In a world where clutter and belongings accumulate at an astonishing rate, the need for additional storage space has never been more apparent. Whether you’re a seasoned minimalist or just someone looking to declutter your living space, finding affordable storage solutions can be a game-changer.
In this blog, we’ll explore how you can find the cheapest storage units, the differences between renting a storage unit versus renting a storage container, and the best ways to snag great deals.
What’s The Difference Between Self-Storage Facilities and Renting a Storage Container?
When most people think of storage, they think of large self-storage facilities. Perhaps you’ve seen one of these large, multi-story businesses on your commute and think it might be a good place to store the contents of your garage or closet.
However, there are other options available, including storage containers. Instead of storing your material at a self-storage facility, you can rent a container with more storage space for a cheaper price. Self-storage is immobile, but even the cheapest storage units can be transported and moved with relative ease.
Are Storage Containers Weather-Resistant?
One concern when considering affordable storage containers is their weather resistance. The weather resistance of storage containers can vary depending on factors, including age and maintenance.
Proper inspection before renting can help ensure you get a container to protect your belongings effectively. All Southwest Mobile Storage rental containers are wind and weather-tight and can protect your stored material.
How Reliable Are Storage Containers?
Even the cheapest storage units are generally reliable due to their robust construction. When properly maintained and inspected before renting, they can offer a dependable storage solution. Factors such as rust, structural integrity and proper gaskets are key indicators of their reliability.
Our rental fleet is maintained to a high-quality standard. We inspect our rental containers after each rental to ensure that there aren’t any holes that affect the security of your stored contents.
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of these containers, ensuring that your container can continue to keep contents dry and out of the elements. Read our guide on container maintenance for some key areas to consider when evaluating the condition of your container.
How Do Storage Containers Compare in Price with Self-Storage?
One of the primary draws of storage containers is their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional self-storage units.
Self-storage facility rates aren’t as dependent on global market rates as storage container rates are. This gives them the ability to increase their prices more freely than storage container providers. For example, when a self-storage facility is filled up to capacity, they might increase their prices to force out current customers who won’t pay the increased rent, as they can’t purchase new units as easily as a storage container company can.
Self-storage units often cost more per square foot than storage containers as well. So, self-storage renters could end up paying more for storage space than they would if they had rented a storage container.
Storage Containers are Customizable
We offer a variety of add-on options for our rental containers. Here are just a few choices we have available:
- Ventilation and wind turbines for protection from temperature changes
- Roll-up doors for easier access
- Shelving and racks for organization
If you need a permanent storage solution, you can always buy a storage container instead of renting. This would enable you to get it customized to your needs. Whether you want to add windows, ventilation, insulation, shelving, or even combine multiple units for larger spaces, our customization options are nearly endless. This versatility allows you to transform a simple container into a functional storage space that meets your unique requirements.
Storage Containers are Movable
Unlike self-storage units, storage containers can be picked up and moved to a new location. However, note that moving them requires proper equipment and planning.
We can relocate 20ft or smaller loaded containers for you. Loaded containers bigger than that have unique requirements. If you need to move a loaded storage container that’s larger than 20ft, you’ll need a forklift and heavy-duty truck capable of handling that weight to move it.
The ability for storage containers to be moved makes them versatile options, allowing you to change their location if needed.
How to Get the Best Deals on Cheap Storage Units
Finding the cheapest storage units can be challenging. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Research Pricing
Spend time researching local suppliers and comparing prices to get an idea of the market rates. At Southwest Mobile Storage, you can always get an up to date container quote from your dedicated sales representative.
Condition Inspection
Thoroughly inspect the container’s condition before purchasing, paying close attention to structural integrity and weather-tightness. At Southwest Mobile Storage, we know that it’s hard to understand the quality of a container if you don’t see it in person.
That’s why we invite you to visit any of our branch locations to speak with your container representative and look at the containers in our lot. Give us a call prior to your visit so that we can greet you appropriately.
Check for Hidden Fees
Inquire about any additional fees, such as delivery charges and modifications. At Southwest Mobile Storage, we’re always upfront with our pricing. You don’t have to worry about surprise fees or surcharges. For more information about our billing practices, click here.
Summary
Storage solutions can be a costly venture, but storage containers are an economical and versatile option when compared to self-storage rentals. While their affordability is a major selling point, it’s crucial to carefully inspect the condition of your storage container and ensure that it will work for your project.
Choosing the right container and implementing strategic cost-saving strategies can unlock a world of inexpensive storage possibilities that align perfectly with your needs.
Additionally, you can add options like pipe racks, gorilla racks, hooks and tool cabinets to your storage container to truly personalize the space.
Whether you’re seeking a temporary storage fix or a long-term solution, storage containers have the potential to revolutionize your storage without breaking the bank.
