Choosing a Backyard Shed: A Smarter Choice than Storage Facilities?

Are you drowning in an overwhelming amount of clutter with no room to breathe? The mess in your life doesn't have to take over your home and create unnecessary stress. 

It's time to explore your options and take back control of your space. In this blog, we'll dive deep into your options to add more storage space into your life with either a backyard storage shed or rental storage facilities. While each might work well for a specific situation, we’ll help guide you through the process of deciding which makes the most sense for you, your family, and your storage needs. 

Stick around and discover how you can reclaim your space with a storage shed that's not only practical but also adds value to your home!

Making Room: Which Storage Solution Wins?

We’ve all been there. You’re surrounded by boxes upon boxes of belongings you can't bear to part with, but your home can't accommodate them anymore. Unless you are willing to seriously declutter, you're left with two simple choices: a storage shed or a storage unit. For long-term storage, in most cases, a storage shed is the clear winner! 

Let’s dive into what makes a storage shed the superior option for adding additional storage space into your life.

Cost-efficiency

The monthly cost of a storage unit and a storage shed is surprisingly close, even if you finance the shed with a loan. However, the key difference lies in ownership. When you buy a storage shed, it's yours for the long haul and can even increase the value of your property. Plus, if you ever decide that you don’t need it anymore, like a home with equity, you can sell it! The same can’t be said for a storage unit that you’re just renting.

Convenience and Safety

Picture this: your shed and all of your treasured belongings are just steps away from your home’s back door instead of across town. No more wasting time on trips to a remote storage facility. You’re not only saving money getting to and from your rental storage unit but also the time and effort required to transport likely heavy boxes back and forth as needed. 

Customization

Speaking of saving time and effort, this can be amplified by adding customized storage solutions such as shelving and organization systems in your shed to make it work even harder than a generic rental storage unit. But that isn’t where the customization ends. Sheds also offer a wide range of aesthetic customization options as well. You can tailor your storage shed to your exact needs and preferences, including colors, features, styles, and more for a perfect fit. 

The Numbers Game: Comparing Costs

We know you’re thinking about it — let’s break down the costs of a storage unit versus a storage shed. The average storage unit costs roughly $180 per month, totaling about $2,160 annually. Additional expenses typically include sales tax, administrative fees, and a monthly storage insurance charge. When you calculate the annual use of a storage shed, it’s easy to see — you may actually be spending more to rent a storage unit! If you instead chose to redirect those funds toward a storage shed of your own, you may actually pay less and have ownership at the end of the day. 

If you're looking for short-term storage, like during a move or renovation, a storage unit may be cost-effective. However, for long-term storage of items you frequently use, such as tools and equipment, a storage shed makes more sense. It depends entirely on your unique circumstances.

Storing with Comfort: Climate Considerations

What about climate control? Some items that you may want to store will require consistent climate control, and storage units typically offer this feature at an additional cost. It is possible to add heating and cooling to your storage shed, but that would be an upfront investment to weigh against the value of your belongings. Similarly to the overall cost breakdown, if you need a long-term storage solution with climate control, it’s typically going to be worth the investment to purchase a shed and equip it with everything you need to safely store your items, including climate control. If you’re just looking to store items for a few months, the cost to purchase a shed and add air conditioning or heating doesn’t balance out. 

Keeping Your Items Safe and Secure

Would you prefer your belongings to be monitored at a facility or locked securely on your property? Depending on what you choose to store, this answer may be different. You may even just have a personal preference one way or another. While some prefer the peace of mind of a high-tech security system, others will appreciate the convenience of having their belongings on their own property and the ability to keep an eye on things themselves. If you’re leaning towards a storage shed in your backyard, you can enhance security with motion sensors, cameras, and high-quality locks for an added element of peace of mind. 

Making the Smart Choice: Assessing Your Storage Needs

So which makes the most sense for you? Let’s talk about it. 

Storage facilities offer a convenient off-site solution for storage, but monthly fees can quickly add up, especially over several years of storage. Not all units are climate-controlled, exposing items to extreme temperatures and humidity. Those that do offer climate control come at a higher price, so it may not be worth the cost. Storage units can also be far from your home, leading to inconvenient trips back and forth. But, for short-term storage, these things may not be as big of a deal compared to the significant cost savings! 

On the other hand, a storage shed allows you to have easy access to your belongings right in your own backyard. You can also personalize your shed to match your needs and your home's design to add a visual appeal and boost your home’s value. While you own the shed, there is absolutely an initial cost to consider. That’s why we provide the option to rent to own to make the shed-buying process more accessible for any budget!

Why choose between renting a storage unit and never owning it when you can have the best of both worlds? Our Rent-To-Own sheds allow you to invest in a shed that will eventually become yours. You can enjoy all the benefits of ownership without the upfront price tag.

The Clear Winner in Long-term Storage

When it comes to the choice between renting from a storage facility and opting for a Rent-To-Own shed, the answer is clear: a shed is the smarter choice for longer-term storage. With our Rent-To-Own program, you can take home a shed of your choice within your budget and begin reaping the rewards of ownership. Say goodbye to clutter and reclaim your space today. 

Shop our inventory for options that suit your needs, and embark on the journey to a more organized, spacious, and valuable home. Don't delay; your ideal storage solution is just a few clicks away.