As with most industries, certain myths have emerged around self storage. You’ve probably heard that self storage is too expensive, only used by hoarders, and not secure or well-maintained. Of course, none of those accusations are true, and we’re here to ease your self storage concerns and dismiss common self storage myths.

Self storage has been solving problems for people here in the U.S. since the early 1960s, and some say that the Chinese were storing their belongings in public underground storage pits 6,000 years ago.

Currently, 10.6% of households in the U.S. use self storage. The majority of these tenants live in single-family homes with a garage, and 33% of them also have a basement. Nevertheless, they still need that extra space that a self-storage unit provides, and they are comfortable that their belongings are safe and protected in self storage.

Dispelling Common Self Storage Myths

Self Storage is Expensive

As with anything that you purchase, the expense is relative depending on your storage needs. When looking at cost, consider what you’re storing and the features you want. To give you an idea of what might work for you, a small, 5 x 5 unit is inexpensive and will hold small furniture, seasonal decorations, boxes, and miscellaneous household items. A 5 x 10 unit will hold an entire bedroom or office equipment furniture and items. If you want warehouse-sized storage, your cost will be higher but you’ll still pay less than you would for commercial space. Keep costs reasonable by carefully determining your space requirements so that you’re not paying for extra storage.

Cost is also based on the location of the facility and the features and amenities you want. Typically, facilities located near a large city are more expensive than those in a less-populated area. Climate-controlled storage will also cost more than a basic unit that is not temperature controlled. In the same fashion, a facility with top-of-line security and amenities like delivery service, free wi-fi, and truck rental will be more costly.

Self Storage Does Not Keep My Belongings Safe

This is far from the truth. Even though there is not a storage company that can guarantee that your belongings will be completely safe, most facilities are equipped with updated security features that deter crime.

Electronic keypad access requiring a personalized security code, 24-hour video monitoring, and on-site or live-in vigilant property managers are standard at many facilities. Smart units and Bluetooth-enabled access are becoming increasingly popular, especially for specialty and high-end storage needs.

Self Storage Doesn’t Provide Services and Amenities

Not every facility provides the same level of customer service and amenities, that you will find at My Storage Plus. We offer:

• Access 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Online account management and payments
• Moving and packing supplies
• Drive-up storage
• Climate controlled storage
• Delivery Acceptance
• Free Wi-Fi
• Printing, copy, and scan services

We also offer concierge services to guide you through the self storage process from beginning to end.

Self-Storage is Only for Long-Term Commitments

When self storage comes to mind, most people think it involves a 6-month or 1-year contract. However, sometimes you need a place to store items between moves or during other transitional life events. To accommodate their tenants, most storage companies offer flexible month-to-month lease terms. You never have to worry about making a long-term commitment; and, as your needs evolve, you can either downsize or upsize without the concern of added fees.

Self Storage Units Are Not Well-Maintained

There will be some facilities that do not maintain their units, and it’s best to avoid those properties. Most reliable self storage facilities have measures in place to keep self storage units clean and free from dust, mold, and unwanted pests. These well-maintained locations frequently employ experienced storage managers that regularly walk through the property to ensure that standards are met.

Self Storage Facilities Allow People to Live in Their Units

This is bizarre and a resounding “NO.” It is not only illegal but unsafe to live in a storage unit. They are meant to store and protect belongings from outside elements. There are no windows in a self storage unit and the room is sealed, not allowing for ventilation. Despite the restrictions, the homeless or criminals will frequently find ways to sneak into a unit and try to set up a living space before they are caught. This is particularly dangerous as they may try to heat the unit or cook, causing a life-threatening fire. This not only damages the items in the unit but the belongings of other tenants, not to mention the potential loss of life.

Self Storage is Only for Hoarders

Reality TV shows featuring hoarders have blown this myth way out of proportion. Yes, hoarders do use self storage, but average people are the majority of the self storage tenants. They use self storage to declutter their homes when they’ve exhausted their space, to gain some extra room when an elderly relative is moving to their home, and to clean out an area for a home office. Business customers use self storage for inventory, supplies, and documents. Pharmaceutical and medical reps use self storage to keep their samples and supplies secure, and people with extra vehicles, boats, and RVs use self storage to store these items during the off season or when they need long-term storage.

Takeaway

Trusting self storage when there are so many myths floating around is not easy. You’re placing your treasures in a place with the expectation that they are safe and protected and will be there waiting when you need them. Always look for a reliable self storage facility so that you can relax knowing your items are safe and secure, and you can visit them regularly. The reality of self storage is that it is the solution for thousands of families who need extra space for one reason or another, and it’s not going away any time soon.