What Type of Storage Unit do I Need?

Main WP • March 15, 2022

One of the most frequent questions our managers get is “What size unit do I need?” While this is easy enough to answer based on the volume of items that you will be bringing to store, a harder question might be “What type of unit do I need?”


In this post, we’ll discuss the various types of storage units and why you do – and don’t – need them.


Drive-Up or Inside Unit

You often have two options to start with: a unit that you can drive up to or one that is inside a building.


Drive-up units are great for those who frequently visit and change out their belongings. This type of unit features a door that is outside, so it makes it easy for you to drive directly up to your unit. People who might want this type of unit are businesses that specialize in a trade and store their tools; people who own outdoor equipment (such as tents, skis, or sporting equipment); and finally, anyone who is storing an automobile or other type of vehicle.


The downside with drive-up units is minimal at best. Because they do directly face the outdoors, dust and dirt can more easily access your belongings. This can be remedied by ensuring that your unit door has the proper seal along the bottom and sides before you rent the unit. Check for gaps when the door is closed. You will also want to check with your facility to ensure whether or not your drive-up unit is climate-controlled. Many facilities strive to be energy efficient and outdoor units take a lot of power to keep cool, which can add to the cost of your unit if it’s included in your rent.


Inside units are the perfect solution for those who have more temperature sensitive items like furniture, documents, collectables, etc. They have the added measure of cleanliness by being separated from the outdoor dust and rain. Customers who might benefit from an indoor unit include those who are moving homes, business owners storing excess inventory, document storage, and collectables.


Some of the drawbacks of an inside unit comes down to ease of access. It takes a little longer to get to your unit than a drive-up one, and you’ll probably need to acquire a dolly for moving items back and forth.


Climate-Control or No Air-Cooling

This might seem like an easy choice and nowadays newer facilities have adapted to include climate-control in most, if not all, of their units. But occasionally, you will find facilities without air-cooling.


Climate-controlled units have the advantage of keeping your items – and yourself – out of the extreme temperatures of winter and summer. This is perfect for anything mentioned above in the pros of inside units. If you visit your unit regularly, you should be keeping your comfort in mind as well. These types of units cost only marginally more than non-climate units, so renting one won’t cost too much either.


So with all these great benefits, why wouldn’t you want a climate-controlled unit? The truth is, they provide a lot of benefits over a unit that doesn’t, so this really comes down to personal preference. If you are storing short-term (<month), you may want to skip the extra expense of climate-control. You may also prefer a drive-up unit; in which case it may not have this feature. Either way, the decision is really yours!


First Floor or Multi-Level

Many facilities offer both first floor units and second (and third!) story units. First floor units are ideal for those who want an inside unit, have heavier items to store, and still want easier access than upper levels offer.


Upper levels have the advantage of less foot traffic – meaning less dust travel. If you have mainly lightweight items to store, and don’t mind using elevators, you’ll also find that they save you money on rent.


Looking for that perfect unit? We can help! Contact your nearest Towne Storage today and ask about our latest deals.



The post What Type of Storage Unit do I Need? appeared first on Towne Storage.


By Towne Storage May 30, 2026
Running a small business often means wearing multiple hats, managing tight budgets, and finding creative ways to make the most of limited space. But as companies grow, one challenge that tends to surface quickly and often is where to keep everything. From extra inventory and equipment to marketing materials and seasonal supplies, many business owners find themselves running out of room long before they're ready to invest in larger commercial space. That's one reason more and more entrepreneurs are turning to self-storage as a practical, affordable solution. Here are seven reasons self-storage has become an increasingly popular tool for small business owners. 1. It Costs Less Than Expanding Commercial Space Leasing additional office, warehouse, or retail space can be expensive. But many businesses don't actually need a larger storefront or office—they simply need somewhere to store items that aren't used every day. A self-storage unit provides this extra room, and at a fraction of the cost of expanding into a larger commercial property —thereby helping businesses control overhead while still accommodating growth. 2. It Helps Keep Workspaces Organized Cluttered offices , garages, and work vehicles can slow down productivity and create frustration. Self-storage allows business owners to move nonessential items off-site while still keeping them accessible when needed. So whether it's archived documents, trade show displays, excess inventory, or equipment, having a dedicated storage space helps create a cleaner, more efficient work environment. 3. It Provides Room for Growing Inventory Many businesses experience growth before they have the resources to move into larger facilities. Online sellers, retailers, and service-based businesses often need additional room for products, supplies, and inventory long before they need a bigger office. Self-storage offers a flexible way to accommodate growth without committing to expensive long-term commercial leases. 4. It Protects Valuable Equipment Landscapers, contractors, photographers, event planners, and countless other professionals rely on specialized equipment that can be costly to replace. Keeping tools, machinery, and business assets safe and secure in a self-storage unit can help protect them from theft, damage, weather exposure, and unnecessary wear while freeing up valuable space at home or in work vehicles. 5. It Helps Manage Seasonal Business Needs Many businesses experience seasonal fluctuations. For instance, landscapers may need extra room for winter equipment, retailers may need to stock up before the holidays, and event companies often rotate supplies based on the time of year. Self-storage provides a convenient place to help entrepreneurs like these keep seasonal items organized and out of the way until they're needed again. 6. It Creates Flexibility for Home-Based Businesses More entrepreneurs than ever are running successful businesses from home. While working from home offers plenty of advantages, spare bedrooms, garages, and basements can quickly become overwhelmed with inventory, supplies, documentation, and equipment. A storage unit helps home-based business owners maintain a professional operation without sacrificing living space. 7. It Allows Businesses to Grow at Their Own Pace Another of the biggest advantages of self-storage is flexibility. Businesses can rent the amount of space they need today and adjust as their needs change tomorrow. Rather than making a major financial commitment to larger facilities, entrepreneurs can scale gradually, preserving cash flow while still supporting growth. A Simple Solution for a Common Business Challenge So whether you're a contractor using self-storage for tools and materials, a landscaper storing equipment and seasonal gear, a realtor keeping signs, staging items, and marketing materials organized or an online seller using units as affordable mini warehouses for inventory and shipping supplies, self-storage can provide a number of practical ways to reduce clutter, stay organized, protect valuable equipment, and create room for growth. At Towne Storage, we’re proud to make all that and more possible with clean, secure, affordable, and conveniently located storage units, along with our signature 12-month rate-lock guarantee that helps business owners plan ahead with confidence.
By Towne Storage April 22, 2026
At Towne Storage , we understand that running a business means managing risk, responsibility, and valuable assets—often all at once. But everything from sensitive documents to expensive equipment deserves more than convenient access—it also deserves real protection. The good news is that quality self-storage can be a smart, convenient, and strategic safeguard and option for your business in three key ways: