If you’re considering self-storage or a home extension, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each option. A self-storage unit can be a great way to create extra space without the cost and hassle of a home extension.
However, which will provide greater security, a self-storage unit or a home extension? It may well depend on the extras a particular self-storage unit can offer a householder. Even budget storage, for instance, will come with a level of security. Also, for a little more cost, you can rent climate-controlled storage units for the greater preservation of sensitive objects.
Let us then think about how each alternative compares and how each one helps to tackle a surplus of belongings in the home in different ways.
Budget
When deciding whether to self-store or extend your home, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. If you need a lot of extra space, a home extension may be the better option. However, if you’re on a tight budget or only need a little extra space, self-storage may be the way to go.
There is not just the cost of building an extension to consider but also the cost of heating it correctly to keep our items inside there in nice condition.
It is good to note when deciding that differently sized self-storage units are available to rent. We can, for instance, rent the equivalent of having an extra room inside our home.
Security
Both self-storage units and home extensions can offer extra security for your belongings. However, self-storage units often have state-of-the-art security systems, including CCTV and alarm systems, which can give you peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure.
We can have peace of mind knowing that the building where our surplus items are stored has someone or something watching over it. Any suspicious activity can then be observed. Whereas at home, we cannot necessarily be there all of the time and can miss what is going on when it comes to the potential theft risk.
The alternative might mean fitting a security system to our extra building at a significant cost if it is to prove an effective one. It, therefore, makes sense to use a self-storage unit for items we care most about.
Convenience
Another factor to consider is convenience. A self-storage unit is often more convenient than a home extension, as there is no need for planning permission or building work. You can simply rent a self-storage unit and start using it straight away.
This means that we do not have to wait for planning permission to be approved nor do we have to endure the noise and mess of building work. We can store our belongings straight away in a self-storage unit.
We also have to consider that there might not be that much space to have an extension built, or we might prefer to keep a large chunk of our garden.
Flexibility
A self-storage unit also offers more flexibility than a home extension, as you can rent it for as long or as short a time as you need. This is particularly useful if you only need extra space for a short period, such as during a house move or home renovation. Building an extension would be a big decision that may require you to extend your mortgage to fund the cost.
This flexible arrangement a self-storage unit offers compares to an extension where once the building work is completed, we are then stuck with it. If we self-store and no longer need the space, we can simply give notice and end the rental agreement.
On balance, many will choose the self-storage option because it is less permanent and more affordable in the short term. It will certainly offer good security, with the right package. Above all, even a budget storage unit could be a sufficient solution for most people.