In an effort to save space families all over the United States have opted to take advantage of mini storage. Having a mini storage unit gives individuals a chance to store valuable items in a safe, out of the way, location. In addition to providing a way to safely store valuable items mini storage gives families a chance to regain valuable storage space within their own home. Even though many families jump at the chance to take advantage of mini storage there are quite a few families that are not sure whether they should invest in a custom built mini storage unit or purchase a prefabricated mini storage unit. Before making a decision it is important that an individual takes some time to learn about both mini storage options so that they can use their knowledge to make an educated decision.

Pre fabricated mini storage units are ones that most people are familiar with. These mini storage units are made out of a wide variety of materials, often metal, and can be delivered directly to a home. In some cases these mini storage units are delivered already constructed and in other situations a company will deliver the mini storage unit with clear instructions on how to set up the storage unit. These pre fabricated storage units are usually easy to set up and come in a variety of pre determined sizes. The common sizes of these mini storage facilities are determined by what is popular with most customers.

Custom built mini storage units are exactly what the name implies. These storage units are created entirely from scratch and are designed to fit the needs of the individual or family that needs them. Many small businesses that specialize in storage and carpentry offer custom built mini storage design and building. It is also possible for a determined person to build a mini storage unit on their own using only their knowledge, tools, and available materials.

While both pre fabricated and custom built mini storage units have their benefits they also have their flaws which must be taken into account when the time comes to make a choice. There are three things that should always be taken into account when making your choice and these things are ; price, convenience, and level of expertise needed. These three factors should help you determine which type of mini storage unit will be best for your own needs and wants.

The first choice, a pre fabricated mini storage unit, is extremely popular and perhaps the most popular type of mini storage unit. Pre fabricated mini storage units are usually affordably priced because they are already pre designed and ready to be shipped out or delivered to the home of a customer. Pre fabricated mini storage units that are not already constructed are usually more affordable than those that are already built and ready for delivery or pick up.

Most pre fabricated mini storage units that are not already constructed are very easy to put together. Many companies that specialize in these storage units design write very detailed, clear cut, instructions that can be understood by anyone even if they have no experience with building. In many cases only the most basic tools that are usually found in most homes are needed for construction. For those who do not even want to deal with building anything pre fabricated mini storage units can be delivered, already constructed, to a home. This option is extremely convenient since all the average person has to do is clear a space in their backyard or garage for the unit to be placed into.

Custom built mini storage units are usually a bit more difficult to manage. For starters unless an individual is ordering the mini storage unit to be built by a separate company specializing in the construction of customized mini storage unit tools and supplies will be needed. Many people use board and lumber to construct their own mini storage units unless they are experienced with metal working or other forms of construction.

Unless the person has all of the tools and materials on hand it is necessary to purchase the items at a hardware store or store that specializes in home repairs and projects. Lumber, tools, and the other supplies needed to build a custom mini storage unit can be expensive especially if they need to be replaced after mistakes are made. In some situations building plans are also needed and while building plans can usually be found online they can be hard to understand if you are someone who has never created storage units or anything else using a building plan.

Even though custom built mini storage units can be extremely inconvenient for someone that is not sure of what they are doing, custom built mini storage units can be perfect for an experienced person that wants to take control of the size and shape of their mini storage unit. Building a mini storage unit without the aid of pre fabricated material gives the builder a chance to create something perfectly suited to their own needs. In the end the decision to use a pre fabricated mini storage unit or a custom build mini storage unit should be determined by your own needs and personal preferences.

Self storage units, also known as self-service storage units have become an important staple in the lives of many busy people. These storage facilities lease space to small businesses or individuals and the space leased can be used for a variety of purposes. Even though people have grown familiar with the idea of self storage few know the history behind the storage unit. Most people believe that self-storage units are a recent invention when they have been in existence for a several decades.

The first self storage companies were established in the mid 1970s. These companies began leasing units of various sizes to individuals and businesses in need of additional storage space. The initial rules put in place by self-storage companies prohibited individuals from sleeping or otherwise living in their storage unit. They also prohibited the resale or subleasing of the storage units. Overtime more rules were put into place to prevent individuals and businesses from storing potential hazardous materials.

Throughout the years the self storage industry has continued to grow rapidly. As more people all over the world move on a regular basis the need for private storage facilities has grown rapidly. Individuals moving for personal and professional reasons have started using self storage facilities to store furniture and other items between moves. Even after moving many people have chosen to use self storage units as a convenient way to store seasonal items and other belongings that are inconvenient to have around at all times but are too valuable to throw away.

Many of the first self storage units were located in urban areas and were part of larger buildings. Quite a few businesses and even public schools leased out storage space to the general public. In some areas huge self storage facilities existed that had elevators and other features to help customers get to and from their storage units. Overtime self storage facilities were opened that catered to individuals storing large items such as cars, boats, and RVs.

Self storage units come in a wide variety of sizes designed to fit the needs of individuals with a few items or people needing to store enough furniture to fill a house. Storage units start out at units that are no bigger than the average walk in closet and go up to the size of a two car garage. Most self storage units can be accessed by using a metal door that rolls up in a way that is similar to the average garage. Initially self storage units were built using concrete and metal with the renter being asked to provide their own lock. Over the years construction has become more secure as features are added to interest new customers.

Self storage units now come in climate controlled and cold storage units. Climate controlled units are well constructed and insulated in such a way that the temperature of the unit remains constant. These storage units remain dry and comfortable which helps prevent molding and other forms of damage that sometimes occurs when items are in storage. Cold storage self storage units are also offered to provide small businesses and others a way to safely store food items and even wine for long periods of time.

Regardless of whether a person needs traditional storage, climate controlled storage, or cold storage they are charged a monthly rental fee. These fees are usually determined by the type of facility being used and the size of the storage unit. Over recent years self storage facilities have developed a contract that has be signed by all individuals leasing self storage units.

These contracts usually state the individual renting the storage unit will not store hazardous material in their unit, will not attempt to live in their unit, will pay their rent on time each month, and also promises that the individuals property will never be touched or disturbed by the staff or management of the facility. If the renter does fail to pay their rent a lien is placed on their storage unit and the contents of the storage unit can eventually be auctioned off. In recent years storage facility auctions have become a popular way for collectors and resellers to gain access to second hand items cheaply.

Self storage facilities have also changed their security methods over the past few decades. As outdoor storage facilities became popular storage facility owners began seeking new ways to protect their customer’s property. This has been done with the help of advanced technology such as keypads and codes used for gaining access to the storage facility, video surveillance used to monitor the property, and even gates and fences designed to deter criminals.

The advancement of self storage facilities seen to date are only the first of many. As millions of individual’s world wide lease self storage units for personal and professional use the self storage industry will continue to change and grow.