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Living in an apartment offers numerous advantages, from convenient urban locations to hassle-free maintenance. However, one common challenge that apartment renters face is limited storage space. And with many apartment dwellers sharing their space with roommates, the space-related challenges are even more acute. One smart way to maximize your space at home while also holding on to your prized possessions is to rent self storage. Here’s why and how self storage benefits apartment renters.
It provides privacy and security for your extra belongings
While living with roommates can foster camaraderie and social interaction, it’s also important for individuals to have a sense of privacy and autonomy regarding their personal belongings. You might own stuff that you simply don’t want other people to mess with, whether it’s family heirlooms, collectibles or belongings that you are saving for when you’ll be able to live on your own. You probably don’t want the fancy China set you inherited from your grandmother to be used by multiple people in your apartment. A small self storage unit located close to your apartment allows you to store your personal and valuable possessions safely.
It allows you to indulge in your hobbies in peace
Living with roommates often means compromising on personal space, which can get in your way when pursuing different hobbies and interests. Maybe you’re an avid crafter, you love hiking and camping or you’re a Lego enthusiast. All these passions and hobbies involve a host of belongings and consumables. It’s obviously not courteous to clutter common living spaces with such items, so renting a self storage unit is probably the best way to reconcile living in a shared space with indulging in your hobbies. There’s another thing to consider as well, particularly if your favorite pastimes involve expensive or fragile belongings: renting a climate-controlled storage unit. This type of unit provides added protection against temperature extremes and humidity, ensuring that delicate or valuable belongings remain in pristine condition.
You get to live in an uncluttered space
One of the biggest advantages of self storage for apartment renters sharing a small living space is the ability to declutter and organize the space more effectively. Between holiday decorations taking up precious closet space and those out-of-season clothes crammed into every nook and cranny, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by clutter. By storing seasonal items and infrequently used belongings in a nearby storage unit, you and your roommates can free up valuable space in your apartment and create a more streamlined and functional home that you can truly enjoy and relax in.
It makes working from home easier — even with roommates
With the rise of remote work and freelancing, many apartment renters require additional space to set up a small home office. Whether you decide to have your work area in your bedroom or in the common space you are sharing with roommates, it’s not going to be easy to fit in a desk, a comfortable chair and other work-related items you might need on daily basis, such as office supplies or files. A good solution is to store your existing furniture that doesn’t fit your current lifestyle. That armchair that sits in your bedroom or in your living room seemed like a great idea when you bought it — after all, who doesn’t like a cozy reading and relaxing corner? However, if a comfortable at-home workspace currently takes priority, it’s probably better to move the armchair and other belongings you are not using at full capacity into self storage.
It’s flexible and convenient
Self storage offers apartment renters the flexibility to adapt to changing life circumstances without the hassle of getting a larger, thus more expensive, apartment. Maybe you have a partner moving in with you or you’re getting a new pet and could use some extra space in your home. Or you might have found a perfectly located apartment with affordable rent, but it’s just a tad small for your furniture and other belongings. With flexible, month-to-month rental agreements, self storage accommodates various circumstances in renters’ busy lifestyles and evolving storage requirements.
Things to know before renting a self storage unit
If you decided to rent a self storage unit, there are some things to keep in mind to make the most of the storage space:
1. Location
Think about how often you’ll need to access your storage unit. Choosing a facility that’s conveniently located near your apartment can save you time and hassle, especially if you’ll be making frequent trips to retrieve or drop off items.
2. Size matters
Take inventory of the items you plan to store and estimate how much space you’ll need. It’s better to rent a slightly larger unit than to cram everything into a tight space. Many facilities offer a variety of unit sizes to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs.
3. Security features
You want your belongings to be safe and secure, so look for a storage facility that offers reliable security features such as gated access, surveillance cameras and on-site staff. It’s also a good idea to inquire about insurance options for added peace of mind.
4. Accessibility
Make sure the storage facility’s operating hours align with your schedule and inquire about access policies. Some facilities offer 24/7 access, while others may have more limited hours or require advance notice for entry.
5. Reviews and reputation
Before committing to a storage facility, do some research online to read reviews and get a sense of its reputation. Pay attention to feedback about cleanliness, customer service and overall satisfaction from past and current tenants.
Self storage offers apartment renters a versatile and flexible solution for maximizing space, organizing belongings and enhancing their living experience. Whether it’s storing seasonal items, furniture, hobby supplies, work-related items or belongings during times of transition, self storage provides a practical and convenient storage solution that complements apartment living.
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Maria Gatea is a real estate and lifestyle editor for Yardi with a background in Journalism and Communication. After covering business and finance-related topics as a freelance writer for 15 years, she is now focusing on researching and writing about the real estate industry. You may contact Maria via email.
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