This is one of the more common questions that we are asked. If there is a loft in my home, should I use it for my storage space? Why should I pay to have a storage unit? That is a good question. A loft, for some people, can be the ideal storage solution. However, there are many things that make lofts impractical, difficult, and even a dangerous place to store your belongings. So today we will be discussing some of the main reasons why your loft may not be the best option compared to self-storage.
Space
There is a good chance that your loft is fairly small. Unless you happen to live in a mansion (where storage space is most likely not an issue), then your loft will be a size that is similar to your home’s footprint. Also, it probably has beams and eaves, which limit the height for liveable space. However, it does make it the ideal place for storing a few smaller items that you would like to keep out of your way, but still within reach when you need them: things such as family keepsakes, Christmas decorations, and suitcases. However, if you are wanting to store larger things, such as furniture, boxes of clothes or a sofa, then getting them up a ladder and then into the loft hatch is not convenient at all. This is where a self-storage unit can be very handy. They are convenient, simple, and available in several different sizes, so they can be used to store bulky, large items.
Security
Nobody wants to think about the possibility of their home being targeted to be robbed. However, unfortunately, this does occur. So if you are storing valuable keepsakes in your house, you could end up losing them. However, if they are stored inside a self-storage unit, they will be safe and secure. That is because self-storage facilities and units are protected by CCTV systems, your padlock (that only you have keys to), security codes, alarms, and more, as well as locksmiths, for keeping your items safer than in your house.
Protection
In addition to these obvious security measures, a self-storage unit can offer a couple of other ways of guaranteeing the protection of your belongings over a loft space. For one thing, if the roof on your home was to suffer damage, it would result in everything stored in the loft getting damaged by weather or debris. There are many homes that have hot water tanks or boilers installed in their loft, and if a boiler or tank was to spring a leak or have another issue, then your valuable belongings could end up soaked in a matter of seconds. There are also things such as pest damage, rodents, smoke damage from a domestic fire, or accidental damage when attempting to walk through our maze and tripping. All of these problems are avoided by a self-storage unit. Food and other types of perishables cannot be stored in them so you won’t ever have to worry about any pests. A majority of facilities also include state-of-the-art smoke and fire detection systems to help keep your belongings protected.
Help
There is also always help available if you need it. Whenever you are storing everything in your loft, it is a 2-man job at least to get everything in and out of the loft. And honestly, having to struggle up and down the loft ladder is not anybody’s idea of having fun. However, self-storage units have staff available to help you with loading trolleys, moving things into your unit, and even help you get moved in and out. You can access your unit whenever you want to, and you won’t have to go up and down a ladder.