Whether you're storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire home, choosing the right storage space can help you avoid paying for more room than you need. Two of the smallest options you may come across are storage lockers and storage units, but what's the difference between them?
Both can provide secure short-term or long-term storage for personal belongings, household items and business supplies. The main differences are usually size, accessibility and what you plan to store.
Understanding these differences can help you decide which storage option is right for you.
The biggest difference between a storage locker and a storage unit is size.
Storage lockers are compact spaces designed for smaller quantities of belongings. A storage unit provides more floor space and is available in a much wider range of sizes, from small units suitable for boxes and seasonal items to large units that can store furniture and the contents of a home.
Accessibility can also be different. Storage lockers are generally located indoors, while storage units may be located inside a building or have exterior drive-up access.
Here's a closer look at each option.
A self storage unit is an individual storage space that you rent for your belongings. Storage units are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for everything from a few boxes to furniture, appliances, business inventory, and household contents.
Common reasons for renting a storage unit include:
Moving to a new home
Renovating
Downsizing
Decluttering
Storing seasonal belongings
Making room in a garage or basement
Storing business inventory or equipment
Temporary storage between homes
When choosing a storage unit, you'll also need to consider whether you want drive-up storage or indoor climate-controlled storage.
A drive-up storage unit has an exterior door that allows you to pull your car, truck, or moving vehicle directly up to the unit.
This can be particularly convenient when you're storing furniture, appliances, heavy boxes, tools, equipment or business inventory. Instead of carrying belongings through hallways or elevators, you can load and unload directly between your vehicle and storage unit.
Drive-up units can also be an affordable choice when the items you're storing don't require a temperature-controlled environment.
Climate-controlled storage units are located indoors and provide a more consistent storage environment than an outdoor drive-up unit.
They can be a good option for belongings that may be affected by Alberta's changing temperatures, including:
Electronics
Photographs
Important documents
Wood furniture
Artwork
Antiques and collectibles
Other temperature-sensitive belongings
If you're unsure whether your belongings need climate-controlled storage, consider how sensitive the items are and how long you plan to store them.
A storage locker is a smaller storage space designed for people who don't need a full-sized storage unit.
Storage lockers are typically located indoors and are useful when you have only a few boxes, seasonal belongings, or smaller personal items to store.
They can be an affordable alternative to renting a larger storage unit when you simply need a little extra space.
A storage locker may work well for:
Seasonal decorations
Luggage
Sports equipment
Files and documents
Small boxes
Collectibles
Student belongings
Extra household items
Small amounts of business inventory
For example, if your closets are overflowing with Christmas decorations, camping gear, or items you use only a few times a year, a storage locker may provide enough space without requiring you to rent a larger unit.
Start with how much you're storing and the size of your largest items.
A storage locker may be enough if everything you're storing can fit comfortably into boxes or consists primarily of smaller items.
A storage unit is usually the better choice if you're storing furniture, appliances, larger equipment, or the contents of one or more rooms.
Also think about how you'll use the space.
If you'll be visiting frequently to pick up inventory, equipment or larger belongings, the convenience of a drive-up storage unit may be important. If you're storing smaller temperature-sensitive belongings, an indoor storage option may make more sense.
It's also worth leaving yourself some extra room. Packing storage space from floor to ceiling can make it difficult to retrieve items later. A slightly larger unit may allow you to create an aisle and keep frequently used belongings near the front.
Before renting, make a list of the larger items you plan to store and estimate how many boxes you'll have.
Think about:
Your largest pieces of furniture
How many rooms you're storing
Whether boxes can be safely stacked
Whether you'll add more belongings later
How often you'll need to access your items
Whether you need room for an aisle
Our Storage Unit Size Guide can help you compare storage unit sizes and determine how much space you may need.
If you're still uncertain, talk to our storage team. Describing what you're planning to store can often help us recommend an appropriate size and prevent you from renting more space than necessary.
Yes. Both can be useful for business storage, depending on how much space your company needs.
A small storage space may work for files, marketing materials, supplies, or a limited amount of inventory. Larger storage units can accommodate additional inventory, equipment, tools, furniture and other business belongings.
Self storage can also give growing businesses additional space without having to move to a larger office, retail location or warehouse.
Whether you need a compact storage space or room for larger household or business belongings, Elite Self Storage can help you find an option that fits your needs.
Our Edmonton and St. Albert storage facilities offer a variety of storage sizes and options, including climate-controlled storage, heated and unheated storage, drive-up storage, business storage, vehicle storage, and RV storage.
Elite Self Storage also offers month-to-month storage rentals, giving you the flexibility to rent short-term or keep your storage space for as long as you need it. With true monthly billing, you receive a full month of storage rather than being billed every four weeks.
Not sure whether you need a storage locker or storage unit? Our storage rental team can help you compare your options and choose a space based on what you're storing, your budget, and how often you'll need access.
Rent or reserve a storage unit in South Edmonton or St. Albert online, call 780-347-0433, or visit Elite Self Storage at 3230 97 Street NW in Edmonton or 7 Riel Drive in St. Albert.
