Self-storage is a popular way to store belongings, with many people using traditional self-storage units. As a result, self-storage is a booming business.
In an age when people are downsizing and living in small spaces, a self-storage is a logical option for those needing extra belongings. However, traditional self-storage units have their own set of issues.
You should know the challenges associated with traditional self-storage before deciding whether it's the right solution for you. This blog post will discuss some pros and cons of traditional self-storage to help you decide if it's the right solution for your needs.
What are Traditional Self-storage Facilities?
Traditional self-storage is a facility where you can store your belongings. However, you must load up all your stuff, drive it to the storage facility, and then unload everything into your unit.
And if you need something out of storage, you have to go through the whole process again in reverse. Not to mention, you're paying for all that space even if you're not using it.
Self-storage units are a popular way to store belongings but they can be expensive and inconvenient. Traditional self-storage facilities can require you to sign long-term contracts and pay monthly fees, even if you only need storage for a short period of time.
And if you need to access your belongings, you often have to schedule a time during business hours to visit the facility. As a result, many people are now looking for alternative ways to store their stuff, which is where online self-storage comes in.
Some new storage options are changing the game, though. Below we will discuss the most prevalent challenges with traditional self-storage and how the new options address them.
1. You can't access traditional self-storage 24/7
One of the most significant issues with traditional self-storage is that it can be difficult to access your belongings when needed. For example, if you have a 9-5 job, you likely can't get to your storage unit during business hours. And even on weekends, you might need more time to drive out to the storage facility, find your unit, and sort through everything to find what you're looking for.
This can be a major concern for people looking to store their belongings. In addition, self-storage facilities are only sometimes open 24/7, which can be a problem if you need to access your belongings at night or on the weekends.
Solution: The new breed of storage companies is addressing this issue by offering 24/7 access to your belongings. This way, you can get what you need when you need it—no matter what time it is.
Moreover, with Juujbox, you don't even need to leave your home - pack your stuff. We will come during convenient hours for you and take your stuff on our truck. Then, anytime you need your belongings back - make a call, and you'll get your items fast.
2. It's not always convenient for you
As we mentioned, traditional self-storage can be a significant inconvenience because you must transport all your stuff to and from the storage facility.
This takes time and effort—two things that most people don't have a lot of these days.
Solution: Fortunately, there are now storage companies, like Juujbox, that will pick up your belongings and store them for you without leaving your house.
3. Traditional storage facilities are usually located not in safe neighborhoods
This can be a problem for people who need to access their storage regularly. If you are storing belongings in an unsafe neighborhood facility, you may have to travel to a dangerous area to get your stuff. This can be especially risky at night or if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Solution: Juujbox is a storage company that offers 24/7 access to your stuff and will pick them up and store them for you. The company will come to your home or office, pick up your items, and store them in secure facilities until you need them again. Then, when you're ready to retrieve your belongings, they'll bring them back to you—it's that easy!
4. You need a truck to drop off and pick up your stuff
It would help if you had a truck or a large vehicle to transport your belongings to and from the storage facility. However, this can be a problem if you need truck access or live in an urban area where parking is difficult.
Even though it can be difficult to transport heavy items to a self-storage facility, it's important to remember that most storage companies have trucks available for rental. This will make the process much easier and less time-consuming. However, it would help if you still spent time renting a truck, picking up your stuff, driving to storage, etc.
Solution: Juujbox is the solution! We are a convenient and affordable self-storage alternative that does not require you to use a truck. Juujbox will come to your house and pick up your stuff anytime you want.
5. Traditional storage facilities do not have climate control
Most traditional storage facilities do not have climate control, which can be a significant issue if you are storing belongings that need to be kept in a specific environment.
For example, if you are storing clothes or furniture, you want to make sure that the storage unit does not get too hot or too cold. This can damage your belongings and cost you extra money in the long run.
Solution: The new storage companies offer climate-controlled storage units. This way, you can store your belongings without worrying about the temperature.
