How Self Storage Can Complement Your Big City Apartment Lifestyle

In cities, space is a precious commodity. Many city dwellers struggle to balance their living needs with the limited square footage available in urban apartments. This is where it’s helpful to think of your storage unit as an extension or annex of your existing home. By viewing your storage unit as just another part of your living space, you can effectively manage your belongings and maintain a more organized and comfortable life. 

In other words, storage units expand your usable space. In our size guide, we refer to a small unit as the size of a walk-in closet, while a large unit is the size of a two-car garage. Your storage unit is an additional room that you can leverage to store items you don’t need on a daily basis, freeing up space in your apartment for the things that matter. You can rest assured that your belongings are safe because most storage facilities are close to home, feature 24/7 surveillance and have gated entry. You can also typically access your items seven days a week during operating hours.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a storage unit that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle in the city:

• Proximity to your apartment. One of the most important considerations is the location of the storage facility. Choosing a unit close to your apartment ensures that your belongings are easily accessible whenever you need them. 
• Essential amenities. When selecting a storage unit, look for amenities that match your specific requirements, including parking spots (great if you only occasionally need your car for out-of-town trips), climate-controlled units (for temperature- and humidity-sensitive items) and drive-up units (for loading/unloading heavy objects).
• Budget considerations. Storage units come in various sizes and price points, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget. If you don’t need an entire unit for yourself, consider sharing a storage space with a roommate or friend. This can significantly cut down on costs while still providing the extra space you need.
• Get the right size. Choose a unit size that matches your storage needs. Avoid paying for more space than necessary by taking inventory of what you plan to store and selecting a unit accordingly.
• Access hours. Double-check to make sure the storage facility you choose offers hours that align with your schedule. Some facilities provide 24/7 access, while others have more restricted hours. Choose a facility with access times that are convenient for you, especially if you expect to need to retrieve items outside of regular business hours.

As you consider the numerous benefits and practical applications of self storage, let’s delve into specific ways it can transform your urban living experience.

Create Space for Your Passions at Home

Living in a big city often means sacrificing space, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your passions. Self storage can provide the extra room you need to pursue your hobbies and creative projects without compromising your living area, whether you want a home gym, in-home art studio, yoga space or gaming area. By storing items you don’t need daily in a nearby storage unit, you can keep your home free of clutter and dedicated to the activities you love.

Make Your Home Feel More Spacious and Clutter-Free

City apartments are notorious for their limited space, forcing you to maximize every square foot. Self-storage units offer a practical solution for keeping your living space tidy and spacious. In addition to choosing multifunctional furniture in your home, store items you don’t use daily — such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations or extra furniture — in a storage unit. This approach allows you to rotate items as needed, keeping your home clutter-free and functional.

Store Small Business Inventory

For city-dwelling entrepreneurs, managing inventory can be a significant challenge. Your home may not have enough space to store business supplies and products without sacrificing your living area. Self storage provides an ideal solution, offering a secure and accessible place to keep your inventory. This helps you avoid overcrowding your home while still having easy access to your stock and materials. Whether you’re running an online shop, a craft business or any other small enterprise, a storage unit can help you manage fluctuating inventory levels efficiently and keep your home organized.

Allow You to Work From Home

Working from home has become increasingly common, but not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated home office. Self storage can help you create a workspace within your city apartment without encroaching on dedicated leisure space. Store any large appliances, furniture, seasonal decorations and other items you don’t use frequently in a storage unit and to free up space in your home for a more efficient work environment. For artists, this may mean keeping spare supplies and completed works in a climate-controlled unit that protects their art from damage. At the same time, remote employees can move their seasonal wardrobe, important documents and other items into storage to create room for a home office.

Protect Important Documents

Keeping your important documents, photographs and memorabilia safe can be challenging in a small living space, especially since you don’t need constant access to them. Self-storage units are the perfect place to keep these kinds of items free from damage and deterioration while clearing out space in your home that you can put to better use. If you don’t have much else to store besides your personal archives, you may want to consider renting a small storage locker — rather than a full unit — to save both space and money.

Keep Seasonal Decor and Clothes Out of the Way

Holiday decorations and seasonal items can take up a lot of space in your apartment, even when you’re not using them. With a self-storage unit, you can keep your items organized and out of the way until they’re needed the following season, whether it’s your artificial Christmas tree, holiday lights, winter coats or summer picnic setup.

Hold On to Hobby Equipment

Hobby equipment, like rock climbing gear, fishing rods, bikes and kayaks, can be bulky and difficult to store in a city apartment. Self-storage units provide a safe and convenient place to keep these items when they’re not in use. It’s a win-win — your gear remains easily accessible and in excellent condition, ready for your next adventure without cluttering your living area.

Store Bulky Home Goods

Extra furniture, kitchen appliances, dishware and linens can quickly overwhelm a small living space. Whether you have items you use only occasionally or duplicates from a recent move, storage units can help you manage these kinds of belongings without sacrificing comfort in your home.

Relocate Smoothly

Relocating for a job or other reasons can be a stressful process, especially when it involves moving to a city with limited living space. Self-storage can make the transition smoother by providing a temporary home for your belongings. Store items you don’t need immediately and gradually move them into your new space as you settle in. This approach reduces clutter and stress, allowing you to focus on adapting to your new environment. 

Downsize Efficiently

Downsizing to a smaller home or apartment often means having to part with cherished items. Self-storage units offer a compromise by allowing you to keep sentimental belongings without overcrowding your new space. Store family heirlooms, childhood memorabilia and other important items securely, or give yourself extra time to make a decision about items you’re selling or not sure what to do with. 

Combine Households

When couples move in together or combine households, managing the extra belongings can be tedious or deciding which items to keep can be time-consuming. Self-storage units provide a practical solution for storing duplicate items and excess furniture during the transition. This helps you avoid clutter and allows you to sort through items at your own pace. Additionally, storage units can keep sentimental belongings from both households safe while you create a new, shared living space.

Ready to find a storage unit near you? Head to our Storage Locator.