Traditional vs. Portable Storage: Which is Right for You

If you are ready to declutter your residence or office space, chances are you are looking for self-storage or portable storage options. And, you are not alone. Many individuals opt to rent self-storage units rather than burden friends and family with their possessions. This is confirmed by the recent increase in the value of the self-storage market. Nowadays, self-storage units are not just a trend or luxury; they are a must.

Portable storage options have gained a great amount of attention due to the convenience they offer individuals. However, they are not appealing to all, as using such services can be financially unfeasible in the long run.

If you are wondering which storage method is the right option for you, we have you covered. Below we outline the benefits of traditional and portable storage and compare these two methods.

What Exactly Is Traditional Storage?

Traditional self-storage solutions are an excellent option for storing possessions long-term. It can provide security that temporary or onsite storage units can’t replicate. In addition, self-storage units are almost always guarded and monitored by CCTV cameras, keeping all of your possessions safe and sound. The best storage facilities are also climate controlled, making them perfect for storing items such as wine, furniture, artwork, photographs, medical supplies, etc.

Furthermore, self-storage facilities are much more affordable than most portable storage solutions. It’s worth noting that in the past, traditional self-storage was thought of as a “last resort” choice when trying to figure out how best to store your belongings, but nowadays, it has become a popular first choice for those who need long-term storage solutions.

What Exactly Is Portable Storage?

Portable storage is quickly becoming the go-to solution for storing belongings. If you just have the space to store your items at home, portable storage is the alternative to the traditional storage solution.

With the portable storage option, you can store all of your excess items right on your property, meaning there’s no trekking back and forth between your house and a storage facility. But, this is only if you have the means to dedicate property space for a whole storage container.

This storage method is only better than traditional storage in one aspect—keeping all of your items nearby. However, you should know that portable storage containers won’t come cheap. So, you should consider this type of storage only if you need additional space for a short time and you need all of your belongings nearby.

Some Things to Consider When Making Your Decision

When faced with the choice of deciding between portable storage and traditional self-storage, it’s important to evaluate your specific needs. The portable storage option will require you to make enough space so that the service provider can drop off a container on your premises. This might be unappealing to some, especially to those that do not reside in houses and don’t have a lot of space on their property. The main benefit of this type of storage is that you can load the container at your own pace without making many trips from your house to the storage unit.

On the other hand, the traditional self-storage option often offers you access to more square footage at an affordable rate. However, you must factor in additional labor costs associated with your move-in. If you have many items to move, you will even have to hire individuals to help you with the whole process.

With all of this in mind, carefully consider your position and budget, compare the pros and cons of both options, and then decide what’s the best option for you. 

Bottom Line

Both of the above-discussed storage options are solid, and the one you pick will depend on your personal needs and budget. That being said, if you are planning to make the whole process of moving easier or store items for a long time, especially delicate items such as wine, your best option is to look for a climate-controlled self-storage unit near your business office or residence. On the other hand, if you don’t have enough space to store your possessions but need them on hand, you should look into portable storage containers and have one delivered to your residence.