Sometimes, a no-frills storage solution is all you need. If, for example, your plan is to store rarely-used sporting equipment or your grandmother’s well-loved dining room table, a standard unit might fit the bill. Typically, these units do not offer electricity.
But what if you need to plug something in?
The good news is that finding self-storage units with electricity IS possible.
These specialized storage spaces with electricity provide power access, allowing you to run lights, charge devices, and operate tools or equipment directly from your unit.
Whether you are looking to transform a storage space into a fully functional workspace, or simply organize your belongings in a well-lit room, storage units with electricity provide all the convenience and flexibility you need to get the job done.
What are storage units with electricity?
While illuminated walkways should be standard at both indoor and outdoor facilities, most units do not come with outlets for extra lighting, charging, tools, climate control, or other potential uses. When you are on the hunt for a unit that does offer this feature, it’s important to know what options are available.
Types of electrical setups
- Overhead lighting: Can your needs be met by flipping a switch? If your only real electrical requirement is the ability to turn on an overhead light, you may not need to look into the more specialized electrical setups listed below. Inside storage facilities are more likely to have overhead lighting in each unit, but some outdoor facilities will offer this feature as well. It’s always a good idea to call and speak directly with the manager when researching specific details like these.
- Standard outlets: If you need a straightforward electrical outlet to plug in a charger, fan, or small tool, you should look for facilities that offer standard outlets as an add-on.
- Power strips: Business owners, tradespeople, and hobbyists may be better served by a third type of electrical setup: the power strip. Storage units equipped with power strips allow users to plug in several devices simultaneously.
Benefits of storage units with electricity
Storage units offer solutions for many challenges related to the rising costs of commercial and residential space. Let’s look at some scenarios where storage units with power outlets can save the day!
Small businesses: David Allan, co-owner of Toronto’s Apple Storage, says 70% of his facility is rented by small business owners utilizing the space for everything from candle box inventory to e-bike repairs and file storage. In an interview with the BBC, Allan attributed this to the rising costs of commercial space. Many offices have decided to downsize by storing files and equipment off-site.
“Instead of having sort of an interior office for file storage, firms moved into self-storage facilities because it was half the price or less,” said Allan. Savvy small business owners like Allan have found that renting storage units can help cut costs and improve the bottom line.
Hobbyists: Like commercial properties, skyrocketing home prices have required many families to downsize in recent years. Living in a smaller space can have financial and practical advantages, but there are sacrifices to be made as well. For woodworkers, art collectors, sculptors, and enthusiasts of other hobbies with large space requirements, self-storage units with power are a natural solution to expanding space needs when their house or apartment won’t accommodate their hobby.
Contractors: Many contractors have the training and expertise to take on a wide range of repairs and projects. Each one requires a different set of tools and equipment, including power tools that need to be charged or plugged in for regular maintenance. Tools like these are bulky and sometimes difficult to store in vehicles or homes, making storage facilities with electrical outlets an ideal alternative.
Common uses for storage units with electricity
Today’s renters are coming up with endless creative ideas to make self-storage units with electricity work for them. With uses ranging from home organization projects to printing labels for a t-shirt startup, the sky’s the limit for the clever self-storage renter.
Let’s take a closer look at some examples to help you visualize the many ways people are saving money, pursuing their passions, and growing their businesses with the help of self-storage.
Use cases for self-storage with electricity
The mechanic: Kevin Tsui rents several units at Toronto’s Apple Storage, but he’s not just storing tools. Inside the well-lit units, Tsui and his colleagues fix bikes propped up at specialized workstations. Tsu, like a growing number of mechanics, uses storage with electricity in lieu of a client-facing bike shop. He says it was the logical next step after his bike store was torn down to build condos.
The woodworker: Both hobbyists and professional woodworkers have found self-storage units with electricity to be the perfect space to roll their sleeves up and get to work. With the expertise to build custom shelving, many woodworkers create functional, well-organized workshops. Running power tools, charging batteries, and even plugging in a mini-fridge for some break time refreshment are all options available to woodworkers and other creators at select facilities. Be sure to check with the facility manager to confirm regulations regarding electricity use.
