Self Storage vs. On-Demand Storage: Which is Right for You?

We break it down for you directly so that you can make the best call for your personal storage needs. We give you the pros and cons of each choice so you can make the decision based on your finances as well as preferences.

Self Storage vs. On-Demand Storage

What Do I Choose

When choosing between self-storage and on-demand storage there are a few key things to consider such as your true needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which option is right for you. We give you the pros and cons so you can make the right call for your family.

Self Storage

What Does It Mean: Self-storage involves renting a storage unit at a facility where you have direct access to your belongings at any time during operating hours. A storage unit facility can usually be found in almost every small town around.

Pros:

  • 24/7 Access: Most facilities offer around-the-clock access, allowing you to get into or add items whenever you need. This is an important feature that shouldn’t be taken lightly when choosing your facility.
  • Simplicity: You don’t always need all your junk lying around cluttering up your home. A storage facility allows you to make your place look tidy while not getting rid of your important things.
  • Option of Sizes: Options range from small lockers to large units, catering to different storage needs. No matter your needs we are sure we have a facility that can hook it up for you!
  • Security: Many self-storage locations have very great security measures, including surveillance cameras and gated access. Some even employ a guard to watch over things 24-7.
  • Control: You manage your items personally, so you have complete control over how they are stored and organized. You can get into them whenever you want and it's all yours.

Cons:

  • Travel: You need to visit the facility to access your items, which might be inconvenient if it’s far away. Its not simply storage adjacent to your front door/ 
  • Potential for Clutter: Without regular organization, units can become disorganized and cluttered with junk you can’t seem to throw away. 
  • Monthly Fees: Regular payments add up, and there may be additional costs for insurance or amenities. If you can do without a facility, then of course you will save/

On-Demand Storage

What it Means: On-demand storage services involve a company picking up, storing, and later delivering your items to you when requested. It is a full-blown service that saves you time and trouble.

Pros:

  • No Need for a Car: Ideal if you don’t have a car to transport items to a storage facility this is going to be your only option. This is usually the reason people use this option to be honest.
  • Convenience: The service handles pickup and delivery, saving you the effort of transporting items yourself. There is nothing more convenient than someone else doing the work for you!
  • Flexible Access: You can request delivery of items whenever you want, which can be especially useful for short-term storage or infrequently used items. You make all the calls but usually pay more for this service of ease.

Cons:

  • Limited Access: You can’t access your things as easily or as frequently as with self-storage with a 24-7 option. You must request delivery, which might take some time and require you to wait on their customer service.
  • Cost: On-demand storage is obviously more expensive, especially if you need frequent deliveries or pickups instead of everything in one go.
  • Space Limits: Storage providers might offer limited space options compared to traditional self-storage facilities, where you choose the size of your container.

Which Is the Right Call for You?

Choose Self Storage When:

  • You need frequent or immediate access to your items, no questions asked.
  • You like to have direct control over your storage space and organization. Aka, control freak!
  • You can easily transport your belongings to and from the facility without a need for a delivery service

Choose On-Demand Storage When

  • You want convenience overall
  • You prefer not to handle the logistics of storing items and dealing with other people.
  • You need temporary storage for the moment
  • You have items that you don’t need to access regularly
  • You’re looking for a solution that eliminates the need for transportation of your own

Wrapping Up That Storage Container

As it is clear to see, both options have their benefits, so consider your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle to determine which storage solution fits best with your needs.

Overall, storage is a great way to solve the issue of clutter in your new home. For all your moving and storage needs, iMoving is here to help and set you up for success.


Frequently Asked Questions

There are many green flags, such as transparency and honesty, you will find in reputable moving companies.

Even if a mover isn’t perfect, what matters most is that they are clear and honest with you that they won’t meet your expectations.

Honesty over price is always important. Use trusted and vetted movers for your home.

Book a mover with full storage options just made for your situation. Maybe you found the perfect new home, but have a month in between, or maybe you just crave that Bahamas vacation you never took. No matter the reason, just let us know and we will help you figure out a moving plan that makes sense.

Depending on your advertising methods and items brought in, a garage sale can be a great way to make a few extra hundred bucks! Organizing and managing a garage sale can be very time consuming, so consider this before starting, as donating your unwanted items might be a better fit. The more items you are able to rid yourself of, the less packing materials you will need.

Pets pick up on our energy. If you are stressed, you are likely to stress out your furry friend. Try and make the experience fun for them with lots of walks and treats.

Associate the move with positive things your pet loves to make the day less hard for them. Ensure to set up their home base as soon as you get into the new home so that they can feel they have their own corner with food, water and their bed.

Be sure that you are working with a trusted and honest service provider. You need to know they have the experience you need and expect.

If you have even a tad bit of doubt, walk away ASAP. Don’t cut corners and save on an unreputable mover as we promise you, you will end up paying way more in hidden fees and damages. Or avoid all this and book with iMoving.


Rachel Kaplan

Rachel has spent the last few years writing for moving companies while actually moving across the globe. After many years of moving between many states in the US, she moved abroad to try the remote work life. She’s a pro at moving all her things with her dog and hundreds of plants. Thankfully she’s a minimalist so moves aren’t too much of an issue.

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