Picture this. Instead of dragging your furniture or holiday decorations down the long hallways of an inside storage facility, or cramming them onto an elevator, you simply pull your vehicle right up to the door of your very own ground-level storage unit. That, in a nutshell, is the beauty of drive-up storage.
Perfect for busy event planners, contractors, or even outdoor enthusiasts, you can’t beat drive-up storage for easy access. Need to unload a kayak? Done. Dropping off a couch? No sweat. Even better, you won’t have to worry about dodging other people juggling their own stuff, because your unit is like your own personal loading zone.Â
What is drive-up storage?
Drive-up storage units are usually located outside on the ground level, and are easily accessed through roll-up, garage-style doors. Many facilities offer gated lots with perimeter alarms and 24-hour surveillance cameras.
Drive-up storage is typically not climate-controlled (so not a great place to store electronics or a prized record collection), but it is affordable and just right for bulky and nonsensitive items.Â
Benefits of drive-up storage
When it comes to drive-up storage, it’s all about easy access. Renters enjoy wide lanes leading directly to their own roll-up door, a quick and painless unloading process, and a spacious unit that accommodates treasured items big and small. Read on for a closer look at the key benefits of drive-up storage.
Get in and out fasterÂ
What’s better than saving time? With drive-up storage, you can skip the twists and turns of a large indoor facility. At most indoor facilities, you will pay more for ground-level units. That’s because, let’s face it, hauling your belongings up and down elevators can be a drag. Not a concern with drive-up units! Pull your car right up to the door and start unloading without hassle or delay. Â
Less schleppingÂ
Easy access at ground level means shorter distances to haul heavy boxes, furniture, or equipment (and that’s a win for everyone!) Not only is loading/unloading a less onerous task, you’re also less likely to injure yourself or damage your cherished items on those tight corners. The shortest distance between two points is, in fact, a straight line, and with drive-up storage, it’s a straight shot from your trunk to the unit!
Saves money
Drive-up storage spaces are usually no frills. This is great news if you’re hoping to keep costs low. Why pay for amenities like climate control and in-unit electrical outlets if you don’t need them? If all you’re looking for is a safe space to store goods that are not sensitive to temperature, drive-up storage units may be your most affordable option.Â
Accommodates the big stuff Â
While you can expect a range of sizes for both drive-up and inside storage, drive-up units tend to be larger. If you’re only hoping to store a few file boxes, this might not be a selling point. But for those of you looking to store larger items like vehicles or furniture, drive-up storage could be just the ticket!Â
Drive-up storage vs. indoor storage
Not sure whether drive-up storage is the right fit for you? Check out the guide below for a straightforward comparison of key differences between drive-up and inside storage units. We will look at key factors like amenities, security, price, and more to help you make the most informed decision for your self-storage rental needs!
Drive-up storage
Access: Drive-up units are on the ground level, and are accessed by wide lanes that can accommodate vehicles as large as campers. Vehicles can pull directly up to the unit, making loading and unloading a breeze. Â
Amenities: Limited amenities may be available at some drive-up facilities, but if you need to maintain a constant temperature, plug things in, or drop things off anonymously, inside storage will be a better fit.Â
Climate control: Most drive-up units do not offer climate-controlled storage. When the doors to these units open, items are exposed directly to the outside air. You should not expect insulated walls, heat, or air conditioning at a drive-up storage unit.Â
Security: While both types of storage offer secure grounds and surveillance cameras, drive-up units may have fewer supplementary security measures in place. While some indoor units have limited access hours as a safety precaution, drive-up storage can usually be accessed around the clock.
Price: Drive-up storage units are usually less expensive than indoor facilities because they have less infrastructure costs, making them a great choice if budget is one of your main considerations (and your items can withstand temperature fluctuations).
Size: Typically, unit sizes at outdoor facilities have larger storage spaces than indoor facilities. Some drive-up facilities cater specifically to boats, RVs and vehicle storage.
Indoor storage units
Access: Renters will usually pay a higher price for ground-level storage at an indoor facility. Accessing indoor units often means parking the car, grabbing a cart, bringing it back to the vehicle, then navigating up elevators and down hallways to the unit.
