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Indoor vs Drive-Up Self Storage
- Storage Time
- Aug 13
- 7 min read
Are you looking to rent a self storage unit but unsure whether to opt for indoor storage or drive up storage? Then this blog is for you, as we will explore the key differences between indoor storage and drive up storage.
When planning to rent a self storage unit, some of the main things you’ll need to decide are: the type of access you require, size of storage, and the type of items being stored. In this blog, we will take a closer look at which storage option is best for you.
What is Indoor Self Storage?
Indoor self storage offers your own secure storage unit situated within a large indoor facility. At Storage Time, we offer secure indoor storage solutions, situated in Stockport. Indoor storage offers a range of sizes, to suit your storage needs, ensuring you find the ideal storage unit for your goods. With unit sizes starting from 15 sq ft (equivalent to a double wardrobe) to large warehouse sized storage spaces, we aim to find you the perfect fit. At Storage Time Stockport, we have a variety of sizes to offer, to ensure the perfect solution for your needs. Whether you are looking for personal storage or business storage solutions, Storage Time has you covered.
How does it work?
When you arrive at our indoor self storage facility in Stockport, you will find the process efficient, designed with your convenience in mind.
As you enter the site, you’ll begin by parking your vehicle in our dedicated loading bays, conveniently located outside the entrance points. Upon arrival, our staff will assist you with the check in process and will provide you with all the essential information you’ll need for future visits. Plus, enjoy some complimentary refreshments during your storage move in.
Using your move-in email instructions, you can find your unique pin-code which can be used to enter the building, ensuring that only authorised customers are able to access the facility. Once you are in, you will find a clean, well-lit and secure environment which will feel more like a spare room in your home than a large industrial building. Our Stockport facility offers not only character with concrete arched ceilings and floors but also shields your items from the weather.
At each entrance point, you will find trolleys available for your use to offload your belongings, before navigating through the corridors to your personal self storage unit. Once you have reached your storage unit, simply unload your items into the unit. Once your storage items have been loaded into the storage unit, secure access to the unit using a padlock. After locking your unit, you can leave with complete peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safely secured in a professionally managed self storage facility.
Need a padlock?
Check out our box shop for all your storage needs.
What are the key features of indoor storage?
Variety of sizes
Indoor storage units come in a wider range of sizes, making it easier to find the perfect space for you belongings. With storage units as small as 15 sq ft (equivalent to a double wardrobe) to as big as warehouse spaces, we ensure to find the perfect solution for you. The benefit of having a variety of sizes, allows you to find the perfect fit for your goods, ensuring you're not overpaying for excess space or cramming into a space thats too small.
Unsure on which size you need?
Check out our interactive size guide
Security
Indoor storage offers enhanced security features to protect your belongings. At Storage Time Stockport, our facility is equipped with state of the art security features to protect your belongings. Each customer receives a unique 4 digit pin code to access the entrance points, which is activated from 8am - 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-5pm on weekends. Outside of these hours, access to the storage facility will be manned with a security guard.
Furthermore, our facility is equipped with 24/7 motion censored CCTV with 24/7 Security monitoring, ensuring your goods are safe at all times. Plus, each unit is individually padlocked, giving you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are secure and protected at all times.
Accessibility
Storage Time Stockport is conveniently located in the heart of Stockport, just 2 minutes off the M60, J27, allowing easy access to the facility. Located in Vernon Mill Stockport, next door to the Volvo and Kia car showrooms, we offer storage in an area that is convenient for all our customers to access. Plus, we understand that all our customers have busy schedules which is why we offer 24/7 Access allowing you to retrieve or store your items at any time. Furthermore, upon arrival to the facility, you will be able to park your vehicle in our parking and loading bays conveniently located at each entrance point, ensuring your storage journey is as smooth as possible. For added convenience, we offer both ground floor and first floor storage units, making your journey hassle free.
Climate Control
One of the biggest benefits of having an indoor storage unit is climate control. Indoor storage units provide a constant temperature, protecting your items from all kinds of weather. Indoor storage is perfect for storing sensitive items such as electronics, vinyl records, archive and documents and sentimental storage items. Plus, with consistent humidity levels, indoor storage is perfect to safeguard your sensitive storage items
What is Drive Up Self Storage?
Drive up self storage offers a convenient solution for those needing quick and easy access to
their belongings. Storage Time offers you a convenient and hassle free storage solution. With 24/7 drive up access, you can access your container at any time. Simply, drive up to your storage unit and park directly outside, allowing you to load and unload your belongings easily. Plus, with ground floor storage containers available, we save you the hassle of lifts and stairs, making the process more convenient and efficient for you.
