It’s becoming a more and more common sight – storage pods parked outside homes, businesses, and construction sites. It seems like these units have sprung up out nowhere, but they’ve been steadily growing in popularity over the last few years.

So, why use self-storage? What are the advantages of these pods? With millions of units rented out each year, it’s clear that people turn to self-storage facilities for much more than just temporary storage.

Whether you’re downsizing, going through a life transition, or simply trying to keep your home organized, self-storage offers a safe, flexible, and convenient way to handle the overflow of belongings. Plus, if you still need to access your items, having them stored at your location is a great option.

In this guide, we’ll explain why people use self-storage, and explore the benefits that come with using self-storage units vs traditional storage at a facility. We’ll also introduce you to WheeKeep, the most convenient, secure option for safe self-storage in Saudi Arabia.

What is Self-Storage?

Before we talk about why people use self-storage, what is what is portable storage, exactly? Let’s take a look at how self-storage works, how it compares to traditional storage, and the different types of self-storage options you can choose from.

How Self-Storage Works

So, how does self-storage work? Self-storage works by renting a portable storage unit from a company, then using your own lock and key for safe self-storage. You can select a unit size based on your storage needs, and move your items in and out at your leisure.

Generally, the unit is delivered to your location, so you can pack it and figure out how to organize your storage unit at your leisure. You can either store the unit at your location, or in some cases, it’s returned to the storage company’s facility for secure storage.

Comparison With Traditional Storage

Let’s look at the differences between portable self-storage vs traditional self-storage. Traditional storage options, like warehouses or fixed storage units, often require long-term contracts and less convenient access. In contrast, portable self-storage offers flexible leasing, allowing you to store items for as short or as long as you like.

Also, traditional storage may involve more complex procedures for retrieving items, whereas self-storage allows for personal and easy access whenever you need it. This ease of use and customizable terms is why so many people have made the switch to self-storage.

Types of Self-Storage Available

There are a few different types of self-storage available, depending on whether you need standard storage units, climate-controlled units, or vehicle/RV storage. Also, some self-storage units can be stored at your location, while others are stored at the storage company’s facility.

Why Use Self-Storage? The Most Common Use Cases for Self-Storage

So, why use self-storage? There are lots of different reasons why people use self-storage units – let’s explore the top reasons people use self-storage and how it provides a convenient, secure, and flexible way to store your belongings.

Managing Life Transitions

Life events such as moving, downsizing, divorce, or the loss of a loved one can often require temporary storage solutions. Why use self-storage when you find yourself in this position? Because it gives you somewhere safe to keep your personal items during these important transitions.

Self-storage gives you the time and space you need to sort through your belongings without pressure. For example, if you’re relocating to a new city, you may use a moving storage unit to house furniture and household items until you find permanent accommodation.

Similarly, families going through a divorce may need a neutral space to store shared assets, while older adults downsizing can use storage to hold onto sentimental items they don’t have room for in their new living arrangements.

Decluttering and Organizing

Decluttering is one of the most common reasons people turn to self-storage. Whether it’s clearing out a garage, reclaiming a spare bedroom, or creating a more functional home office, self-storage offers a way to temporarily store items that you aren’t using every day but still want to keep.

Seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, extra furniture, and memorabilia can all be stored away safely, giving you more room to enjoy your living spaces. By moving seldom-used items into storage, you can keep your home neat and organized without having to part with items you may want to use in the future.

Business and Commercial Storage

Why use self-storage for businesses? For small businesses, self-storage can function as a mini-warehouse, reducing the need for costly commercial leases. Retailers can keep excess stock or seasonal items in a secure unit, while contractors might use storage to keep tools and materials safe.

This allows businesses to scale their storage needs up or down based on demand, keeping costs manageable and operations efficient. Self-storage is also popular among remote workers or freelancers who need extra space for work-related items without turning their home into a cluttered office.

Storage for Vehicles and Equipment

Self-storage isn’t just for boxes and household items – it’s also a practical option for storing vehicles and large equipment. People who own boats, RVs, motorcycles, or classic cars may not have the space or secure environment at home to keep these valuable assets.

Many self-storage facilities offer specialized vehicle storage with covered parking, climate control, and added security. This can be especially beneficial for those living in areas with strict parking regulations or who need to store seasonal vehicles, like boats or snowmobiles, during off-peak times.

Temporary Living Solutions for Students or Military Personnel

Students and military personnel often end up in situations where they need temporary storage. College students moving out for the summer may not want to haul all of their belongings back home, making self-storage a convenient option for keeping their items safe until the next semester.

