Demand is soaring in the self-storage sector. Last year saw a record-breaking need in this arena with unit rentals growing by an estimated 150 percent. That figure is expected to continue on an upward trend as more people resort to this solution to help manage their excess belongings. By some accounts, it may grow even more as people’s storage needs expand and evolve.
In line with people’s expectations of self-storage solutions, the industry is growing and changing. Not very long ago, basic storage units were the only options available. They provided little protection from the elements, and only a few choices were available to the public. That has changed at this point thanks to companies like Pink self storage. More options are available now than ever before, and they’re more focused on fulfilling increasingly diverse storage needs.
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Why Do People Seek Self-Storage Units?
People turn to self-storage for several reasons. In general, they all boil down to creating more space and keeping belongings safe. While the core concept of self-storage facilities is universal, people’s surrounding needs tend to vary greatly. Consider the following scenarios in which self-storage units are helpful.
Meeting Needs When Moving
Moving has long been the primary reason for renting self-storage units. That’s likely going to remain the most popular reason for seeking storage units. Additional storage space can be invaluable during a move. That’s the case whether moving a few miles away or to an entirely different country. In many instances, people need to move out of their current homes by a specific date. Unfortunately, that date doesn’t always coincide with the date when their new home is ready for move-in.
In cases like that, what can people do with their belongings? They can’t simply place them at the curb and hope for the best. Their possessions would be exposed to the elements and vulnerable to theft. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance most likely wouldn’t cover damage or theft in such a situation, leaving owners responsible for repairs and replacements. That’s far more than most people could afford.
At the same time, they can’t store their belongings in moving trucks until they’re cleared to move into their new homes. The cost of that approach would be astronomical. Many moving truck rental companies only allow a limited timeframe for each customer. Keeping a truck longer than the agreed-upon time results in lofty fees and other consequences.
On top of all that, storage units can be helpful for people who are downsizing. They may not have enough space in their new, smaller home for all the belongings that fit into their previous house. Getting rid of all those items can be a difficult and heartbreaking experience. With self-storage units, there’s no need to throw away or donate all those items that have sentimental value or may be needed later on.
A safer, more practical, and more affordable alternative for all those issues is renting a storage unit. This option provides security, protection from the elements, and budget-friendly costs among other advantages. With various sizes of units available, the storage needs of virtually anyone can be accommodated.
Fulfilling Business Needs
Storage units are becoming increasingly popular among businesses as well. That uptick comes from many developments. Quite a few smaller businesses don’t have the budget for expansive warehouses. Some don’t have enough inventory to fill a large warehouse, so even if they had the extra money to allot to such an investment, doing so would be a waste of resources.
Another factor is the growing number of online sellers who operate on a smaller scale than their more widespread retail competitors. With the eCommerce sector continuing to expand, an increasing number of vendors are jumping on board. Many of them operate their businesses from home, where they have little extra space to store their inventory. Hiring third-party fulfillment companies to solve those problems would eat into their profits.
From another perspective, the global shift to remote work has been on the rise since the pandemic. Reports show that around five percent of the global workforce worked remotely before the pandemic. During the pandemic, that number rose to more than 40 percent by some accounts. It’s expected to more than double within the next few years. Though the pandemic has wound down at this point, businesses are continuing to realize the many benefits of remote workforces.
As a result of that shift, companies that are making such changes need less office space than they did before. Some have eliminated physical headquarters altogether. Still, they’re reluctant to get rid of their office equipment and other assets. Certain companies haven’t yet decided if they’re going to return to traditional work models. That has led to a greater need for storage space in the business sector.
Storage units can be a significant boon for today’s businesses. Those that need temporary warehouse space can take advantage of short-term unit rentals, whereas those looking for more permanent solutions can use long-term rental agreements. Companies that need to downsize their physical footprints have the same options at their disposal. This solution is completely scalable in terms of storage space, timeframes, and costs alike. That makes it the perfect answer for businesses of all types with a variety of storage needs.
What to Look for in a Storage Unit
An ever-growing number of storage facilities are available at this point. In light of the growing need for storage space, more companies are hoping to cash in on the development. Of course, not all storage facilities are the same. Some offer far more amenities than their competitors. Take a look at some of the most important elements to look for in a storage facility.
Climate-Controlled Facilities
Certain storage facilities offer standard units. They provide storage space but a little more. For some people, that could certainly suffice. Most people need a bit more from their storage units, though.
Climate-controlled facilities offer protection against moisture, extreme temperatures, and other hazards that could damage or destroy people’s belongings. Most items are sensitive to moisture, heat, and cold. Mold and mildew growth are also issues to contend with. Leaving belongings exposed could lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damages. Because of that, climate-controlled facilities are recommended.
Different Units to Choose from
Having different sizes of units to choose from is also advantageous. Not all people’s storage needs are the same. Having to rent multiple small units to accommodate sizable storage needs isn’t very cost-effective. On the other hand, having to rent a unit that’s much larger than necessary could be equally costly. Companies that offer a variety of units for customers to choose from understand those diverse needs and are willing to serve.
Security
Security is also a major factor to consider. As the number of storage facilities and people using such solutions grows, the number of break-ins is following suit. Keep in mind that not all facilities are vulnerable to intrusion. Be sure to find a storage company that takes measures to prevent theft and vandalism. Those could include adequate lighting and CCTV monitoring.
Sturdy fencing, secure gates, and access control are also immensely helpful in regard to security. These days, numerous access control options are available. Security codes are among the most common for truly safe storage facilities. They help to ensure only people with belongings stored in a facility are granted entry. Facilities that take steps like these are far less vulnerable to crime than others.
Looking for More from a Storage Facility
As noted, people’s expectations of storage facilities are changing. They want more amenities and options than basic storage. More convenient booking and payments are among people’s top priorities right now. Though not all storage companies offer those options, an elite few have made them available to facilitate the unit rental process. Online services are some of the more helpful solutions here.
Having storage units delivered to the customer is another area in which demand is growing. Many people appreciate the prospect of having a storage unit come to them, so they can fill it at home or at their businesses. From there, the unit can be picked up and transported to the actual storage facility. This greatly simplifies the situation for people who need extra storage space.
Pink Storage has taken matters even further. The company offers additional amenities for its customers. The company sells boxes and packing supplies for those who need them, providing a one-stop solution for all their storage needs. Furthermore, the company is among a handful of storage facilities that offer secure mail reception and safekeeping for businesses and individuals.
Making the Most of Today’s Self-Storage Solutions
Self-storage has come a long way in recent years. As people’s needs change, some members of the industry are rising to the occasion. Today’s storage options are more advanced and diverse than ever before. Be sure to consider versatility, affordability, security, and other aspects when choosing a storage facility. With all the solutions now available, virtually all businesses and individuals can find options to meet their needs and expectations.
