Self-Storage Unit vs. Renting a Shipping Container: What's the Difference?
Shipping containers are the new trend among movers and packers. This modern version of storage has grown popular because it avoids costs and repetition. Since it requires lesser loading and unloading, it is much more convenient.
An increase in loading and unloading stages often puts your cargo at risk. A shipping container has a single supply chain. Although this reduces costs, you are required to provide safety documents for the legal safety of the movers.
Self-storage units are basically how storage first started. These comprise lockers, rooms, and warehouses, where your goods are kept for a short term. Buying a self-storage unit will provide you with the benefits of climate control or temperature control, and they are quite accessible.
Simultaneously, there is some problem in the amount of loading and unloading it requires.
Let us go over the basic difference between a self-storage unit and a shipping container:
Self-Storage
Self-storage units are better suited for short-term storage. These are mostly used by people who wish to take care of their surplus items. For instance, retail store owners or people remodeling their living space. However, for a long-distance relocation, self-storage units are not the best idea.
Also, you have to drive up to the facility yourself and store your items yourself. However, you get easy access to your goods, and usually, security is pretty high. Altogether, investing in a self-storage unit is perfect for people looking for short-term storage. Usually, these are used by retailers. Or you could use them if you are refurbishing your house.
Features of self-storage
Options
Undoubtedly, you will have access to multiple storage sizes. However, no special orders are taken, and you are limited to what your facility is providing.
Customization
Customization possibilities are also very limited. Mostly, It depends on how advanced your facility is.
Ease of Storage/Accessibility
Firstly, you will store your items within the facility, not in your desired location. You will have access to the goods when your facility is open.
Costs
If the self-storage unit is high maintenance and has weather control or climate control, the costs will be very high. However, from our time to time, you might get discounts.
Relocation
Relocation is very troublesome in the case of self-storage units. You will have to pay extra for the movers.
Benefits
You will have ground floor, first floor, or second-floor access. You will also have climate control or temperature control. However, the costs increase with the benefits. Moreover, the best units are usually already booked.
Portability
There are only a few facilities that will provide moving supplies as well as movers. Otherwise, you will mostly have to arrange them on your own.
Shipping Container
Renting a shipping container can be both a long-term and a short-term solution. Undoubtedly, there are some great benefits involved with shipping containers. Firstly, you do not have to drive to and from your home to the facility.
This is because the container can be stored in your chosen property. Similarly, at home, you can maintain your goods as per your needs. That is more satisfaction in terms of security too. They are more advanced. And lastly, you have unlimited access as per your will to the container. Or if you are moving and need a temporary solution, check out these best moving container companies.
Features of a shipping container
Options
You will usually have access to multiple container sizes. You can order special containers that are weatherproof, high security, etc.
Customization
You can accessorize your shipping container. And, it is possible to add shelving and other features.
Ease of Storage/Accessibility
You will be able to store the container at the location you desire. Hence, you have unlimited access.
Costs
Many facilities that rent shipping containers will give you discounts for long-term storage.
Relocation
If you wish to relocate, you will not require excessive moving supplies.
Benefits
Shipping containers are built to be weatherproof and insect-proof, and you can control the temperature to a great extent.
Portability
They are highly portable. Moreover, they require minimal loading and unloading.
Conclusion
It should be clear by now that there are some major differences between self-storage units and shipping containers. The former is suited for both short as well as long-term storage of furniture.
While the latter is usually best for short-term storage, both of these storage units have benefits and pros, and cons. However, as time progresses, storage units are getting better and better.
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