Outdoor vs Indoor Self Storage: Which Is Right For You?

The most obvious distinction between these storage options is how they handle the elements.

Indoor Storage Units provide complete protection from rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and humidity. They're typically climate-controlled environments housed within larger buildings.

Outdoor Storage Units (like our shipping containers at Spare Space) are standalone structures that, while weatherproof and secure, are exposed to the outdoor environment.

Both options keep your belongings dry and protected, but the level of climate control differs significantly. Indoor units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, while outdoor units are subject to seasonal variations.

So if you're storing temperature-sensitive items like antiques, wooden furniture, or electronics, an indoor unit might be your best bet. However, for sturdy household items, tools, or garden equipment, our outdoor containers offer excellent protection at a more competitive price.

When you need to access your belongings quickly, the differences between indoor and outdoor storage become immediately apparent.

Indoor Storage Units typically require you to:

• Enter a building

• Navigate hallways or use lifts

• Locate your unit among many others

• Sometimes deal with limited access hours

Outdoor Storage Units offer:

• Direct drive-up access

• No building to navigate

• Quick loading and unloading

• Often 24/7 accessibility (like we provide at Spare Space)

If you'll be visiting your storage frequently or need to move large, heavy items, our outdoor containers offer unbeatable convenience. You simply drive up, unlock your container, and you're in business.

For those storing items they rarely need to access, an indoor unit's added weather protection might outweigh the convenience factor.

Both storage types offer security features, but they work differently.

Indoor Storage Units typically feature:

• Building access controls

• Hallway surveillance

• Individual unit locks

• Staff presence during business hours

Outdoor Storage Units provide:

• Perimeter fencing

• Gated access (like our electric gates at Spare Space)

• Individual heavy-duty container locks

• 24/7 CCTV surveillance

At Spare Space, our outdoor containers are secured behind two electric gates with access codes, and our 24/7 CCTV gives you complete peace of mind about the safety of your possessions.

The physical structure of each storage type affects what sizes are available.

Indoor Storage Units often come in a wide range of sizes, from small lockers to large rooms, but height is typically limited by the building structure.

Outdoor Storage Units like our shipping containers have standardized dimensions but offer substantial space. Our 10ft and 20ft containers provide ample room for household belongings, business inventory, or equipment.

The beauty of our containers is their height and width - at 8ft wide and 8ft 6in high, they offer plenty of vertical storage space that indoor units often can't match.

When budgeting for storage, the price difference can be significant.

Indoor Storage Units generally cost more due to:

• Climate control systems

• Building maintenance costs

• Additional security features

• Premium for being indoors

Outdoor Storage Units typically offer:

• More space for your money

• Simpler pricing structures

• Lower overhead costs

• Better value for longer-term storage

At Spare Space, our transparent pricing model means you know exactly what you're paying for - a clean, dry, secure container with 24/7 access, all at a competitive monthly rate.

Knowing which belongings are best suited for each storage type can help you make the right decision.

Best for Indoor Storage:

• Antique furniture

• Musical instruments

• Electronics

• Important documents

• Artwork and photographs

• Collections (stamps, comics, etc.)

• Clothing and fabrics

Best for Outdoor Storage Containers:

• Household furniture

• Appliances

• Tools and equipment

• Garden furniture

• Business inventory

• Seasonal decorations

• Sports equipment

• Vehicles and machinery

At Spare Space, our outdoor containers are perfect for local residents and businesses who need accessible, secure storage without the premium price of climate control.

The choice between outdoor and indoor self storage ultimately depends on what you're storing, how often you'll need access, and your budget constraints.

For most household and business storage needs in Wombourne and surrounding areas, our outdoor container storage at Spare Space offers the perfect balance of security, accessibility, and value.

Whatever your reason for needing safe and convenient storage for your belongings, we can help you find a solution that works for you.

Short term, longer term – you choose. We're self storage specialists serving South Staffordshire, so give us a call on 0190 291 2021 if you need a practical self storage solution close to home.