Understanding Storage A Little Better

You already know how useful a self-storage unit can be when your home is filling up with clutter, but you may not realize one of these units can come in handy for other things as well. There are some things you can't do, such as live in a storage unit, but you can use the space as an extra room as long as you get approval from the facility. Here are some things you might want to do with a self-storage unit.

Create A Santa's Workshop

If you have several kids, it can be impossible to hide gifts around the house and find privacy so you can wrap presents, especially when school is out for the holidays. The Christmas season is the ideal time to rent a storage unit for a month or two. Self-storage facilities usually rent out by the month, so short-term use is common and acceptable. You can store your Christmas gifts in the unit as long as you ensure the facility has good security. You can also use the room to assemble things like bicycles that may be difficult to do at home with a lack of privacy. You can even take a spare table to the unit so you can use it to wrap all your packages. When you can wrap your presents without having to hide or hurry, you can make them extra decorative and special.

Set Up An Art Studio

If you love to paint but don't have space in your home because of your growing family or because you live in a small apartment, you don't have to give up on your hobby. Rent a small storage unit where you can keep all of your art supplies and paintings. Visit the unit when the kids are in school or when you get a sitter and enjoy some quiet time painting to your heart's content without interruption. Be sure to rent a climate-controlled unit so your art supplies and paintings will store well and so you'll be comfortable working in it for a few hours at a time.

Make A Personal Gym

If you've given up lifting weights at home and doing other forms of exercise because there are too many kids or pets around that could get in the way or be hurt, then exercising in a storage unit might be a good idea. It gets bulky equipment out of your home and puts it to good use. It may not be as fancy as going to a gym, but you can avoid the cost of a gym membership. It's also a way to get exercise if you're embarrassed to go to the gym because you're out of shape or overweight. It is not common for a storage unit to have electrical outlets available, so you probably won't be able to use an electric treadmill or watch a TV with exercise videos, but you can use just about any type of manual equipment you have. To get the best use of a storage unit for this purpose, you'll want to rent from a facility that is close to where you work or live so it is convenient. Also, you may want an outdoor unit you can drive up to so you can leave the door open for fresh air to keep you cool while you exercise.

Before you rent a storage unit for personal space rather than storage, be sure to talk to the owner so you understand the facility policies. You may be restricted in what you can do in your unit. For instance, staying overnight or eating in the unit may not be allowed. The nice thing about one of these units is they can be as temporary as you like so you can get extra space until your toddlers are older or just until holiday guests leave your home.

Click here for info about storage units.