Are you in need of some extra space? If so, then you’ve probably considered renting a self storage unit or using a garage for rent. Although quite similar in use, these two come with a set of advantages and disadvantages that make one a better choice than the other.
If you have yet to determine which one you will be renting out, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will be breaking down the pros and cons of renting a garage, thus helping you determine if availing of a garage is right for you.
The Alternative: Self Storage
Before looking at the advantages of renting a garage, it is crucial for you to understand what a self storage unit is, and why it has recently emerged as a popular option as a storage space solution among homeowners and businesses alike.
A self storage unit is a room often used to help provide an extra room or additional storage space within the home or the office. You may use it when you are moving, downsizing, decluttering, and renovating your home. Check this out for tips on How To Declutter Your Office.
The cost of self storage is not as expensive as it seems. Most companies charge customers based on several factors including the demand for units, the size of your self storage unit, the features on your self storage unit, your location, and many more. This, in turn, helps make sure that you are only paying for what is due.
Should I Make Use Of A Garage For Rent?
A garage, on the other hand, is a cheap and versatile storage solution that many homeowners use whenever they require extra space. However, as garages have become less popular and less of a commodity in real estate properties, more and more people are making use of garages for rent instead. If this is something you are considering, here is a list of its pros and cons:
Pros of Using A Garage For Rent
There Are Many Options To Choose From
From residential garages to both private commercial and city council-run garages, there are many options available when it comes to garages for rent. Hence, with rental garages, you won’t have to worry too much about self storage facilities getting fully-booked or losing out on the best deals!
It Will Be Much More Accessible To You
Because there is a bounty of options available for garage rentals, it is also safe to say that it is much easier for one to find a garage in an optimal location as compared to a self storage unit. That means a garage is more likely to be in your immediate area.
Proximity and accessibility are essential when you are storing items that are used quite frequently. This includes a lawnmower, some necessary tools, and your vehicle, among many others. Additionally, with your space nearby, you can easily pop into your rental garage unit after a full day of work, or if your unit is close to your office, sometime during the day.
It is still important to note, though, that many self storage facilities also offer round-the-clock operations, which means if you find the right storage facility, you can drive down to your unit whenever you please.
A Garage Space Is Versatile
A garage will have far more uses as compared to a self storage unit. Aside from expanding your living space and minimising the clutter in your house, you will often have more than enough room in a rental garage to park a vehicle, establish a satellite office for your business, or set-up a workshop or crafts area.
There is also a wider variety of items you may bring into a garage for rent as compared to a self storage unit. Among the things you can’t bring into a storage unit are:
- Paint
- Aerosol Containers
- Fertiliser
- Batteries
- Weapons and Other Explosives
Cons of Using A Garage For Rent
Storage Conditions Are Not Optimal
Most garages are not climate controlled. Therefore, If you are storing fragile items like wooden furniture, electronics, antiques, and fine art in, then you are exposing them to extreme temperatures, dust, insects, and rodents, or dampness that could lead to mould or mildew. Read about the dangers of mould exposure on your items here.
Self storage facilities, however, offer climate-controlled storage facilities for this very reason. On top of that, a self storage facility will see to it that your self storage unit is as clean as possible when you move your belongings in.
It’s Not Entirely Secure
Whilst you and your landlord or garage space provider are undoubtedly doing everything to make sure your garage space is as secure as possible, a lockup garage is just not as safe as a self storage facility.
This is especially true if you are renting a garage connected to someone else’s place of residence. After all, having a garage attached to someone else’s home means there is at least one additional point of entry into your garage space.
Residential garages also often lack the proper safety and security equipment such as security cameras and comprehensive alarm systems. self storage facilities, on the other hand, have 24/7 surveillance equipment, security staff, and regulations that prevent self storage employees from gaining access to your unit.
Garages For Rent Offer Less Flexibility
While garages are pretty versatile, they usually offer less flexibility than a self storage company usually would. Here are some ways a self storage company can provide more flexibility to its customers:
- There is a variety of self storage unit sizes. Naturally, these units also vary in size.
- With that being said, you may easily upgrade or downgrade your storage space without much fuss if you are using self storage.
- Short term storage leases are available, and so are long-term ones. That means you won’t have to worry about getting fined or charged absurd amounts of money for just opting out of your lease.
- There are several payment schemes and payment methods available for you.
So, have you decided between a garage for rent and a self storage unit yet? If you are still on the fence between the two, be sure to understand and examine your needs thoroughly. After all, only you can determine what the “right choice” for you is!
