Why Do People Use Self-Storage?

As you stroll through New York City, you’ve likely observed the proliferation of storage facilities all around you. This makes you wonder, "Why do people use self-storage?"

The answer aligns with a universal issue in dense urban environments: the scarcity of space. Increased urbanization has resulted in more housing having limited space. As a result, people often need extra room to store their valuables, especially when relocating.

Self-storage Yonkers provides an ideal solution for situations such as moving, renovations, or seasonal overflows. It safeguards your additional items and ensures easy access without cluttering your home. Both apartment dwellers and homeowners in Yonkers can benefit from self-storage, holding onto valuable possessions until they’re needed once more.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind the latest self-storage trends of increased adoption and why you might need one, too.

Self-storage units are versatile, so people utilize them for several situations, ranging from shrinking living space to temporary storage. This results in high demand, leading to new storage units being built and a boom in the self-storage industry.

1. Shrinking Living Spaces

With apartments and houses getting smaller, extra storage space is a must. About 40% of public storage renters say they need more room for their stuff. If your garage is already packed tight or you live in a small space without much storage, a storage unit can provide the extra square footage you need.

2. Downsizing or Moving

Are you in the process of downsizing to a smaller home or moving to a new place? Storage units are ideal for holding onto valuables and additional home appliances when you don’t have enough space to store all the stuff in your new home. They give you time to sort through your belongings and keep only what you need. For those in the military who move frequently, storage units provide a stable place to keep possessions during relocation.

3. Inventory Space Needs for Businesses

Storage units aren’t just for residential needs. Many small businesses use them to store business items like excess inventory, archived documents, or seasonal supplies. As a business grows, extra space for stock and materials becomes a necessity. Storage units provide affordable space that’s conveniently located offsite but still easily accessible.

4. Temporary Storage During Transitions

Perhaps you’re transitioning between homes or jobs and need temporary storage. A storage unit can house your hobby gear, sporting items, and other essential tools for as little as a month or for as long as a couple of years. Short-term leases, in particular, provide flexible space when you’re between places or sorting through life changes.

5. Handy Storage for Art Lovers

People who like to change their home’s look often use self-storage to keep their old decorations or even specialized wine storage to preserve their wine collections. This way, they can get them back out when they want to use them again. It’s a smart way to have different styles in your home without discarding valuable items. With a storage unit, art fans and wine enthusiasts alike can switch up their space anytime they feel like it

With various unit sizes, convenient locations, and flexible leases, it’s clear why there are so many storage facilities. Extra space is often a necessity during certain situations like life transitions. So, if you find your home or business overflowing, a storage unit may be just what you need to declutter your space. But in case you are wondering if you really need a self-storage unit, keep reading for likely reasons to help you decide.

Should I Rent a Storage Unit?

An extra bedroom piled high with boxes.

A garage so full of clutter you can’t park the car inside.

A basement overflowing with memories…

Sound familiar?

If you have any space-related problems, renting a self-storage unit is an easy solution, and here is why:

1. Affordable and convenient

2. Safe and secure

3. Flexible access

4. Peace of mind

1. Affordable and Convenient

Compared to moving to a more spacious home or renting an additional office space, self-storage units are budget-friendly. Units come in a range of sizes to suit your needs, and you only pay for the space you need. Most self-storage facilities like HONEY STORE IT offer month-to-month leases, so you’re not locked into a long-term commitment.

2. Safe and Secure

Self-storage facilities provide security features like gated access, video monitoring, and on-site staff. Your belongings are protected from theft, damage, and the elements. If you have valuables like art, antiques, or business files that you want to keep safe, a storage unit is ideal.

3. Flexible Access

Storage units give you 24-hour access to your belongings. So whether you need to drop something off in the middle of the night or pick something up on the weekend, you can access your unit whenever you want.

Some facilities even offer additional services like moving and packing supplies to make storing and retrieving your items as convenient as possible. Likewise, the roll-up doors of car storage facilities mean you can conveniently take your car in and out without ever getting out.

4. Peace of Mind

Using a self-storage unit gives you back more than just space — it offers peace of mind. No more tripping over boxes in the hallway or piles of stuff in the living room. You’ll gain back usable space in your home and office, reduced stress, and a sense of being more organized and in control of your environment. For many, that feeling of relief alone makes renting a storage unit worthwhile; little wonder why storage units are so popular.

If renting a storage unit will benefit you in any of these ways, then it’s just about time to start searching for a storage facility. However, before you drive to the nearest storage location, it’s important to evaluate the facility using some set criteria.

When choosing a self-storage business, you’ll want one that keeps your belongings safe and secure.

Here are the features that guarantee that:

1. Climate control

2. Security

3. Location

4. Insurance

1. Climate Control

Climate-controlled units are important for storing valuables, paperwork, or furniture. Temperature and humidity-controlled units protect against weather damage, which is crucial for sensitive items. Check if the facility offers 24-hour climate monitoring in case of extreme weather events.

2. Security

In addition to good lighting and locks, look for security cameras monitoring the facility, especially around entrances and exits. Some facilities also have security guards on-site to prevent unauthorized access. You’ll want to ensure any security measures like access codes or keys are changed when you move out.

3. Location

Convenience is key — pick a facility near where you live or work for easy access to your belongings. Look for places near major roads or highways so you can get in and out quickly. A good location will also make moving items in and out of storage more seamless.

4. Insurance

While the facility should insure the building itself, you’ll want to insure the contents of your storage unit. Check if the facility requires or offers tenant insurance policies to protect your belongings from events like theft, fire, or natural disasters. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may also cover storage unit contents — check with your provider.

If you live in or around New York, check out HONEY STORE IT self-storage facility in Yonkers. Our climate-controlled facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security to ensure your belongings are safe and secure. We also make moving convenient for you. So, how much do you pay when renting self-storage? It can vary depending on the size, extra features, and more.

Size Matters

The size of the storage unit is the biggest factor determining the price. A small 5x5 or 5x10 unit may only set you back $60–$100 per month. Need room for a few bedrooms worth of furniture or a vintage car? You’ll pay closer to $700 monthly for a 20x10 unit.

Added Features Cost More

Some storage facilities offer additional features like climate control, 24-hour access, security cameras, and on-site management. These amenities may significantly increase the monthly rent. Climate-controlled units, which keep your items at a consistent temperature and humidity, typically cost the most. For some, the added peace of mind and protection of your belongings is worth the extra fees.

Location Counts

Storage unit prices also vary based on the location and local demand. Units in a suburban or rural area typically cost less than in a city or metro area like New York. Facilities in convenient, well-trafficked locations like near residential communities or business districts also usually charge higher rent. The difference can be $20–$100 per month or more between locations only a few miles apart.

While self-storage isn’t the cheapest option, for many, the convenience and security make it worthwhile. By choosing a unit size suited to your needs in a location with average prices, you can find affordable storage options and gain some much-needed space in your home or office. If you need a space in New York, we are based in Yonkers and can offer storage recommendations to suit your needs.

Self-storage can be super helpful when you’re faced with limited space, and the increase in demand is why so many storage units are being built.. Whether you just moved and have too much stuff, are doing home renovations, or your business is expanding, self-storage gives you a place to stash the extras. With our drive-up access-enabled, climate-controlled, and secure storage facilities in Yonkers, you can find a perfect space for your belongings.

Stop cramming things into overstuffed closets, and give yourself some breathing room. Book a unit in our ultra-modern storage facility today!