Drive Up storage offers container units built to the highest standards. With all containers made of durable steel, we offer you a secure space for your storage goods. With sizes starting from 10ft ranging to 40ft units, we provide you with the perfect storage solution.
How does it work?
At Storage Time, we aim to make your self storage journey as smooth as possible. You can reserve your storage container for free, in just 2 minutes. No complicated forms or checks. Just a few clicks and your storage space is secured in no time!
Once you have secured your storage space, you will receive an email on the morning of your move-in, informing you of all the details you will need to access the site. Upon reaching the site, simply type your unique pin code into the keypads to open the gates. You can then drive straight up to your storage container and load your belongings directly in. Once you have finished loading your storage container, secure your unit using an armoured steel padlock.
Need a padlock?
Check out our on-site padlock station. Simply give us a call and our staff will take payment over the phone. Once the payment is received, we will provide you with a pin for the lockbox for you to collect your new padlock
What are the key features of drive-up storage?
Variety of sizes
Storage Time Sharston and Cheetham Hill, offer containers in 3 sizes to suit a variety of needs. Our smallest option starts at 10ft, which is equivalent to an 80 sq ft storage unit, about the size of a large van. This unit is ideal for customers looking to store personal items or for small businesses looking to store some extra stock.
The next size up is the 20ft container, providing around 160 sq ft of storage space. This storage container provides ample space for businesses looking to store stock, or for customers looking to store house contents. A 20 ft storage unit can comfortably fit around 2 small vehicles or 1 large vehicle.
For larger requirements, we offer a 40ft high cube container, offering extended height, which is perfect for bulkier storage items or items with more height. Measuring 320 sq ft, this storage unit can comfortably fit the contents of a 4-5 bedroom home.
Check out our storage sites today and we can help you find the perfect storage unit for you.
Accessibility
Storage Time offers convenient locations for all drive-up storage sites, making your self storage journey more efficient and convenient.
Storage Time Sharston offers drive up storage located in Sharston, Manchester. We are situated in Shentonfield Road, Sharston Industrial Estate, just off Leestone road and Longley Lane. Benefit from easy access to both the M56 and M60 motorways allowing you to access your storage items more conveniently.
Storage Time Cheetham Hill offers drive up storage in the heart of Manchester. Located just 5 minutes from Deansgate, 1 minute from Manchester Fort and in the heart of green quarter, we make self storage more convenient for you.
Plus, with 24/7 drive up access available, you can access your unit at any time.
Security
Storage Time offers enhanced security features to protect your belongings 24/7. Our self storage units are clean, dry, and fully secured with 24/7 CCTV MONITORING & SECURITY, giving you total peace of mind. From the moment you move in, right up until you move them out, your things are safe with us. Because at Storage Time, what matters to you, matters to us.
Our drive-up sites are all equipped with advanced security features which include:
24/7 CCTV Surveillance
Motion Detection
Advanced Pin-Code Access Control Systems
Secure Gated Access
Furthermore, we have 24/7 CCTV monitoring, ensuring your goods are protected at all times. With both our in-house security team and a professional security company monitoring CCTV 24/7, we make sure your items are secure with us.
High Quality Storage Units
Storage Time offers container units made to the highest quality standards. With all units made from robust materials, we ensure your items are protected from extreme weather conditions. All our storage containers are airtight and are designed to withstand extreme rain, wind and temperatures, allowing you to store your items confidently. Plus, with multiple ventilation points throughout your container, we ensure your goods are safe. Furthermore, with robust locking mechanisms and tight sealing doors, we provide you with peace of mind from theft or vandalism.
Conclusion
To conclude, both indoor and drive up storage offer good advantages. Indoor storage provides a wider variety of sizes, making it perfect to find the exact size for you. Plus, with all indoor units climate controlled, these units are perfect for fragile or sensitive items. On the other hand, drive up storage offers greater accessibility to the units. You can park directly outside your unit making it easier for you to move larger and bulkier items.
Both options offer ideal storage solutions, however the choice all depends on the type of items you were looking to store. Items that have sentimental value, are more sensitive, or require less storage space, we recommend indoor storage. Whereas, for business storage, bulkier items, or more frequent access, we recommend choosing drive up storage for added convenience.
Still unsure which option to choose?
At Storage Time, you are welcome to view both our indoor and drive up sites to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
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