What Needs Storage Units and What Doesn’t? Understand the Difference!
Storage units help us keep our homes and offices organized, efficient, and mess-free. However, not everything requires storage units. Acknowledging the difference between items that need storage solutions and those that don’t is important. So let’s discuss this distinction and help you ease your storage decision-making. Rock Solid Storage has made sure the information is simple and easy to understand.
Items Requiring Storage Units and Those That Don’t: The Crucial Storage Difference and Decision
Items That Suit Storage Units
Household Items
Seasonal Items
Many household items are only needed at certain times of the year. Holiday decorations, for instance, are perfect for storage units. A storage unit frees up valuable space in your home for other important items. Similarly, winter clothing, such as heavy coats and boots, can be stored away during the warmer months.
Large Furniture
Large pieces of furniture, such as sofas, beds, and dining tables, take up a lot of space. When moving, downsizing, or renovating, storing them in a storage unit can be a practical solution.
Appliances
Storing appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves can be advantageous, especially if they are extra.
Personal Belongings
Excess Clothing and Shoes
If your wardrobe is overflowing, better store off-season or rarely worn clothing and shoes in a storage unit. This allows you to rotate and organize your wardrobe according to the season.
Sentimental Items
Sentimental items such as photo albums, heirlooms, and childhood pictures hold significant personal value but can also take up huge space. So you can store them in storage units for a safe and secure environment.
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment like bicycles, skiing gear, and camping supplies are seasonal and only used for some time in a year. A storage unit safely keeps them away when they’re not in use, freeing up your space.
Business and Office Supplies
Archived Documents and Files
Businesses often accumulate a large volume of documents and files only needed for legal or administrative reasons but are not needed daily. Storing these documents in a storage unit results in an organized office space and keeps the important records safe and accessible.
Excess Office Furniture
Extra desks, chairs, and office equipment can destroy your workspace organization. So a storage unit is the ultimate answer.
Specialty Items
Antiques and Collectibles
Antiques, collectibles, fine art and other such items often require good storage conditions to maintain their value and condition. Climate-controlled storage units can preserve these items and protect them from temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Vehicles
Storage of cars, boats, and motorcycles can be challenging, especially if you lack garage space. Storage units designed for vehicle storage offer a safe and secure place.
Hobby Items
Hobby items such as craft supplies, musical instruments, and model trains can quickly consume your space. A storage unit keeps these items organized and safe, allowing you to enjoy your hobbies without heavily burdening your home.
Items That Don’t Suit Storage Units
Everyday Household Items
Daily Use Items
Items that you use daily, such as current clothing, kitchenware, and personal electronics, should remain at home. Storing them away is inconvenient and can disrupt your daily routine.
Consumables
Consumables like food and toiletries should not be stored in storage units. Why? These items have a limited shelf life and require conditions that typical storage units cannot guarantee. Home is an excellent place for them.
Perishable Goods
Plants and other perishable goods don’t go well with storage units because these goods require specific conditions such as refrigeration or sunlight, which are not available in standard storage units. Perishable goods in storage units can get spoiled and will even attract pests.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous chemicals and materials such as gasoline, propane, pesticides, fertilizers, corrosive substances, etc. should not be stored in storage units due to fire and explosion possibilities. Moreover, they should be stored according to specific safety guidelines which storage units may not follow. They are strictly and expressly prohibited in storage contracts.
Pets
Pets need daily care and an appropriate environment to live. Storage units are not well-equipped for pets. They need interaction, food, and water which are obviously not possible in storage units.
Items Needing Regular Care
Aquariums (can be stored though if they are empty), or complex machinery, are better kept at home. Regular care and maintenance are highly needed for their functionality and condition, which a storage unit may not accommodate.
Decided to Choose Storage Units? But What are their Benefits?
Some of the advantages that storage units offer are as follows:
Organization
When unnecessary items move to storage units, create a more organized and comfortable home or office. This also improves productivity and overall well-being.
Security and Protection
Storage units are usually equipped with surveillance cameras, gated access, and climate control that protect your items from theft, damage, and environmental hazards.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Storage units offer flexibility in terms of size, type, and duration. The facilities also provide convenient access hours, making it easy to retrieve items whenever necessary.
Conclusion
Decide carefully because the life of your items highly depends on it and mistakes can ruin your items.
Still confused? Reach out to us today for doubts and concerns!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of household items are ideal for storage units?
Household items that are used seasonally, such as holiday decorations and winter clothing, are perfect for storage units that free up the valuable space in your home and store your items safely until needed.
Can I store large pieces of furniture in a storage unit?
Yes, large furniture such as sofas, beds, and dining tables are commonly stored in storage units. This is especially helpful during moves, renovations, or downsizing.
Are storage units suitable for business and office supplies?
Yes, why not? Storage units can store archived documents, excess office furniture, and other business supplies that are not needed daily and just otherwise in your way.
What items should not be stored in a storage unit?
Items that should not be stored in a storage unit include daily-use items, consumables, perishable goods, hazardous materials, and pets. These items often require conditions that storage units typically don’t provide, such as regular access, proper ventilation, and specific safety measures.
What are the main benefits of using storage units?
Storage units offer several benefits like better organization, greater security and protection for your items, as well as added flexibility in terms of size, type, and rental duration. They have features or amenities like surveillance cameras or video monitoring, gated access, and climate control to protect and preserve your belongings.