Amenities: Indoor units offer more amenities than drive-up units. If your items are more sensitive, or if you plan to use the space as a workshop or office space, these amenities might come in handy.
Climate control: Climate control requires electricity and indoor storage. This amenity is one of the key differentiators offered by inside storage facilities. If you need climate control, your best bet is to search for indoor storage.
Security: Enhanced surveillance systems, limited access hours, on-site managers, and other measures make inside storage the best choice if security is a top concern.Â
Price: Inside units come in a range of sizes, but are usually more expensive than drive-up units because of the amenities available at these facilities. Keep in mind that storage unit pricing varies widely depending on location.
Size: Indoor units often have less storage space, making them less attractive for renters hoping to store oversized items like furniture, or campers and other vehicles.Â
What about indoor drive-up storage?
Yes, there is such a thing as indoor drive-up, or drive-thru storage. These facilities feature indoor drive lanes, some allowing you to park right next to your unit to load and unload. This is a great feature if you dread loading or unloading your unit during severe weather
Who should use drive-up storage?
To help you visualize the types of people and businesses that benefit from drive-up storage, we’ve put together a list of common use cases:
Event planners
Event planners often need quick access to bulky items like tents, tables, and decorations. Drive-up storage provides the convenience of loading and unloading large equipment directly from vehicles, saving them both time and energy.
Contractors
Contractors benefit from drive-up storage for easy access to heavy tools, equipment, and materials. The ability to load directly from the unit to the truck gets contractors to job sites faster, and makes unloading at the end of a project much easier than navigating the longer distances of an indoor unit.
Campers and outdoor enthusiastsÂ
Campers and outdoor enthusiasts often own gear like tents, kayaks, and bikes. Drive-up storage allows them to easily access and transport these bulky items before heading out for adventures, without the need to haul items down hallways or use elevators.
Boat or RV owners
Not everyone has the driveway space to store their boats and RVs during the winter months. Many facilities cater to this demographic, offering tailored amenities like dry-dock storage, pull-through accessibility, and 110 Volt electrical outlets.
Downsizers
People downsizing their homes often need to store large furniture or excess belongings until they donate or pass them along. Drive-up storage offers convenient access for loading and unloading, making it easier to gradually sort or retrieve items as they transition to a smaller living space.
People who are moving
For individuals in the process of moving, drive-up storage offers easy access to furniture, boxes, and household goods. The ability to load and unload directly from a vehicle minimizes the physical effort and time spent, which is especially helpful when moving in stages.
LandscapersÂ
Landscapers often store large tools, such as lawnmowers and trimmers, and seasonal supplies like mulch. Drive-up storage units allow them to quickly load and transport equipment to job sites throughout the year.
Holiday decor enthusiasts
Holiday items like Christmas trees, inflatables, and string lights take up massive amounts of space! Many people are now choosing drive-up storage for these larger seasonal items. This eliminates the need to take up a whole basement with boxes of decor, making them easily accessible at a drive-up storage unit when the season comes around!
Car collectors
Vehicle storage is a popular option for drive-up units because cars and motorcycles typically do not need climate control and let’s face it – you need to be able to literally drive your vehicle into the unit. Some collectors choose to work on their vehicles inside the unit, taking advantage of ample space for tools and materials (while not cluttering up the garage at home!)
Drive Right Up and Store Your Stuff
Do one of these categories sound like you? Or perhaps there is a different reason behind your search for easily-accessible self-storage. Setting up a mobile gym? Gathering supplies to survive a natural disaster? Clearing out canvases from your in-home art studio? If so, (or if you just want to rent a unit that is super easy to access), you might be in the market for a drive-up storage solution!
Ready to simplify your storage experience? Discover the convenience and accessibility of drive-up storage units at Storage.com. Whether you’re storing bulky equipment, seasonal decor, or even vehicles, drive-up units offer unmatched ease and efficiency. Choosing a unit is as easy as searching by zip code, comparing your options, and reserving online or by phone. Make your search stress-free, visit Storage.com and find drive-up storage units near you today!
