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Not only is every day a grind in L.A., but space is limited, property values are through the roof, and traffic is becoming more of a nightmare each day. On top of that, the heat wave is on...and in full force. With record-breaking high temperatures and limited space and time to spare, the need to compare storage solutions is becoming a top priority for folks in L.A. and the Greater L.A. area needing extra storage space.
But making the right storage decision is not as simple as you may think. With all the different solutions available, what should you look for when comparing your options...and why? Getting a self-storage unit may seem like the best route, but is there an alternative available that better meets your preferences and temporary or long-term storage needs?
As true of all things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of storage solution in L.A., whether it’s a mobile/portable storage container made from steel, wood or aluminum, an onsite modular unit, or an indoor or drive-up self-storage unit.
So the REAL question is – have you looked at all your options? We’ve put together a guide of the top 10 reasons to compare storage solutions in L.A. to help you get the most cost-effective solution, save time, protect your belongings and equipment from rust, and more.
One of the most important ingredients when evaluating storage solutions in L.A. is determining the cheapest option for your situation. While prices vary for every storage solution depending on demand and the time of year, to fully understand total costs it’s important to factor in potential fees (e.g. set-up, delivery, storage, monthly/recurring, pickup, penalties, damaged units, etc.), as well as insurance and any other unexpected charges or obligations.
If you’re needing a temporary or short-term storage solution, onsite storage containers start at around $150 - $300 per month (plus fees for transportation and delivery. There’s a much higher price to pay to store your stuff in a self-storage unit at a public facility–between $350-$450 per month–and contrary to what you may think, you also get significantly less storage capacity. Plus, in order to get a unit at a self-storage facility, you typically need to also obtain insurance for storage items, submit a homeowners or renters agreement, and agree to surrender your storage items for not paying your dues.
If you need a longer-term or even permanent storage solution, it’s crucial when comparing your options to take a step back and look at the big picture in terms of upfront costs and/or ongoing fees, long-term value, and how much your time is worth to you is critical. For example, for just six months of payments to a self-storage facility, you could own a 40ft shipping container (i.e. steel storage container or portable storage container) with almost double the amount of square feet of storage space.
Depending on how long you need a storage unit, how often you plan to access your items, and how much you value your time, going with a used steel shipping container for onsite storage is a no-brainer from a financial perspective. With a steel shipping container, you just have to pay for the unit itself plus delivery to your site and don’t have to worry about any fees, hidden obligations, or driving somewhere to access your belongings.
But the potential downsides to a shipping container is that you need an onsite storage spot and enough space for a delivery truck to drop off the container. Shipping containers also aren’t designed to double as moving units like some other portable storage solutions UNLESS you buy a container chassis.
Location is the secret sauce in L.A. for just about everything. Time is not slowing down and the traffic situation is not getting any better, so having to go out of your way to a storage facility is not just inconvenient, it’s also a time guzzler. And time is money. So in comparison to onsite storage solutions, such as portable storage containers and modular units, renting a self-storage at an offsite self-storage facility means you have to travel (or slug your way through traffic) to get to your storage unit.
It’s no surprise the more security a storage solution has, the better. After all, what good is a storage unit if the items inside of it end up damaged or stolen? That’s why the risk of theft and vandalism are towards the top of the list of reasons why you should evaluate the entire scope of storage solutions and features available to you before making a decision. This is especially important considering supplemental insurance is typically needed to cover any losses from theft in most situations.
So then what’s the safest and most secure storage solution in L.A. to prevent intruders? While many self-storage units at public facilities boast keypad entry and camera surveillance, the keypads can be easily broken and surveillance requires facility employees be “all eyes on deck” 24/7.
But with onsite portable storage containers, you have peace of mind knowing your equipment, valuables, and other belongings are nearby. The advantage of shipping containers in particular compared to other portable storage units is that they have strong steel padlocks for added protection so you can have peace of mind that the next time you open your unit, your belongings and equipment will be kept just the way you left them.
Convenience, accessibility, and delivery considerations are all important factors to consider when comparing storage solutions in L.A. A major consideration for self-storage facilities is their operating hours. Although many facilities are open 24/7, some have designated times that you can access your unit and can be difficult to navigate on busy weekends, holidays, and other times of high demand. You also have to consider the time (and money) it takes to load, transport, unload, and access your storage items when needed at public facilities.
A portable storage container, on the other hand, can be kept at your location so you can access it freely and is ground level (as opposed to a modular storage unit), making loading and unloading your items a breeze. Some portable storage solutions allow you to store units at an offsite location if you don’t have space on site. In such cases, however, you have to request delivery of your storage container when needed, which can get quite costly (and inefficient).
