What Is Drive Up Self Storage

If you've ever searched for self storage you may have come across the term drive-up self storage. So, what is this term and how is it different from indoor self storage?

Drive-Up Storage Units

Drive-up self storage units are probably the most popular type of self storage for both individuals and businesses simply because they provide easy access, safety, and convenience.

These units allow someone to pull a vehicle right up to the unit door, making loading and unloading very fast, efficient and hassle-free.

Drive-up storage is especially important for individuals storing furniture or equipment, or several boxes.

What Makes Drive-Up Storage Different

In traditional self storage, self storage units are usually found indoors with access through corridors or hallways. This type of self storage is good for protecting products from rain and bad weather, but there is usually a long walk carrying boxes to the unit or using elevators to reach the higher floors with storage units.

Drive up storage units are found at ground level with wide driveways.

They offer immediate access to the vehicle being driven by back in and directly unloading or loading cargo into or out of. This method lends itself very well to heavy and bulky products such as sofas, wardrobes, tools, commercial equipment, etc…

Due to the fact that there is no need to try to navigate through indoor hallways, the units are more convenient than indoor storage.

Who Benefits Most from Drive Up Storage

If speed, ease of access and convenience are a higher priority than security, drive up storage is ideal.

If you have to move furniture, garden tools or appliances to store away when redecorating or moving house, the unit is ideal for the homeowner.

For tradesmen or contractors, units with drive up storage are an absolute gem, making it easy to collect tools, drop off materials or restock your equipment or supplies at the start or end of a working day. The convenience of being able to park your van directly beside your self-storage unit will mean less time wasted transporting bulky items and more time spent on your work.

Families also find this kind of storage useful whenever they are attempting a declutter or move house. It allows you to pack or fish out items into or out of a unit that may be piled with boxes, bicycles, or even a kayak, without the long walk through long corridors and relying on lifts.

Drive Up Storage vs Indoor Storage

When looking at both indoor storage and drive up storage, both have benefits, but each is suited to different storage preferences.

Indoor storage units are generally climate-controlled and useful for items that may be delicate, i.e. antiques, electronic goods or other artwork that may need stable conditions.

Drive up storage unit, on the other hand, wins on the convenience front.

The fact that you can drive almost directly up to your storage unit gives a level of efficiency that indoor storage can never match. If the main objective is ease of loading and unloading, a drive-up storage unit will ensure that your time at the unit is considerably less stressful.

Since drive-up units are in an outside setting, they are oftentimes equipped with security features like reinforced doors, strong locks and weather-proof construction. To further enhance security, modern self-storage facilities employ features such as security cameras, on-site personnel and gated, secured access for extra security and peace of mind.

Benefits of Drive-Up Self Storage

The greatest advantage of drive-up storage is the easy access. You can park right beside your unit, throw open the door, and begin moving your items at once. This is especially convenient for those who need to get at stored tools regularly, replenish business inventory, or move large furniture.

Security and Peace of Mind

Some may assume that, because drive-up storage units are located outside, they are less secure than indoor drive-up units. Though this may seem logical, the truth is that most reputable self storage facilities invest in security systems to protect each storage unit on their property.

Good self storage facilities have 24-hour CCTV surveillance, gated entry, and advanced alarm systems. Many have security cameras located strategically about the facility to keep watch over all activity on the premises.

Access codes or key cards allow entry into the property so that only authorised clients are able to reach their self storage units.

What You Can Put in Drive-up Storage Units

Drive-up self storage units have the great advantage of being able to put almost anything into self storage, as long as it does not contain any items needing temperature control. Commonly stored items are household and office furniture, office equipment, lawn care and gardening tools, and spare appliances.

For businesses drive-up units are excellent for obtaining good storage for things such as promotional materials, construction supplies, and archived files. Tradesmen commonly use self storage to keep tools safe, and families find self storage great for getting good storage for bicycles, camping equipment, or kayaks in storage between trips.

What to Look At in Renting:

Drive up storage is very convenient, but it may not be for everyone. If you are storing temperature sensitive items such as electronics, or fine art, or delicate things, then you may wish to think about taking an indoor unit instead. These will actually have better control, and less chance for temperature fluctuations.

You may also want to think about how close you are to the unit and how often you would need to visit it. If you need frequent access, a drive up unit offers better convenience. If your items are long term and they are delicate or fragile, a more controlled climate could be your best choice.