We all have things we need to store: holiday decorations, out of season clothing, sentimental pieces we just can’t seem to throw away. We want these things within close reach, but also out of sight.
If you have an attached garage, you might think that’s the perfect solution. However, there are a few things you should think about before using your garage for all your storage needs. Here are a few downsides to using your garage for long-term storage.
No room for your car.
It may not seem like a big deal to leave your car parked in your driveway, but in the summer heat in Arizona, parking in the shade versus the sun makes a big difference to your car’s inside temperature. If you’re unable to park your car in the garage because you’re storing too many other things in there, we see a lot of seat belt burns in your future.
Possibility of theft.
Your garage is a pretty easy target for thieves. Especially if you have a side door to the garage, it would not be difficult for a thief to break into your garage and steal some of the things you want to keep safe.
Mixing everyday items with items that aren’t needed regularly.
Your garage is a great place to store items that you need regularly: things like landscaping equipment, gardening supplies, a toolbox, or supplies for washing your car. But when you throw items you don’t need regularly into the mix, it can be harder to access those things you really do need. No one wants to shimmy their way around their Christmas decor just to get to the lawn mower.
No temperature control.
Most people don’t have any sort of temperature or humidity control in their garage, and for good reason. It’s pretty expensive to have done, adds to your monthly utility bill, and is, for the most part, unnecessary. However, some sensitive items you might want to store (think: real wood furniture, antiques, artwork, or musical instruments) might need to be in a temperature controlled environment to stay in good shape. A self-storage unit with temperature regulation would be a much better option.
Expense of organizing.
Sure, you can convert your garage to a well-oiled, organized machine…if you’re willing to shell out big bucks for shelves, cabinets, racks, buckets, peg boards, hooks, and who knows what else. Getting your garage to a place where there’s a “place for everything” can be very time consuming, and the cost can add up very quickly.
Although your garage may seem like the perfect place to store your excess, there are a few reasons to think twice before turning the garage into your own at-home storage unit.
If you’d rather use a self-storage facility in Glendale, AZ for your items, contact Arizona Storage Centers at 480-386-6022. Our secure facilities offer units in a variety of sizes, with temperature controlled units available. We have centers in Glendale, Phoenix, Deer Valley, Chandler, and Gilbert. Contact us today!
