According to Mordor Intelligence, the self-storage industry continues to rank as “one of the fastest-growing segments of the commercial real estate market since it’s debut 36 years before.”
With the self-storage boom reaching new decibels, renters can expect to hear of countless new names in self-storage like Neighbor—a peer-to-peer, self-storage marketplace—along with a drove of newly-introduced storage unit options and features.
Need a storage unit finetuned for delicate electronics or musical instruments? There’s a climate-controlled, self-storage facility for that.
Wanting a storage space that’s located right in your own neighborhood? A peer-to-peer storage marketplace like Neighbor has got you covered.
Looking for a storage solution big enough for a Class-A RV? Have no fear. A self-storage solution that meets your criteria is well within reach.
The first step in choosing the right storage solution for you is to understand what’s out there. If you’re new to the self-storage universe, you may not know of all the options that are right at your fingertips.
Untapped growth in the self-storage industry promises endless possibilities. So, take a look at what’s on the menu of self-storage solutions in 2023.
Indoor Storage Options
When it comes to storage, there’s no solution quite like the Great Indoors.
While outdoor storage sheds will suffice when stowing away your gardening tools and patio furniture, you should consider an indoor storage unit (preferably a climate-controlled unit) if you plan to store any of the following items:
- Antiques
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses
- Musical instruments
- Electronics
- Important documents
- Appliances
Benefits of Indoor Storage Units
High-grade security
Safety is a priority when it comes to storing your belongings.
Indoor storage units, located within larger facilities, are accessible only to authorized customers only, ensuring your belongings stay safe and secure. From 24-hour surveillance to password-protected access to efficient lighting and secure locks, an indoor storage unit will safeguard your belongings from theft and vandalism.
The security features of an indoor storage unit not only instill peace of mind in renters but lower legal costs, as well as insurance costs, for storage facility owners.
Climate control
Storage units marketed as “climate-controlled” maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, ensuring your valuables (like your fading-prone family photos and your rust-prone appliances) are out of harm’s way.
A climatized storage unit is a must-have for hobbyists like wine collectors, as wine demands cool, stable temperatures—preferably around 65° F. If you’re a seasoned sommelier or a budding wine enthusiast, a climate-controlled storage is the key to preserving the quality of your collection.
Weather Protection
Mother Nature is unpredictable, but with indoor storage units, you can stay one step ahead. These units shield your belongings from extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, debris, and even pests.
So whether it’s a scorching summer or a freezing winter, your belongings stay safe thanks to the insulation, air conditioning, and other weather protection features afforded by these indoor storage solutions.
Be it earth, wind, water, or fire, protect your belongings from the elements.
Types of indoor storage units
Drive-Up Units
Convenience is king, and drive-up storage units wear the crown. Imagine driving your car or truck straight up to the door of your unit, loading or unloading items with ease. That’s the joy of drive-up units – quick, convenient, and efficient.
If you have bulky, heavy items that need storing—think a four-seat sectional or a grand piano— a drive-up unit spares you from the hassle of lugging a 350-lb couch up three floors of indoor storage facility (not to mention, save you from the overexertion backache).
Interior/indoor hallway storage
A more budget-friendly option, indoor-access storage facilities shield renters from extreme weather. That way, you won’t have to rummage through boxes, with hail and rain pelting you from either side.
Besides insulation from the elements, indoor-hallway storage facilities are also well-lit and locked out of the reach of non-customers, maximizing security.
Outdoor Storage Solutions
When most of us think of storage units, we think of indoor storage spaces tightly packed with holiday décor, furniture, home furnishings, appliances, and sentimental items.
But did you know that self-storage applies to your cars, RVs, dirt bikes, tractors, and boats, too?
Thanks to outdoor storage options like rentable parking lots, parking garages, or driveways, you can park your boat on a property closer to your lakeside cabin, stow away your RV without incurring any fines for illegal parking, and even give your jet skis a temporary home once winter rolls around.
Types of outdoor storage
While there are both indoor and outdoor options for vehicle storage, even the largest of storage units won’t be able to contain a Class A RV that’s 21 to 45 feet in length or a 19′ cruiser boat. In these cases, you’ll need to opt for an outdoor storage solution. Above all, the size and type of vehicle will inform your storage options (indoor vs. outdoor).
Similarly, the number of vehicles you need to store will determine your eligibility for an indoor storage unit. Though you may able to p ark a single car in a drive-up 10×20 storage unit, storing an entire business fleet won’t be possible within these dimensions.
