Garage vs. Self-Storage: Which One Is Better?

Clutter up your garage for free, or create more space in your home for a fixed price? It’s a common dilemma that many homeowners face—the need for more space that is not only convenient, but safe and secure to store their excess belongings. 

What better place in your home to store things than your garage? However, space there is obviously taken up by your cars and vehicles as well as outdoor gear, tools, and miscellaneous items. 

While garage space can be very useful and a free option, it isn’t the only option when it comes to additional storage space. In fact, another budget-friendly and effective storage method is self-storage, in which you can rent your choice of storage unit for however long you like. Today, we’re going to tackle the question of which is better: garage self storage or storage units. 

Convenience

It’s obvious that your own garage will be the most convenient place to store your stuff. It’s right in your home, or within a few feet of your front door. It’s simple with no travel. However, while it is very convenient for travel, you’re very limited with space. 

You’ll likely have to install shelving or wall hangers, or a tool station. If this isn’t a problem for you then the winner is clear. 

So for convenience, a garage takes the cake! 

Limited Space

With self-storage, there are many different sized units available for rent.  Albuquerque Self Storage has units ranging from 6×4 to 15×22, and outdoor parking spaces to store vehicles like cars, boats, and RVs.

With garages, on the other hand, the size is limited and likely already occupied. Sure, you can install shelves and hang stuff from the ceiling, but space will always be limited. You don’t have room to expand! 

If you need more space than what your garage has to offer, then self-storage will surely be the most beneficial choice in the long run.

For space, self storage wins! 

Cost Effectiveness

Your garage is free, and you can’t beat free. 

With a storage unit, you will have to pay monthly rental fees, which can be more expensive, but will ultimately give you greater peace of mind. This is because facilities like Albuquerque Self Storage offer around-the-clock security, are gated, well lit, and locks are provided for you. 

When you factor this in, the money being spent on storage unit fees may be well worth it.

However, if you just look at the baseline cost…garage wins! 

Safety and Security

This really depends on the location of your home and the storage unit. Self storage means you’ll be storing your items in a clean and secure facility, but it’s not onsite You can’t just run down the stairs to check on your valuables. 

However, self storage facilities are gated and locked off, as well as monitored 24/7 – at least they are if you store with us! 

When it comes down to choosing between your garage and a self-storage unit, think of what kinds of items you are storing. If they are of significant value, then consider going the self-storage route.

Therefore, this is a tie! 

Climate Control Advantage

This one is easy: climate-controlled storage units beat out garages, no questions asked. You can spend a ton of money trying to keep your garage at the right temperature and humidity, or you can make it easy for yourself and rent a climate-controlled storage unit. This is especially important if you live in an area with frequent temperature fluctuations or humidity that can harm your belongings.

Humidity and moisture can damage anything from wood, electronics, and furniture to documents and jewelry. Keep your belongings safe from the outside elements by choosing climate-controlled storage.

Self storage wins again! 

The Winner?

It’s a tie!!! 

It all depends on what you need, what level of humidity you need, and the size of your items that you need to store. Sometimes, the space in our home just doesn’t cut it. If that’s the case, give us a call at (505) 294-8884 or visit us online! We’ll be happy to help.