STORAGE UNIT VS WAREHOUSES: FIND WHICH ONE STANDS OUT FOR YOU

People may have heard or used the terms storage units and storage warehouses interchangeably. However, both of these storage areas are different when compared with each other. People use storage units to store their personal or business belongings, while storage warehouses see commercial or industrial use. 

A storage facility houses individual storage units, whereas a storage warehouse is present inside a commercial building. Transporters, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers use these storage warehouses to store large amounts of inventory.

Whether you decide to choose an individual storage unit or a storage warehouse, you can rest assured that you are not the only one. According to a study, one out of ten people use storage services every month.

If you are finding yourself a storage space and cannot make up your mind on which type of storage to use, then this article will provide you with information, making your decision easier. Listed below are some pros and cons of both storage types, which will help you decide on the one that is best suited for your needs and requirements:

WHAT IS A STORAGE UNIT?

A storage unit is a perfect way to store your belongings that would otherwise be taking up space at your home or business. Compared to a storage warehouse, a storage unit is smaller, and one unit can store a certain amount of goods. Listed below are some of the pros and cons of a storage unit:

THE PROS AND CONS OF USING A STORAGE UNIT

1. THEY ARE SAFE AND RELIABLE

A storage unit is reliable and safe when it comes to keeping your goods secure from insects, mice, bad weather, or from getting misplaced. So, you can rest assured that your things will stay the way you left them. Some storage companies offer flexible insurance plans as well in case of unfortunate circumstances.

2. THEY PROVIDE UNLIMITED ACCESS

With storage units, you can access your goods any time you like. You only need to visit the storage facility and enter your code or use a key to gain access to them. It is like having your very own garage, even if you live in a tiny apartment.

3. THEY ARE BEST FOR STORING GOODS WHILE RELOCATING

A storage unit is a perfect choice for people who want to relocate but don’t have enough space to store their belongings. Whether it is a long-distance or a short distance move, your goods will be waiting for you when you get back.

4. YOU HAVE TO PAY EXTRA FOR MOVING YOUR GOODS

Storage companies charge extra for moving your goods to their storage unit. So be prepared to pay a premium if you don’t have your means of transportation.

5. YOU CANNOT KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR GOODS ALL THE TIME

For people who live far away from their storage unit, it can be highly uncomfortable to leave their valuable documents or goods in a storage space that they cannot keep track of regularly. You can ask the facility owner to provide monitoring services such as security cameras. However, you will have to pay extra for that.

WHAT IS A STORAGE WAREHOUSE?

Warehousing involves the storage of goods that businesses plan to sell on a later day. Storage warehouses are commercial, and companies use them to store heaps of unsold inventory, freeing up some space at their place of business. Listed below are the pros and cons of using a storage warehouse.

THE PROS AND CONS OF USING A STORAGE WAREHOUSE

1. THEY ARE FLEXIBLE

Typically, most storage warehouses provide services such as order fulfillment, provide workers for these order fulfillment services, and handle everything from packing to shipping orders.  Such flexibility is unavailable with a storage unit.

2. PROVIDES COMPANIES WITH FREEDOM TO EXPAND

As warehousing was expensive in the past, some companies had to blow their budget on storing their inventory, hindering their chance to success. Nowadays, on-demand warehouses are considerably cheaper than before, which allows companies to spend money on other aspects of their business, providing them the freedom to grow.

3. DECREASED CONTROL

While storage warehouse companies offer fulfillment, handling, and shipping services, they are no better than 3PLs, and companies have to give up some control over such processes. It can be attractive in the beginning. However, if warehouse companies don’t handle the process efficiently, it could lead to customer dissatisfaction.

4. EXTRA PAYMENT FOR RUSH DELIVERIES

If your company wants to deliver goods in a hurry, you are at the mercy of your storage warehouse company. For rush deliveries, you will end up paying extra, with no guarantee of the goods reaching the customer on time.

5. VERY EXPENSIVE FOR PERSONAL STORAGE

For non-commercial uses such as storage of goods, while relocating, a storage warehouse can be an expensive option. For personal use, a storage unit is a far cheaper option.

FINAL WORDS

A storage unit may be a better option for storing personal belongings or business documents. However,  a storage warehouse will be best suited for companies that store inventory and deliver goods across the country or internationally. Some storage warehouses double as retail stores, providing companies with storage and a sales front in one area. Whatever the case, the best choice for you depends on your use case.

If you are an individual who wants to store goods for a short time, then a storage unit is the best option. If you are a company that delivers goods all across the country, then a storage warehouse is the best bet. Consider the pros and cons we have shared with you in this article and made a decision accordingly.