Military members who are deployed or reassigned frequently can use storage units to house personal items they won’t need while away. With flexible rental agreements and accessible locations, self-storage is a great choice for anyone who finds themself in a temporary living situation.

Tips on Getting Started With Self-Storage

We’ve talked about why people use self-storage, but what can you store in a storage unit, and how do you know what type or size of unit you need? Let’s take a look at some basic tips to help you make the most of self-storage.

Assess Your Storage Needs

Before selecting a storage unit, take some time to identify what exactly you’ll be storing. Make a list of the items you plan to put into storage, noting large furniture, fragile items, seasonal equipment, and anything that may require special care.

This inventory will help you visualize your storage needs and be useful when choosing the right unit size and type. Think about whether you’ll need frequent access to certain items and if so, how you’ll arrange them in the unit to avoid shuffling everything around every time you visit.

Choosing the Right Unit Size

What size storage unit do I need? A big part of figuring out how to choose a storage unit is getting the sizing right. To avoid renting a unit that’s too big (and paying for unnecessary space) or one that’s too small and doesn’t fit all your items, it’s important to match your needs to the appropriate size.

If you’re only storing a few boxes and small items, a 5’x5’ unit may suffice. Larger units, like 10’x10’ or 10’x20’, are better suited for storing furniture or the contents of multiple rooms. Use our free online storage space calculator to find the right-sized unit for your needs.

Picking the Right Storage Facility

It’s also important to do your research and find the right storage facility. The best storage unit companies have reasonable and transparent pricing, easy-to-understand terms, and great customer service.

If you’re storing your unit at their facility, make sure it’s convenient for you to access and has high levels of security, with on-site guards, gated access, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems.

Also, if you have temperature-sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, or antiques, consider a facility that offers weatherproof and climate-controlled units. In terms of how to protect your goods from humidity in a storage unit, a climate-controlled unit is the best solution.

Packing and Preparing for Storage

Learning how to pack a self-storage unit properly is essential to ensure your items stay safe and intact while in storage. Use sturdy boxes for packing, and avoid overstuffing them to prevent damage. Label each box clearly, so you can easily find what you need later.

For fragile items, wrap them individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, and store them in a way that prevents shifting. If you’re storing large items like furniture, consider disassembling them to save space, and use covers to protect against dust and scratches.

For more packing instructions, check out our guides on storing these specific items:

• How to store clothes in a storage unit
• How to store furniture in a storage unit
• How to store a mattress in a storage unit
• How to store washer and dryer in storage unit

When it comes to arranging your unit, place items you may need to access frequently near the front and create a clear path so it’s easy to get to different parts of your unit.

Moving Out When the Time Comes

Moving out of storage units can be just as stressful as packing them in the first place, but with the right planning, you can make the whole process a lot smoother. Start by sorting through your items and deciding what you want to keep, donate, or discard.

Take care when loading items into your vehicle to avoid damage, especially if you’re dealing with fragile or heavy belongings. Before you leave, thoroughly clean out your unit and ensure there are no remaining items.

Make sure you read through your rental agreement and check with the facility on move-out procedures, such as whether you need to notify them in advance or schedule a final inspection of the unit once you’re done moving your things out.

See For Yourself Why People Use Self Storage at WheeKeep!

At WheeKeep, we offer safe, secure, weatherproof portable storage units that can either be stored at your location or our secure facility. We make storage as convenient as possible – we’ll deliver a unit to your door, you can pack it at your leisure, and call us when it’s ready to be transferred.

If you need to keep your belongings at your location, our on site storage units are the most convenient way to keep your items clean, safe, and secure until you’re ready to unload them. If you transfer your unit to our facility, it will be under 24/7 surveillance, on-site guards, and advanced alarm systems.

Why use self-storage with WheeKeep? Because it’s so convenient! We’ll deliver your unit to your doorstep, and pick it back up when you’re done. You don’t need to worry about transport or logistics, just safely pack your belongings and forget all about them!

Parting Thoughts on Why People Use Self-Storage

So, why use self-storage? Whether you’re moving, downsizing, trying to reduce clutter, storing an extra vehicle, or needing storage for business purposes, self-storage units are the most convenient way of keeping your belongings safe, accessible, and secure.

At WheeKeep, we make self-storage as easy as possible. Our affordable, weatherproof, secure, clean storage units are perfect for keeping your household items and precious belongings safe, whether it’s for a month or several years.

Discover how easily you can store your items with self-storage – contact WheeKeep today to book your storage unit!