6. You must share space and location with other renters
One of the cons of traditional self-storage is that you must share space and location with other renters. This can be a problem if you want privacy or need to store large items.
Solution: Most modern self-storage companies offer individualized units. This means you will have your space and will not have to share space with anyone else. Or you can always use Juujbox which will pick up your items and deliver them back anytime you need.
7. Traditional self-storages have security issues
This is another issue that people often have with traditional self-storage. Many people feel uncomfortable having their belongings stored in a facility that is not monitored or secure. Likewise, storing valuable or sentimental items may make you feel uncomfortable leaving them in an unsecured facility.
It's already stressful enough to leave your stuff somewhere, but not being able to find your belongings makes the process even worse.
Solution: The new storage companies are addressing this issue by offering monitored and secure facilities. This way, you can be confident that your belongings are safe and sound in storage.
Moreover, you can use Apple Airtags. These small, wireless tags attach to any item and track its location using GPS technology. This way, you always know where your belongings are—no more frantic searches for misplaced items!
8. Traditional Storages Don't Provide Delivery
With traditional self-storage, you are responsible for transporting your belongings to and from the storage facility. This can be a problem if you need truck access or live in an urban area where parking is difficult.
Solution: Juujbox can take your belongings and deliver them to a different address. It could be convenient for people who are moving and need to store seasonal clothes or holiday decorations. This way, you can pick up and drop off your stuff quickly. Juujbox will take care of everything for you!
9. You're always overpaying
Another downside of traditional self-storage is that it can be expensive. You're paying for a fixed amount of space regardless of how much storage you have. So if you downsize or only use your storage unit for part of the year, you're still stuck paying the same price.
With many of the newer storage companies, you only pay for the space you use. So if you only have a few items in storage, you're not paying for a whole 10x10 unit—you might only be paying for a 5x5 unit or smaller. If your needs change over time, this can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Traditional storage companies also tend to raise your prices after you've stored your belongings for a few months. Additionally, since most storage facilities are now using automation, only some people are working there. This can make it difficult to go through and find what you need inside a self-storage unit. Additionally, people rarely use the entire storage unit and end up paying more than they should.
Solution: If you're looking for an affordable storage solution, Juujbox is your company! We charge you only for the space your items use in our storage facility. This means you're only paying for a part of the 10x10 unit if you have a few boxes in storage. In addition, the delivery fee is $25 for picking the box up and will pass through the shipping costs from the carrier.
10. Most self-storage facilities are now using automation, but not traditional
Self-storage facilities have come a long way in the past few years. Many facilities now use automation, so often, only a few people work there. On the one hand, automation may be more reliable and efficient than a traditional self-storage unit. On the other hand, this can be a problem because it can be challenging to find someone who can help you if you have any questions or issues.
Solution: If you're looking for an affordable and convenient storage solution, Juujbox is the company for you! We offer automated storage facilities that are monitored and secure. Plus, we take care of everything for you—including delivery.
11. It isn't easy to find your items in traditional storage
The main challenge with traditional self-storage units is that they can be difficult to navigate. There are often many units in one building, and finding what you're looking for can take time and effort. This can be a significant challenge when looking for something in a self-storage unit.
One way to make it easier to find what you need inside a self-storage unit is to label your boxes or furniture with clear, concise labels. Write what is in the box outside the container in large, easy-to-read letters. This will help you locate your belongings quickly and easily when needed.
Solution: At modern self-storage facilities, the staff is available 24/7 to help you find what you need and get you back on track. Additionally, because people use the space more efficiently, pricing is much more affordable than traditional storage options.
Conclusion
If convenience, cost, and accessibility are essential, traditional self-storage is probably not the right solution for your needs. Luckily, new storage companies are popping up all over that address these issues head-on.
So if traditional self-storage has been giving you headaches, check out one of these modern solutions—you might be surprised at how much easier storing your stuff can be! Of course, you can always use Juujbox, which will come to your place and pick up your boxes and then give them back to you anytime you want.
