Maybe it’s finally time to clean out the closets. Or, perhaps you’re ready to start that small business and need a place to store your inventory. Whatever the reason, you want extra storage. You may assume you need to rent a storage unit, but have you considered renting a storage locker unit instead?
Never heard of locker storage? Many self-storage companies, including Price Self Storage, offer them. This article will give you the lowdown on storage lockers vs. storage units.
WHAT IS A STORAGE LOCKER?
When you think of the word “locker,” you might imagine the rows of lockers in your high school or at your local gym. In the storage world, storage locker units range in size and can be much larger than what you would find at a gym or school.
Like a typical storage unit, lockers are used to … well, store your extra possessions. The main difference is their smaller size. In many facilities, locker units are stacked, so you might need to bend down or use a provided rolling ladder to access the items in your unit.
WHAT IS A STORAGE UNIT?
Storage units are essentially a larger version of lockers for storage. They are dedicated spaces where individuals or businesses can store their belongings. At Price Self Storage, our storage units range in size from small to large.
Most storage units include roll-up doors for more effortless loading and unloading. Depending on the type of unit you rent, they may offer drive-up access, first-floor access, or second-floor access. For second-floor units, you’ll need to take the stairs or an elevator to reach your unit.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STORAGE UNITS AND LOCKERS
SIZE COMPARISON
Storage units and lockers serve the same purpose: They let you safely secure all your extra belongings. The main difference is simply the size of the units.
At Price Self Storage, most storage locker units are 5’ x 5’, or 25 square feet, and 3 feet tall. That’s enough space to store sports equipment, holiday decorations, extra clothes, business inventory, extra bedding, and more.
Storage units, on the other hand, can range in size. Our smallest units are 5’ x 5’ but have higher ceilings than our locker units. We also offer 10’ x 10’ medium units and our largest unit at 10’ x 30’. That’s big enough to store the furniture of a multi-bedroom home.
COST AND PRICING
Another big difference between storage lockers vs. storage units is the cost. The larger the unit, the higher the monthly rent usually. In most cases, locker storage is your most cost-effective storage option. If you’re on a budget, a locker might be the best call.
ACCESSIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE
Not every storage facility offers locker units, so it may be easier and more convenient to simply rent the smallest unit available at your nearest storage location. Since many lockers for storage are stacked, loading and unloading your locker may be more complicated than a storage unit.
If you have a higher locker unit, you may need to bend down to move your boxes into it or carry them up a short ladder. Compare that to a storage unit, where you can easily walk directly into it to store your boxes.
A larger storage unit may also make organizing and finding items and boxes easier if you need to visit your unit often. You may have to dig through your items in a smaller locker to find the box you need.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT STORAGE OPTION FOR YOU
When it comes to locker vs. unit, the first thing to do is consider how much you want to store. A locker might be a good option if you only have a few items or boxes, especially if you’re on a budget. If you have large furniture, appliances, or a one-bedroom apartment to pack, then you’ll need to go with a storage unit.
Next, look at the storage locations nearby. Do they offer lockers for storage? How large are the lockers, and what do they cost compared to a small or medium storage unit? If the cost difference is significant, that’s a green light for the locker.
Consider how much you want to work to load and unload your items. Packing a locker will be less convenient than a storage unit. If you have hip or knee issues, you might have trouble bending down to put things in a low locker or climbing a ladder to access a higher locker.
One last thing to consider is how often you plan to visit your unit or locker. If you expect to take things in and out of your storage space frequently, a smaller storage unit might be more convenient than a locker unit. If you plan to “set it and forget it,” stick to a locker.
WHY CHOOSE PRICE SELF STORAGE
At Price Self Storage, we are proud to offer a wide range of storage options, including storage units and lockers in small, medium, and large sizes. For a great price, choose our locker storage unit. If you ever find that you have more to store, you can easily upgrade to a storage unit of any size. You can also downgrade to a locker if you don’t need to store as many items.
Not all our locations offer locker units, so find your nearest facility and check out our available units. If you need more help choosing the right storage option for you, don’t hesitate to call our complimentary concierge service.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STORAGE LOCKERS VS. STORAGE UNITS
Still uncertain whether to choose a storage locker vs a storage unit for your needs? This FAQ section will clarify the key differences and cost implications to help you make an informed decision.
What is the main difference between a storage unit and a storage locker?
Size and accessibility are the two main differences between the two storage solutions. Storage units tend to be larger than lockers and have roll-up doors, making it easier to load and unload your belongings. Lockers are typically located inside a facility and stacked on top of one another. Depending on the location of your locker, you may need to use a ladder to access your belongings.
Which option is more cost-effective?
Lockers are almost always cheaper to rent than storage units. Storage units tend to be more expensive, simply because they’re bigger. If you have many items to store, it would be more cost-effective to invest in a storage unit than multiple lockers. To find the best option for your items, consider how much space you need.
Are storage lockers secure?
Yes, lockers are a safe and secure way to store your belongings. This type of storage solution is typically inside a storage facility and stacked on top of one another. Depending on the facility, you’ll receive a keycard or a code to access the locker. If safety and security are your main priorities, you’ll want to look for a reliable storage facility that offers 24/7 surveillance or gate access for added protection.
Can I access my storage locker anytime?
Most storage locker units can only be accessed during business hours. Hours can vary from location to location. To learn more about hours of operation for a specific location, find a location near you today.
How do I choose between a storage unit and a storage locker?
Lockers are smaller and designed to store extra containers or boxes that you don’t want lying around your home. A storage unit is a larger solution that can hold furniture or bulky items. When comparing storage lockers vs. storage units, it’s best to consider your own storage needs and what items you need to store.
