When you think about self-storage, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? I’m guessing it’s something along the lines of somewhere to keep your junk. While it is true that you can store junk in it, that’s a very small fraction of the ways people and businesses use self-storage. Instead of storage, think about it as a flexible and secure space where the possibilities are endless. To help you get the creative juices flowing, here are 5 creative ways to turn a storage unit into the perfect flex space.
Create a Craft or Artisan Workspace
Craftwork and artisan creators are in constant need of flexible space to make and store their works of art. Everyone’s needs are different and that’s precisely why our Self Storage Advisor is so popular. Here are a few ways local artisans can use their spaces to reach their full creative potential.
Sewing
Self Storage Advisor can help you thread the needle and design a creative space for your supplies, equipment, and finished products that are ready for sale. You have the flexibility to fabricate your own personal sewing oasis. Shelving and drawers can be easily added to any size unit so you can keep your threads organized. Just add a sewing machine and you’re ready to go!
Jewelry Making
A flexible space, like a self-storage unit, provides a perfect work area to kick off your jewelry-making business or to expand your operations. With all the sharp wires, cutting tools, and choking hazards, running a custom jewelry-making business from home is probably not ideal, especially if you have small children. A storage unit can be outfitted with everything you need from bin cabinets to a jewelry bench. Imagine all your tools, supplies, and inventory at the tip of your fingers for a price that won’t break the bank.
Paperhanging
Wallpaper is back with a vengeance! Its increasing popularity also means that paperhangers are back in high demand. If you’re thinking about getting into the game, you’re gonna need some space to store paper, glue, and tools of the trade. Why choose a storage unit? The most important factor is climate control. A lot of businesses use storage units to keep tax and other important documents safe, so it makes sense that it would be a great option for storing wallpaper. After all, the last thing you want is to walk in and find your client’s delicate (read: expensive) paper has wrinkled and turned moldy. Say goodbye to the heat and humidity and say hello to happy customers and profitable business.
Prepare for Disasters
With hurricanes in the southern United States, fires out west, and of course the looming threat of zombies, one can never be too careful these days. Does thinking about it make you anxious? You’re not alone, but the best medicine is knowing you’re prepared. A lot of people just think of storage units as a way to clear out space in their homes. While that’s definitely a benefit, keeping a second location with supplies is also useful if you’re ever blocked from returning from home. This could happen in the case of a natural disaster such as a wildfire or flash flood. You can also use the facility as a rendezvous point for your family and close friends. You don’t have to go overboard, but there are some essentials you can place in a storage unit to help you sleep better at night.
Batteries are essential to any preparedness plan. I also recommend a solar charger that can sustainably replenish your essential electronics.
Dry Clothing is very important in the event of a disaster. If you’re cold, wet, or both, you’ll need a dry pair of clothes and possibly a jacket to keep you healthy. Keep a set of appropriate clothing for each season.
A Medical Kit with basic first aid supplies should be a staple in any emergency situation. Cuts, scrapes, and bruises need to be tended to, but you probably won’t be performing ad hoc surgery. The following items are excellent additions to any medical kit:
- Bandaids
- Bandages
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Over the counter pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol, etc)
- Allergy medication (Benadryl or Epi-pen if necessary)
- Antibiotic Ointment
- And < a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html">more
You never know what tomorrow is going to bring, but you can be prepared for it. Keeping essential items at a second location can help keep your friends and family safe. You may get poked a little for keeping a preparedness locker, but if an emergency does hit, everyone will know who to call. All it takes is a little forethought, and you can be the hero of the day.
Hide Your Holiday and Seasonal Decorations
In 2018, 95 million American households decorated a Christmas tree. 82% of those trees were artificial, meaning they need to be stored off-season. Whether you like to go all Clark Griswald, or you keep it simple, chances are you still have holiday ornaments taking up space in your home. Not to mention, seasonal accents for Halloween or Thanksgiving and other national holiday decorations. Having the space to keep all this organized is a must. If you don’t want your closets, attic, or garage filled with boxes, bursting at the seams, then a storage unit is for you. Say goodby to tangled lights, wrinkled flags, and broken smoke machines. Turn your storage unit into your own climate-controlled, organized, holiday warehouse, and leave the attic to the mice 😉.
Personal Gym
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many Gyms have closed or had to limit occupancy to protect the safety of their members. With gyms closed, exercise enthusiasts are getting creative. As a result, the home workout industry is booming. For example, high-end, in-home exercise bike maker Peloton has seen a 200% increase in value this year (as of writing this article). The increased need for home office space and an area for kids to attend virtual class makes finding room for a home gym a major health and wellness problem.
A storage unit provides you with a temperature-controlled room where you can set up free weights, a treadmill, or other home gym equipment. Per Snapbox COO, Matthew Lang, X% of their units have electrical outlets. If you’re planning to use cardio equipment or plan to watch workout videos, just make sure electricity is listed as an amenity for the unit you’re renting.
Safeguard Valued Collectables
If you’re like most Americans, you probably like to collect objects. The average American family has over 300,000 items in their home. Additionally, 25% of households with a 2 car garage cannot fit a single car inside and 38% can only fit 1 car. If you’re a collector, a temperature-controlled, secure, unit is a great way to store and admire your items without needing to upgrade the size of your home, a pricey endeavor. So, what type of collectors use self-storage? According to Snapbox COO Matthew Lang, customers use storage units to facilitate a number of collector hobbies including:
- Vinyl Records,
- Sports Memorabilia,
- Vintage Wine, and
- Antiques.
Storage units are affordable and flexible enough to provide value to a wide range of human interests. More people are working and schooling from home and need to be creative with their spaces. Offloading both work and personal objects from your home to a storage unit can help create more balance and less clutter at home.
