What Is Drive Up Storage?
Drive-up storage features individual units with garage-style doors that provide direct, ground-level access, which enables you to drive your vehicle right up to the unit entrance. This design eliminates the hassle of navigating your goods through hallways, elevators, or stairs inside the facility, making it much easier to load and unload your belongings. Moreover, drive-up storage units usually include wide roll-up doors, providing more efficient access to the entire unit.
In this article, get all the information you need to determine if a drive-up storage option is right for you.
Why Should You Choose Drive Up Storage?
Drive-up storage can be a smart choice in several scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of when it makes sense to rent this type of unit:
Convenience and Accessibility
- Frequent & Quick Access: If you plan to access your stored items regularly and want fast access, drive-up storage eliminates the hassle of dealing with long hallways, elevators, or stairs.
- Heavy or Bulky Items: Loading and unloading large, heavy furniture, appliances, or equipment is significantly easier when you have direct vehicle access to your unit.
- Business Storage: If you want to store business items like inventory, tools, or equipment, a drive-up unit provides the benefit of loading and unloading with ease directly from delivery vehicles.
Specific Storage Needs:
- Vehicle Storage: Drive-up units can accommodate cars, motorcycles, or even small boats, providing you with a secure and convenient alternative to street parking or if you have limited garage space.
- Seasonal Items: Easily store and access any of your seasonal belongings like patio furniture, holiday decor, sporting equipment, and recreational gear without taking up room in your home.
- Temporary Storage: Drive-up storage offers you the flexibility to account for temporary storage needs like moving, home renovations, downsizing, or home staging, while also providing you with convenient access in the midst of these kinds of transitions.
Additional Considerations
- Security: On site, storage facilities frequently have security measures in place like perimeter fencing, electronic gated access, and video surveillance. In addition to this, drive-up access units are fully enclosed and protected by the sprinkler and alarm systems inside the building, which enhances their security when compared to open-air outdoor storage.
- Weather Protection: Enclosed units protect your stored goods and vehicles from exposure to the elements like rain, snow and wind, and from UV damage that can be caused by sunlight. This protection helps to ensure that your possessions stay in good condition over time.
- Cost: While typically more expensive than open lots, drive-up storage may still be a cost-effective solution when considering the value of convenience, security, and ease of access that a fully enclosed drive-up unit provides
Common Uses of Drive-Up Storage Units
Learn about how drive-up storage can benefit you and your home:
| Storage Benefits for Your Home | Description |
|---|---|
| Decluttering & Organization | Drive-up access makes it easy to store cumbersome seasonal items like patio furniture, recreational gear, and home maintenance equipment off your property, so you can keep your home clutter-free with extra space for everyday living. |
| Moving and Renovations | Being able to drive directly to the storage unit streamlines loading and unloading of your belongings during a major residential project or move. This significantly reduces the amount of time and effort required, making your storage move-in process much more efficient. |
| Vehicle Storage | Securely park your car, motorcycle, or small boat, protecting them from weather, damage, or other hazards, while freeing up valuable space in your garage or driveway for daily use. |
Learn about how drive-up storage can benefit you and your vehicle:
| Storage Benefits for Vehicle Owners | Description |
|---|---|
| Apartment Residence | Drive-up storage provides a secure and accessible alternative to street parking when your apartment building lacks a parking garage or has limited parking options. |
| Recreational Vehicle Storage | Store your RV, snowmobile, ATV, jet ski, or other hobby vehicles in a protected environment when you’re not using them. |
Drive Up Storage vs. Indoor Storage
Both types of storage units have their own advantages, which all depend on your particular storage needs.
Drive-up storage is ideal when:
- You need to store bulky or heavy items.
- Frequent access is important.
- You require vehicle storage.
- Temperature control is not a critical requirement.
Indoor storage is ideal when:
- Your items are manageably sized and easy to manoeuvre.
- You only need storage access occasionally.
- Enhanced security and temperature stability are priorities.
- Cost is a primary concern.
Drive Up Storage FAQs
What is the difference between outdoor storage and drive-up storage?
Drive-up and outdoor storage both provide exterior access, unlike indoor storage, which is only accessible from within the storage facility. Drive-up storage specifically refers to enclosed units at ground level that allow direct vehicle access — similar to pulling up to a garage. In contrast, outdoor storage is a broader category that can include open lots, covered parking spaces, or even enclosed units accessible from outside, such as drive-up storage.
What is the typical height and width of a drive-up unit's door?
Door dimensions vary depending on the size of the storage unit. While many prebuilt units feature standard-sized doors, some storage facilities offer a variety of unit types, which may include custom or non-standard door sizes. To ensure the unit’s door meets your specific requirements, it’s best to contact your local facility for more details.
Can I use a drive-up unit to store temperature-sensitive items?
Typically, no. Drive-up units are not climate-controlled, so they are not suitable for items sensitive to temperature or humidity fluctuations. If climate control is a must-have, consider indoor storage as an alternative.
What are the most common sizes available for drive-up storage units?
Common sizes range from small (5’x10′) to large (10’x30′). Some facilities may offer even larger units.
How much does it typically cost to rent a drive-up storage unit?
Costs can vary widely based on location, size, and amenities. For specific pricing on drive-up units, find the rates at locations near you.
What factors influence the rental price of a drive-up unit?
Rental prices can be directly influenced by:
- Size: Larger units cost more.
- Location: Urban areas or high-demand locations typically have higher prices.
- Amenities: Presence of special security features, lighting, electrical outlets, etc., can affect the cost.
- Demand: Peak moving seasons may have higher rates or fewer discounts available.
What are the access hours for my drive-up unit?
At Public Storage Canada, standard access hours for all units are 5am – 10pm daily, including holidays.
Do I need to purchase additional insurance for items stored in a drive-up unit?
Purchasing storage insurance is strongly recommended. Check your current policy for coverage options available to you, or explore third-party storage insurance as an alternative, or to supplement your existing coverage.