How Does Self Storage Work?

If you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to store personal belongings and are researching the different options available, you might have come across self storage. It’s a popular service used by both homes and businesses, the demand for which is increasing due to the need for additional space in densely populated areas. If you’ve never had to use this service before you might be wondering, how does self storage work? This is what we’ll get into in this blog.

How Does Self Storage Work and What Does the Service Include?

Self storage services include the provision of secured, often climate controlled units where businesses and individuals can safely store personal belongings, office equipment and any other type of goods for safekeeping.

The way self storage works is that it allows you to rent a storage vault with both short and long term options typically available. The process usually involves choosing the rental period for which you’ll be needing it, signing a rental agreement and paying a monthly or weekly fee. You can then access your belongings during the working hours of the facility.

Self storage facilities typically provide gated access and security monitoring for the safety of your belongings and the storage environments are often climate controlled for optimal keeping of the goods stored. 

The Benefits of Self Storage Services

The reason why self storage is such a convenient option is because it offers both flexibility and security when it comes to safekeeping your personal effects. The benefits of self storage include:

• Additional Space: Plenty of extra space to help you declutter your home or office.

• Flexible Terms: Could be both a short or long term solution depending on your needs.

• Security: Self storage units are usually monitored 24/7 and items are kept in secure vaults.

• Cost Effective Solution: Often more cost effective than moving to a new, larger home or office with various options available to suit your budget.

• Controlled Environment: Self storage facilities often feature gated access and climate control so items are kept as safe and in as good a condition as possible.

What Are the Different Types of Self Storage?

There are different types of self storage, or, in other words, ways to utilise self storage services depending on the purpose you need them for. Here are some of the most popular types of self storage and the different situations in which self storage services come in handy:

Business Self Storage: How Does Self Storage Work for Organisations?

Businesses may need self storage services to store office equipment, out-of-season inventory, physical documentation/files and anything else that’s not currently being used but needs to be kept safe and secure. This can be a cost-effective way to declutter a workplace without having to expand to a larger premises. It’s also a reliable option for storing restricted access items. 

Household Self Storage: How Does Self Storage Work for Individuals and Families?

Individuals and families often choose self storage as a way to declutter a home and store items that are off-season or not often used. Self-storage units are typically secured and climate controlled which also makes them great for storing heirlooms, valuables and any other precious items securely and in optimal condition.

How Self-Storage Can Help You During a Move

If you’re moving into a new home and are looking to have as much free space as possible for decorating, renovations, etc, self-storage is a great option for temporarily keeping some of your belongings out of the way. It can also come in handy if you have a gap of time between moving out of your old property and moving into your new one.

Or you might be looking to move your personal effects in stages. Instead of moving everything to your new property at once, you could move the most important items first and keep everything else e.g. seasonal decorations, etc. in self-storage to avoid overwhelm.

At QMM, we offer the option to bundle our self storage services with our moving services for extra convenience during your transition. 

What Is the Average Self Storage Unit Size?

There is no single average self storage unit size, as there are various sizes individuals may choose depending on the amount of goods they’re planning to store.

The most popular units are typically the size of a room, which is what we at QMM provide. Our self storage unit sizes are 6′ x 7′ x 8′ offering plenty of space to store anything from smaller objects to larger items such as furniture or office gear, for example.

How Much Is Self Storage Per Week?

Self storage prices per week vary depending on the location and unit size you’ve chosen. At QMM, our self storage service prices start at just $16 CAD per week* for a generous self storage unit size offering plenty of space to store both small and large items (6′ x 7′ x 8). What’s more, we have an offer available until December 2025 which lets you get your first month of self storage for free!