Some storage solutions in L.A. are more durable than others. If you have valuable belongings and equipment that you need to store, then it’s best to aim for a climate-controlled storage solution or one that’s strategically engineered with “guns of steel”.
Structural integrity is what distinguishes shipping containers repurposed into portable storage units from public storage facilities that are typically partitioned with lightweight metal and mobile/portable storage containers made out of wood and aluminum.
Designed with 100% Corten (i.e. weathering) steel and carefully inspected to withstand heavy use, extreme elements, and traveling across the turbulent high seas, shipping containers take the cake when it comes to durable and quality storage solutions. After all, if they’re seaworthy than they’re without a doubt storage-worthy.
Out of all the storage solutions available in L.A., buying a shipping container sourced from the local port through a trusted container company is hands down the best way to protect your storage items and ensure your unit (and whatever is inside of it) lasts a lifetime.
With recent temperatures setting new records in much of the entire SoCal area, sun damage and rust should be taken into account when comparing storage solutions in L.A., along with wind and water resistance. This is especially crucial if you are storing items in the long term or valuables that could be damaged by temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Outdoor and drive-up self-storage facilities, wooden sheds, and portable and modular storage containers made out of aluminum or wood are all at great risk of deteriorating over time. And if a fire were to break out tomorrow and burn through a self-storage facility, exposure to hazardous particles would be a major health risk.
One way to combat unexpected weather and rust is to go with an indoor or climate-controlled storage unit. Alternatively, you can buy a new or used wind and watertight steel shipping container that’s resistant to rust and corrosion, high temperatures and fires, flooding, earthquakes, mold and mildew, pests, and poor maintenance–all of which are extremely important considering homeowners and renters policies don’t cover damages to storage units caused by these types of events.
Outdoor storage solutions that are NOT designed with 100% Corten steel run the risk of being invaded by rats, insects, rodents, and other uninvited guests when left unattended. In addition to potentially losing any of your valuables, you may be responsible for any damages and the replacement of storage items unless you have supplemental insurance. Using a steel shipping container for portable storage helps to ensure your items stay in and the bad guys stay out of your unit.
That’s why it’s important to do the legwork to determine the right storage solution before you make a decision in order to prevent pests from taking over.
What kind of storage solution is best in terms of the amount, type, and size of items you need to store? All portable, modular, and self-storage units in L.A are available in a variety of sizes and options. What varies significantly is storage capacity and restrictions.
Indoor and outdoor self-storage units at public facilities usually are only a max of 200 sq. ft. and have restrictions on the value of items you can store in them. In comparison, 40 ft. shipping containers repurposed for portable/mobile storage have 320 sq. ft. (20 footers at 160 sq. ft.) of storage space, which is markedly more.
What about oversized or tall items that require extra headroom? Public self-storage units are typically only 8 ft. high, but taller units are available for RV and boat storage. Another option to accommodate oversized storage items in L.A. is to purchase a high cube shipping/storage container, which is 9 ft. and 6 in.–exactly a foot taller than the standard container height and a foot and a half taller than most public storage units.
An important reason why you should compare your storage options in L.A. is to ensure you get a low maintenance and long lasting unit. Storage facilities tend to charge monthly fees for maintenance and upkeep of external unit doors and leave the interior of units untouched. Rust and maintenance are not huge concerns for units in indoor facilities. Outdoor units, on the other hand, are usually made from lightweight metal that’s susceptible to rust if not well maintained.
Alternatively, shipping containers repurposed for mobile and portable storage are designed to last for decades with little or no maintenance. But just as with any other space, a few minutes a month of basic maintenance is needed to keep your storage container and/or modular unit in good condition.
A final (but important) factor to consider when comparing storage options available in the L.A. area is the storage company you’ll be getting your unit from. Is the storage company reliable, transparent with pricing and services, and responsive to your needs and concerns? You don’t want to be tapping your foot waiting around for questions and requests regarding your storage unit.
Still scratching your head about what’s the best storage solution for you and why you should compare your options? Is there an exit strategy? On the surface, a self-storage unit may seem like the go-to storage solution because they’re so popular in L.A. But when you take into account costs, convenience, and whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term solution, the decision is anything but cut and dry.
While there’s no silver-bullet, steel shipping containers are quickly becoming a mainstream storage solution because they offer a convenient (and cost-effective) way to access your storage items and ensure they’re kept in tip-top condition no matter the weather.
With all the containers sourced from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach–the second and third busiest container ports in the country–what should you look for when comparing companies in L.A. that sell storage containers? How can you ensure you get the most high-quality and cost-effective unit? And what are some tips for choosing the right company to buy your storage container from? Explore our articles, provide your feedback, or connect with us for more info. We’d love to hear from you!
