Need Storage Space in Calgary? Here Are Your Options

The right storage unit can provide the perfect solution to your need for extra space.  You might need storage because you are moving between houses, have a growing small business, or wish to hold your hobby materials in a safe place.

Depending on your needs, you can find indoor or outdoor storage units, or specialty storage units that are climate controlled. It is helpful to know what factors to consider when conducting a search before you pick up the phone or go online to book your storage unit.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage Units

Below are some key differences between indoor and outdoor storage units.   Think of Motel vs Hotel.  With indoor storage units, you enter the facility first, and then access your unit.

If your storage space is outdoor drive up, then you won’t need to enter a central building area, as your unit will be accessible from outside.  Usually these units are ground level access and not climate controlled.    

The Benefit of Outdoor Storage Units

The benefit of storing items in an outdoor accessible unit is being able to drive up to its door, which can be convenient for large heavy items coming off a truck.  Usually outdoor storage units are situated in industrial areas though – and you should consider driving time to and from these locations.

The Benefits of Indoor Storage Units

An indoor unit has the advantage of not being affected by the weather.   No matter what season you need to move in – the facility will be within a certain temperature range.  This can be extremely valuable if  you are storing wood furniture, or if you need to organize your unit, or if you are storing small business inventory in the unit.   You will also have an extra layer of protection for your possessions against pests, water, and other elements.

Indoor storage units are becoming much more common place in metropolitan cities such as Calgary.  Indoor, multi-storey storage facilities are the only way to provide cost effective self storage near downtown locations.

Storage Unit Types: What to Consider

It’s important to note that not all indoor units come with heat or air conditioning, so check before you book  a storage unit. And, on the other hand, even though they are rare, outdoor units can sometimes have climate control.

If you are using a temporary storage unit between houses for a month, then you might find location of the facility and unit important for ease of access. 

If you are considering an indoor storage unit and you plan to move your things in for a longer term – it’s always a good idea to go to a unit on an upper floor as these unit are usually a little bit less expensive than ground floor storage units. 

Storage Unit Types and Amenities

Not all storage units are created equal.  Yes, a 10x10 storage unit will have the same floor space, but make sure to check the height of the unit as well.  A standard height for a storage unit is 8 foot high, but sometimes you can get some “shorter” units, so make sure you know what you’re getting.

The type of door can also differ.  Most newer facilities have roll up doors  - which makes it really convenient for loading your belongs in in and out of the unit, as opposed to swing doors.

The facility features can also differ – look for features such as video surveillance and pest control.  These types of features are standard for well managed facilities.    Additionally, lighting and cleanliness can differ between storage facilities.

Finally, take a glance at the google reviews.  Is there consistency in the reviews and a good number of them? 

The Last Step: Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size

You must choose the type of storage unit that is right for you, but you also have to select the correct size. In order to find a unit that suits your needs, you generally want to choose one that is a little bigger than you think you will need.   

This way, if you miscalculate or end up adding to your possessions over time, you won’t have to deal with the problem of space.  You should choose a storage unit that will accommodate all the necessary accessories as well, whether you are storing bikes or hobby items, which can take up quite a bit of floor space.

Here’s one last piece of advice: this might seem like a lot of information, but don’t let it stress you out.  Storage facilities of the highest quality offer a variety of units in various sizes and have flexibility when it comes to relocating to a larger unit.

The team at Bow City Storage has helped hundreds of customers get the right unit type and size for their needs.    Bow City Storage has served SW Calgary since 2021 – and we are proudly Calgarian ourselves!

As a Better Business Bureau-accredited company, we have an A+ rating from the BBB.  We take pride in our excellent customer service.

For more information on storage space in Calgary, please call us at 403-269-2489  email us at [email protected]