25 Mar What Makes Self Storage Different than other Types of Storage?
If you’ve ever Googled storage services in Kamloops, you may have noticed that many companies call themselves “self storage facilities”, but what exactly is self storage and what are the other types of storage available? The term is an abbreviation of “self-service storage” or “self-serve storage” and it’s used to differentiate from “managed storage”.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the types of residential and commercial storage services and the differences between them.
Self Storage vs. Managed Storage
Managed storage is the exact opposite of self storage. Managed storage companies take care of all aspects of storage, including packing, transporting belongings, and loading them into a storage unit. Business offices often use managed storage for convenience and logistics management. Managed storage is typically more practical and efficient than depending on employees to pack, transport and move items. Managed storage is also used by people who are moving from one city to another. The logistics of moving offices or moving to another city, is what makes managed storage attractive in those cases.
Types of Self Storage
There are three main types of self storage available.
Climate-controlled self storage
Climate-controlled self storage is indoor storage that has a climate-control system which keeps storage units at a safe temperature and humidity. Climate-controls help prevent mold, mildew, heat or cold from damaging items you store. It’s important to understand that if you bring damp items into storage, even climate controls won’t stop mold and mildew, so it’s vital that anything you bring into storage is dry. Valleyview Mini Storage is a climate-controlled self storage facility.
Container storage or “pod” storage
Container storage or “pod storage” companies drop a shipping container off in front of your home or business. You load the container and then the storage company picks it up and transports it to their facility. At the storage facility, storage containers are often stacked outside or in a massive warehouse. The downside of container storage is that it is generally not climate controlled and may be susceptible to heat, cold or moisture. It can also be inconvenient because if you need to access your container, you’ll have to make an appointment to give the storage company time to move it out from the stacks of other containers.
Drive-up self storage
Drive-up storage is indoor storage that is at ground level. You can drive up to your storage unit on the storage facility lot. Some, but not all, drive-up storage facilities are climate controlled. Many are not. Because the storage door is the only barrier between your items and the outdoors, items you store in drive-up storage can be more susceptible to environmental damage. Drive-up storage units are also less secure than storage units that are within a building.
Get an Estimate for Self Storage from Valleyview Mini Storage
If you’d like to rent self storage in Kamloops, contact Valleyview Mini Storage for an estimate. We have over 45 different storage unit sizes available. Our storage facility offers the latest in climate-control, security and video surveillance, for your peace of mind.