Comparing Outdoor And Indoor Storage
Storage facilities are a great way to free up space within your home or on your property by moving some of your items to a secure location where they can be easily accessed at a future date when you need them again. There are two main types of storage options, indoor and outdoor, which can sometimes be offered at the same self-storage facility. Indoor and outdoor storage options offer a different set of benefits over each other, making them ideal for specific types of storage solutions. Understanding what both types of storage options have to offer can help you determine which is the best fit for your current storage needs.
Outdoor Storage
Outdoor storage units are not made alike. Some storage units are not units at all, but instead are parking spaces or designated covered areas within lots where you can store vehicles and your belongings. Other outdoor storage units are effectively garages that you can drive right up to and load your items into. In either case, they offer little protection from the exterior temperature and rainfall. However, outdoor units tend to be much less expensive than their indoor counterparts, and their sizes usually range much higher, allowing you to store vehicles and large amounts of your belongings relatively easily.
Outdoor storage is best suited for vehicle storage and for other items that may take up a massive amount of space, but are durable enough to withstand a bit of weather exposure without breaking or otherwise degrading. Opting for covered outdoor storage is usually enough protection for boats, RVs, and other types of valuable vehicles.
Indoor Storage
Indoor storage units are located within a building and are insulated from exterior weather conditions. Some types of indoor storage units are climate controlled, which means that you can regulate the temperature and humidity levels within your specific unit – reducing the risk of weather damage. Further, indoor storage units are much less likely to be broken into, since they are several levels within a storage facility. Indoor storage units are limited in the space that they have available, and they will come at a higher cost (especially if you opt for climate control) than outdoor units.
Indoor storage is best suited for homeowners looking to store fewer items, or for items that are particularly fragile and valuable. Opting for climate-controlled storage units is the best bet for antiques and electronics that may be susceptible to moisture and temperature damage.