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So you’ve got some stuff to store. Okay…maybe you have a lot of stuff to store. And you need a place to put it all.
 
Chances are, you’ve only got a two main options in your home: the closets and the garage. While closets are certainly ideal, they are also much smaller, and are therefore better suited to small or delicate items. Bigger, bulkier things are relegated to the garage. Of course, you’re then left with this question: where do you park your car?
 
The truth is, the garage might not be your best bet for storing unused possessions. Self-storage is an accessible, relatively inexpensive option that will provide you with a good amount of storage with very little hassle. So which option is right for you—your garage, or a storage unit? Here are some things you should consider.
 

What are you storing?

 
If you are storing items that you need on a regular basis, or at a moment’s notice, you’ll probably want to keep those things as close as possible, and should make room for them in the garage. On the other hand, if you’re storing things you only need seasonally (holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, etc.) or very rarely, a storage unit will be a great solution.
 
Also, if you have delicate furniture items that you aren’t using but don’t want to get rid of, keeping them in your garage could be risky. Wood furniture can be damaged with any level of exposure to the elements, and your garage—opening and closing frequently—may not provide adequate protection. Similarly, such items often require a climate controlled environment: something that would be costly in a home garage, but is a feature available in some rented units.
 

How much do you have to store?

 
Let’s not forget your garage’s main function: to house your car. While many people are okay parking their cars in the street, the truth is that this leaves your car exposed and vulnerable to sun damage, water damage, and thieves. Parking your car in your garage is a far better alternative. Of course, if your garage is packed full of storage boxes and unused furniture, you might not have a choice.
 
If whatever you are storing is taking up so much room in your garage that your car won’t fit, trust us: it’s time for a storage unit. If, on the other hand, you’re able to keep your possessions neatly organized along the perimeter of your garage, with plenty of space to park your car as well, by all means—use the garage for storage!
 

What level of security do you want?

 
A home garage is about as secure as the rest of your home. You can definitely take measures to make sure that your home is safe and protected, but unless you really put a lot of time and effort (and money!) into setting up these systems, there is still the potential that your home (including your garage) may be robbed. While this might not be a big deal for more standard storage items, it could be devastating if you are keeping family heirlooms or other treasures in your garage.
 
Self-storage units usually have a few different layers of security built in to make sure that you unit and its contents are always highly protected. Access alarms, security gates, security cameras, and on-site personnel work together to give you peace of mind, all the time.
 
The fact is, both an at-home garage and a self-storage unit would provide a reasonably good place for you to store your belongings. We hope these questions have helped you as you’ve tried to decide which options would work best for you!
 
If you’re in need of a storage facility in the Phoenix area, don’t settle for less than the best. Contact AZ Mini Storage in Phoenix at 380-386-6022. We’ve been serving the Phoenix area for years, and can help you find just right storage unit for your needs. We look forward to hearing from you!