The antique collector: Climate-controlled storage will be at the top of the “must-have” list for any antique collector. Some take it a step further by renting storage space with electricity that can be used to power fans or dehumidifiers for especially delicate items.
The side hustler: While you can’t fully run a business out of a storage unit, you can take calls and even conduct meetings. You can also store physical product and inventory. Now popular as a secondary income stream, selling items on platforms like Etsy or eBay can require significant amounts of space. Storage units with outlets offer renters the ability not only to store their merchandise but also to plug in a printer to create labels and pack orders.
Why storage facilities don’t have storage units with electricity for rent
If you’ve decided to undertake your own search for a storage unit with electricity, it’s important to be aware that some facilities might not offer (or promote) renting a storage unit with electricity. Here are some reasons why.
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To discourage living in storage units
Living in a storage unit is illegal. In some cases, providing electrical outlets makes it more likely that renters will take up residence, causing serious safety and health risks.
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Cost considerations
The installation and maintenance of electrical systems is expensive. In an effort to keep monthly rental prices as low as possible, many owners opt not to offer storage units with electricity.
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Safety concerns
When outlets are present in storage units, the probability of accidents and fire increases. This puts not only the renter but also the entire facility (and its contents) at risk.
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Liability
As a result of additional risks posed by electrified storage units, the facility’s liability increases. This means insurance companies must charge higher insurance premiums to cover potential loss.
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Operational complexity
Managing storage units with electricity requires additional steps, some of which can be costly, for facility owners. These may include safety inspections, maintenance, and rewiring.
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Environmental concerns
The more electricity used by a self-storage facility, the larger its carbon footprint. As more consumers gravitate toward environmentally conscious companies, some self-storage facility owners are prioritizing efforts to reduce energy consumption.
How to find storage units with electricity
Locating a storage space with power outlets can be quite straightforward … if you know what you’re looking for! Read on for a comprehensive guide to finding a storage unit with electricity near you.
Climate-controlled units
Climate control systems can’t function without electricity. If a facility offers climate-controlled units, you can be sure that it is at least equipped with the basic infrastructure required to provide in-unit power.
Newer facilities
Demand for self-storage with electrical outlets is growing. As a result, you will likely have more luck finding such a unit at a newer facility rather than one that was built decades ago.
Indoor storage units
Depending on the climate you live in, you may have access to both outdoor and indoor storage units. If this is the case, make sure you focus your search on indoor units. These facilities are more likely to have the proper infrastructure to support in-unit power outlets and to offer that service to their customers.
Business storage solutions
Look for self-storage facilities that cater to the business community. Even if the facility’s advertising calls out “business storage” rather than the electrical outlets themselves, these renters are more likely than average to need a place to plug in printers, chargers, and additional lighting.
Online research and platforms
An all-in-one platform like Storage.com makes finding ready-to-rent storage units easy. Whether you need to charge equipment, power up lights, or run a dehumidifier, the platform connects you to units with electrical outlets as well as other useful amenities (drive-up access and climate control to name a few). Simple search tools allow you to narrow down options by amenities, and see real-time availability in your area.
Customer reviews and testimonials
Sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Storage.com are great places to research which facilities might offer unadvertised storage units with electricity. Comb through the comments to find mentions of power outlets or lack thereof!
Direct communication
Because some owners choose not to advertise their storage units with electricity, reaching out in person is a smart way to get the inside scoop. A live conversation, whether on the phone or in person, will give owners the ability to evaluate your plans for the unit and ensure that everything is in line with local legal requirements.
Ready to find a storage unit with electricity that meets your needs? Explore available units near you on Storage.com and get the convenience of power right where you need it. From drive-up units for quick access to indoor climate-controlled spaces for delicate items, we offer a wide variety of storage types. With straightforward listings, budget pricing, and rental promotions citywide, Storage.com is your go-to resource for finding the right unit quickly and confidently. Start your search today!
