Self storage is used by a lot of people as it is a cost effective, flexible way for them to gain extra storage space for a short or long period of time. But, when it comes to indoor vs outdoor storage, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

It is very important that you choose the right type of storage for your needs. Within this article we are going to talk you through indoor vs outdoor storage and, hopefully, we will help you figure out which is best for you. 

What is Indoor Storage?

Key Features of Indoor Storage

The first key feature of indoor storage is, unsurprisingly, that it is indoors. Usually situated within a building and the units are enclosed and climate controlled. Most self storage companies will have a variety of unit sizes on offer and have some form of convenient access systems such as pin-code or unique key. 

Benefits of Indoor Storage

The benefits of indoor storage are that, firstly, being within a building means there is that extra layer of protection. 

Indoor storage units offer better protection from the elements and from the climate. Many indoor storage units are climate controlled so there will be consistent temperature and humidity levels. This is very important for a lot of items such as antique furniture, vinyl records, books and much more. 

In a similar vein to climate control, it is also less likely that your belongings will be subjected to pests such as insects and mice within an indoor unit. 

Potential Drawbacks of Indoor Storage

The potential drawbacks of indoor storage are that they often come with a higher price tag. This is due to these units having an extra layer of security and also due to them being climate controlled.

Depending on what floor your indoor unit is on, it could also be harder to move items in and out of your unit. There is a level of convenience that is lost when you have to get out trolleys and go up and down in left in order to get items from your unit. 

Although many storage companies offer a good range of unit sizes, they will be limited by the size of the building so you may not be able to store large items such as a vehicle or large pieces of machinery. 

Finally, there could also be access restrictions as some self storage companies are only open 9-5 and only allow customers access during opening hours. 

What is Outdoor Storage?

Key Features of Outdoor Storage

The first key feature of outdoor storage is, you guessed it, it is outdoors. It comes in a variety of types such as drive-up units, storage yards and covered parking spaces. 

It often consists of shipping containers so each unit will be made from steel  making them strong and weather resistant. 

Outdoor storage can come in a variety of sizes but often go up to larger than indoor storage so you can store large pieces of equipment, cars and caravans within it. 

Benefits of Outdoor Storage

The benefits of outdoor storage are that, firstly, it is often much more cost effective, making it a great option for people on a smaller budget. 

Outdoor storage often comes with larger options than indoor storage making it beneficial for people needing to store large items or for larger business with more stock and/or equipment. 

It is also easier to access with it being outside and on ground level. This makes it beneficial for anyone who is often needing to move items from their storage unit. 

Potential Drawbacks of Outdoor Storage

The potential drawbacks are that, although often made from steel, the unit is still outdoors so it is much more exposed to the elements than indoor storage. Alongside this, there is also a lack of climate control which can lead to mould, mildew and pests. 

Also, although all professional outdoor storage will have security features in place, it is, again, outdoors. It does not have that extra layer of protection that comes with being inside a building so it can be more tempting and susceptible to theft and vandalism. 

Making the Choice: Indoor vs Outdoor Storage

Factors to Consider When Choosing Storage

There are many factors to consider when deciding on indoor vs outdoor storage. You need to really assess your needs, thinking about the value of the items you are storing, if they are sensitive to temperature and humidity, how big a storage space you need and when you will need access.

Once you have considered these, you can begin looking for self storage but, no matter whether you go for indoor or outdoor storage, make sure you find a company that has excellent security systems and flexible rental agreements. 

If you are still unsure about indoor vs outdoor storage, even after assessing your needs, get in touch with a storage company and ask for some advice. All our teams are experts in self storage and will be happy to help you find your perfect storage solution. 

Use Cases: Best Fits for Indoor and Outdoor Storage

When it comes to indoor vs outdoor storage, there are cases where one would definitely be more suitable than the other. 

For example, if you are wanting to store your priceless vinyl record collection, indoor storage would be much more suitable. Vinyl records need a steady temperature and humidity level to stop them from warping so climate control is extremely important so indoor storage is a much better option.

Outdoor storage is the better option for if you are wanting to place your caravan into storage over the winter months. Outdoor storage comes with much larger storage options making it more likely you will find one that fits your caravan. Also, outdoor storage comes in drive-up options which will make it easy to get your caravan in and out of your unit. 

Tips for Maximising Your Storage Experience

Optimising Your Storage Space

No matter what you decide in the indoor vs outdoor storage debate you will want to make sure that you optimise your storage space. 

How you do this will be dependent on what you are storing but, for example, if you are using it for your business and you will be storing stock, you could add shelving so you can have an organised plan of where everything goes. 

No matter what you store you will want to make sure you protect your belongings by using high-quality boxes, tape, covers etc.

Understanding the Differences: Indoor vs Outdoor Storage

When it comes to indoor vs outdoor storage, the main difference is the obvious one – one is indoors, one is outdoors. 

Indoor storage will have a higher level of climate control and there is that extra layer of protection because it is inside. Outdoor storage is often larger and more cost-effective.

What works best for you will be entirely dependent on what you are wanting to store. If you choose a reputable, professional self storage company, then security should not be an issue, whether you go for indoor or outdoor storage. 

We encourage you to carefully evaluate your needs against what each storage type has on offer and, if you need help, get in touch with the self storage company for advice. At Cinch Self Storage, we are always here to help.

If you would like any help deciding what works best for you – indoor or outdoor storage, please click here to find your local store.