dollies, you’ll have to share those with other customers as well.
Smaller in Size
Indoor storage units tend to be a bit pricier for a smaller size than an outdoor storage unit. But with access to an elevator, dollies, hand trucks, and an air conditioned and heated building, you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Once you’ve determined whether you need an outdoor vs. indoor storage unit, it’s time to rent a unit and move everything in. And Moving U & Junk U can help make that process easier. Whether you want us to move everything or only one or two of the heavier pieces, we’ll tailor our service to fit your needs. Our friendly, professionally trained movers will take care of all the heavy lifting and make your life easier on moving day.
Services We Provide
To get your free estimate for packing, moving, or junk removal, give us a call or text at 484-301-2442 or email us at info@movingujunku.com.
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