Car Storage
Playing a game of driveway Tetris ? Constrained to a two-car garage that can’t fit the four cars in your name? In that case, you may need a safe haven for your extra sedans, trucks, vans.
Vehicle storage is more than just a space; it’s a solution. Whether you’re looking to declutter your driveway, or safeguard your business investments (like your fleet vehicles), car storage is the answer.
Boat Storage
Docking fees can burn a hole in your pocket, and a boat in the driveway can be an eyesore. By opting for an indoor or outdoor storage unit (depending on your budget and the size of your boat), you can keep your driveway clear and save on those hefty docking fees.
RV Storage
Because parking your RV on residential streets is illegal and parking your RV in your driveway could lead to complaints filed against you, it’s in your best interest to park your RV in an off-site storage location.
As an RV owner, you’ll have the choice between covered (high cost, low risk) and uncovered storage (lower cost, higher risk).
Custom Storage Sizes
Storage units aren’t only broken down into indoor vs. outdoor varieties. You can also handpick a storage unit according to size.
Small Storage Units
Small storage units, like a 5’x5′ storage unit, are roughly the size of a walk-in closet
A small storage unit like a 5’x5′ unit can typically fit any of the following items:
- Small-to-mid size plastic storage containers
- Everyday and seasonal home décor
- A twin or full-size mattress
- Smaller furniture (bar stools, desk chairs, footstools, etc.)
Medium Storage Units
When a 5×5 storage unit is too small and a 10’x20′ unit is too large, medium storage units are just right.
A popular mid-size storage unit is the 10’x10′ unit, which can fit the following items:
- Two queen-sized mattresses or one king-sized mattress
- Larger furniture (couches, recliners, end tables, pianos, and patio furniture)
- Mid to large-size boxes or storage containers
- Recreational gear (Canoes, paddleboards, jet skis, sports gear, etc.)
Large Storage Units
If you’re storing bulky items like large furniture, an entire household’s worth of knick-knacks, or your business inventory, large storage units are the answer.
Large storage units range from 10’x15′ to 10’x20′ to up to 10’x40′.
With large units, you can even store your car or other types of vehicles like ATVs and motorcycles.
Mobile/On-Demand Storage Services
These services deliver storage units right to your doorstep. Upon delivery, renters can fill them at their convenience and either store the portable unit on-site, or opt to have the unit relocated to an off-site location, depending on your needs.
Business and Commercial Storage
Every business, big or small, needs space – space to think, to create, and to grow. But what about space to store? That’s where business and commercial storage comes into play. Offering self-storage solutions for businesses of all sizes, these units help free up space, making room for new ideas and innovation.
Whether it’s excess office furniture, file cabinets, electronics, records, or business supplies, these units can store it all. So, why cramp your workspace when you can expand your possibilities with business and commercial storage?
Student and Military Storage
Life is a series of transitions, and during these times, storage units can be a lifesaver, especially for students and military families who need to store belongings during transitional periods and frequent moves.
Rather than locking you into a one-year contract, some storage providers offer short-term storage. For example, when renting through a storage marketplace like Neighbor, you can find month-to-month storage options that allow you to store for short periods of time, like a summer semester or a six-month deployment.
24-Hour Access Storage Units
Life doesn’t operate on a 9 to 5 schedule, and neither should your storage unit. 24-hour-access storage units offer round-the-clock access, providing flexibility and convenience for those navigating unconventional schedules.
If you’re a small business owner logging late nights—and need to access important documents outside of standard business hours—24-hour storage is for you. With 24/7 access, you can access your belongings whenever you need, providing a level of convenience that traditional storage facilities (with rigid operating hours) simply can’t match.
Conclusion
From outdoor and indoor units to specialized storage solutions (like climatized storage or 24-hour-access units, the world of storage units is as diverse as the items they house.
For storage that’s cheaper, closer, and safer than traditional storage units, check out Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that offers storage solutions within a one-mile radius of your home base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 main types of storage areas?
There are three types of storage facilities: inside, outside, and drive-up.
What are the most common storage units?
The 10’x10’ storage unit is the most popular size, offering 100 square feet of space. It’s versatile and can fit the contents of two bedrooms and all of the boxes and totes associated with them.
It’s a great option for people moving or renovating their homes.
What are some different storage unit size options?
Storage unit sizes range from 5×10 to 10×25, depending on the size of your residence: 5×10 for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, 10×10 for a two-bedroom apartment, 10×20 for a two-bedroom house, and 10×25 for a three-bedroom house.
