Containers, attics and basement storage: potential problems
The classic container for storage
If you have the idea of storing something, the familiar storage container often springs to mind. For decades, the oversized metal boxes have been symbolic of storage, which is not exactly surprising, since they certainly have some merits to show. Storage containers are transportable, as storage space relatively inexpensive to purchase and as a rental storage object often correspondingly cheap. Besides these clear advantages, however, there are some notable shortcomings on the flip side of the coin.
No stable temperature
Whereas storage compartments in self-storage in a building are well shielded against external weather conditions, in a storage container only a thin layer of metal separates the outside from the inside. However, you don’t have to have a degree in physics to know about the thermal conductivity of metal. A grip on the hot cooking pot or the glowing car door in midsummer demonstrates this property relatively impressively. What this means for the container is that it adapts to the external conditions at very low or high temperatures. Thus, in winter it resembles a refrigerator and at very high temperatures is not much inferior to a Finnish sauna.
What is important for some objects doesn’t matter much, can have devastating consequences for certain materials. So, depending on what you intend to store, the temperature factor may be essential to consider. Furniture leather, oil paintings or electronic equipment, for example, often cannot survive storage in a storage container undamaged due to their temperature sensitivity. So, those who want to rent a storage container should be aware of this.
Dirt and wetness
Storage containers are usually located outdoors and not always on an asphalt surface, but sometimes on earthy or stony ground. If you have bad luck on the day of storage and it has rained or in the winter snow in winter, it is almost impossible not to get wet and possibly also dirt into the container. Since most objects, such as metallic objects, react very sensitively to moisture, it can possibly have fatal consequences for its stored possessions. Thus, it may well happen that the winterized bike be attacked by rust or mold spreads in the storage container. Since dryness is a basic requirement for safe and worry-free storage, this aspect should definitely be taken into account.
No permanent access possible
Although there are of course always exceptions to the rule, most storage container providers are not accessible around the clock accessible, but only open at limited times of the day. For working people with busy schedules, it can therefore often be difficult to find a suitable time to store or pick up their belongings stowed in the storage container. The flexibility offered, for example, by 24/7 opening hours of self-storage providers such as STORE ROOM, are lacking in most storage container rental companies.
Lack of security for your property
If one evaluates the aspect of security or burglary protection at self-storage providers. The conclusion is that alarm-secured and video-monitored buildings offer effective protection against thieves. However, the situation is significantly different for storage containers. As a rule, the containers are only fenced and located in an open area. Therefore, to gain access with criminal ulterior motives requires only a simple pair of biting pliers or a ladder.
Once the first hurdle has been overcome, there is usually only a padlock between the thief and his prey, which can also be quickly overcome with a sledgehammer or a flex. As the Kronen Zeitung reported, just a few days ago burglars in Graz made this fact clear when they stole 50 thoroughly expensive construction machines from storage containers and made off with them. If one wants to know its belongings in security, is Selfstorage is clearly the recommended option.
No flexibility in storage size
Last but not least, one crucial aspect should be highlighted, namely the lack of flexibility in terms of bearing size. Storage containers are due to the necessary properties during the transport on trucks, trains or cargo ships and are basically produced only in sizes 20, 40 and 45 feet. What is unavoidable for the transport of goods, the actual main purpose of containers, is a considerable disadvantage when used merely as a storage facility.
Do you just want a few boxes the container is as good as empty and you pay for unused storage space. If you want to store your entire home furnishings, you may need 3 containers, one of which will only be half full in the end. If one turns to a Selfstorage offerer, then one stands for instance with STORE ROOM a gigantic selection of different storage sizes at your disposal. Starting from 1m² up to 50m² of storage space, you can choose from 36 different storage sizes, which allows you to perfectly adapt the compartment to your needs. Unnecessary paid storage space can thus be effectively avoided and you save your wallet during the storage of your possessions.
Attics and cellars
Do not store in a damp cellar
Temperature fluctuations are frequent
As just mentioned, cellars and attics normally have different temperatures than the rest of the house. In cellars, temperatures are usually very low, which in the winter often the case in the attic. At Summer on the other hand, attics can heat up quite a bit. Objects that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations or very low or high temperatures are therefore poorly suited for storage in the cellar or attic. As always, it is important to assess the situation on an individual basis and, if necessary, to find out about the temperature sensitivity of your valuables. In case of doubt, the consistently constant temperature-controlled storage compartments rom STORE ROOM offer an ideal alternative.
Lack of security in cellars and attics
When it comes to security, particularly protection against burglary, basements and attics vary. In single-family homes, protection measures are often excellent, especially with alarm systems. In apartment buildings, however, the situation is different. With many residents, it’s hard to know who is coming and going. Sometimes doors are left improperly closed or opened when someone rings the bell. As a result, burglaries in basement compartments of apartment buildings are not uncommon, as access can be easy.
Secure Storage: Why Self-Storage is the Best Choice for Protecting Your Valuables
As reported by the Wiener Bezirksblatt, it was only in November that four burglars gained access to a residential building in the district of Döbling through a basement window and broke open 7 basement compartments before being caught in the act by the police. Even if the residents got off lightly in this case, burglaries in basements were unfortunately not uncommon in the past. Inexpensive objects such as E-bikes, musical instruments or jewelry should therefore not be stored in basement compartments, even if the simplicity of storing one’s belongings in one’s own home makes it tempting. Alarm secured storage compartments in your area offer the better solution here.
If you are faced with the situation of wanting to store items, there are numerous options, as already mentioned. However, as this article has made clear, various options differ significantly in various properties such as safety, dryness and much more. What storage compartments from self-storage providers. However, what sets them apart from the rest of the storage options is that they are ahead of their competition in almost every aspect. Whether it’s burglary protection, temperature consistency, or flexibility in storage size, self-storage offers the ideal solution for almost any type of property.