Indoor Storage vs Outdoor Storage – How to Choose

Depending on your needs, your lifestyle and what you need to store, either indoor or outdoor self-storage could be the right choice for you. Let’s take a closer look at these two options and some of the pros and cons involved.

Is indoor storage right for me?

When you think about self-storage units, you probably think about indoor storage. These units are located within the premises of a self-storage facility, and are usually accessible whenever the facility is open. Indoor storage has a lot of advantages:

It’s secure. Because your belongings are stored within the self-storage facility itself, they are protected by multiple layers of security. Not only will your individual unit have its own unique lock, but you’ll also be given secure access to the facility premises via code or key – and there will be staff on duty, too.

It’s safe. It’s not just your possessions that need to be kept secure. A reputable self-storage provider like Clear Space will ensure that its premises are well-lit and covered by CCTV, meaning that you can come and go without worrying about your personal safety.

It’s suitable for a broad range of storage needs. Because these units are indoors, they will – or should – be clean, dry and sheltered from the elements. This makes them suitable for more delicate and climate-sensitive items such as books and papers, clothing and textiles, and wooden furniture.

You can pick a size. Indoor storage tends to offer a bigger range of unit sizes. At Clear Space, these range from a locker unit at just £5 per week to 150 square feet at £60, all on a flexible contract that allows you to scale up or down as needed.

As with anything, these pros come with a couple of cons. Because these units are inside the self-storage facility, you’ll only be able to access them when the facility is open. And since there are a few layers of security to get through and these facilities are generally very large with a lot of corridors, it might take a little time from arriving on site to unlocking your unit.

How about outdoor storage? Could that be right for me?

Outdoor storage is a popular choice among tradespeople, business owners and others who need to store stock, tools or equipment for quick and easy access. If this describes you, then you’ll find that an outdoor solution – such as Clear Space’s secure drive-up units – has a few things in its favour:

  • It’s always accessible. Outdoor units are typically located within a secure yard area outside of the main storage facility. In some cases, 24/7 secure access is available to this area so that you can drive straight up to your own storage unit to load or unload, any time you want, as often as you need. This means you’re not tied to the facility’s opening hours.
  • It’s more secure than home storage. Clear Space’s outdoor storage area is protected by CCTV and access-controlled security gates. You can also park your vehicles in our yard overnight by prior arrangement. So your business’s assets are far safer than they would be in your home garage, for example.
  • It’s an affordable alternative to renting your own lot. A drive-up storage unit effectively functions like your own premises, but without the expense of a long-term lease, maintenance or utilities – including business rates. At Clear Space, we can even accept parcel deliveries on your behalf.

Even the best outdoor storage unit won’t be climate controlled, so it’s only suitable for robust items that would be fine in your garage at home. If you need to store items that are susceptible to fluctuating temperatures and damp, it’s best to opt for indoor storage.

Still wondering which storage is best for you? Our friendly Clear Space team are always on hand to talk it over. Get in touch for a chat about your needs, and we’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote.