Self-storage or by-the-box, what’s the difference?

Author: Gabrielle D, Staff Writer

Confused by the ever-growing amount of storage options? We don’t blame you. In this article we’ll compare two of the most popular forms of storage; By-the-box and self-storage.

Whether you are selling your house, moving into student accommodation, downsizing, or upsizing, there is a storage solution for you! Long gone are the days of stuffy storage facilities being the only way to keep your items stored. Nowadays, you don’t even need to leave you home to get your items stored securely and safely.

Want to know what the best storage options are for you? Self-storage and storage by-the-box are two popular storage options that offer different advantages depending on your needs.

We’ve broken down the advantages and disadvantages to both:

What is Self-Storage?

Self-storage units are usually larger spaces that you rent to store your stuff. They are rented on a monthly basis and come in various sizes, from small lockers to large rooms. Self-storage units are securely locked, with a range of accompanying security features, depending on the company. You can usually store anything from small files to furniture and even vehicles. Traditional self-storage will require you to drive to the facility yourself or organise a separate removals service.

Advantages of self-storage:

You have access to your belongings 7 days a week.
You can store large and bulky items that wouldn't fit in a storage by-the-box service
You have more control over how you organise your storage space.
You can store your items for as long as you need, without worrying about time limits.

Disadvantages of self-storage:

You may end up paying for more space than you need. If you’re only storing a few boxes or suitcases, that often means a lot of wasted space!
You may need to hire a moving company to move your items to and from the storage unit.
The cost of self-storage can add up over time.
Small items can be hard to access in a large storage unit.
You have to travel to your storage unit, even for small items.

Self-storage may seem like a simple solution. However, it can be more expensive than Storage by-the-box, especially if you need a larger unit or if you need to rent the unit for an extended period of time. You will also need to hire a moving company to transport your items to and from the storage unit, which can add to the cost.

At LOVESPACE, we came up with our storage by-the-box service so you pay for exactly the amount of stuff you have – great if you’ve only got a few boxes or suitcases. And our storage units service includes a collection and delivery service. You don’t need to pay for a separate moving company, nor do you need to worry about storing for a long time. Store large furniture and boxes for as little as you like.

Find out more about our Storage Units with collection and delivery!

What is Storage by-the-box?

Storage by-the-box is a service that allows you to store your belongings in small, convenient-sized boxes that are delivered to your door. You only pay for the boxes (or hard-shelled suitcases) you store! Pack your items into boxes, and the storage company collects them and stores them in a secure facility. At LOVESPACE, we can also send you high-quality materials before your collection day. Storage by-the-box is charged based on the number of boxes or suitcases you have and the amount of time you need to store them.

Advantages of storage by-the-box:

You only pay for the storage space you use.
The storage company collects and delivers boxes to and from your home.
Storage by-the-box is designed to be more affordable than self-storage, especially if you only need to store a few items.
You can request specific boxes or items to be delivered to you at any time.
At LOVESPACE, we can send you packing materials too.

Disadvantages of storage by-the-box:

You may not have access to your belongings as easily as you would with self-storage.
You may need to carefully pack your items to ensure they are light enough for each company.
Some companies (not LOVESPACE) may need you to pay extra fees for delivery or collection.

Overall, the choice between self-storage and storage by-the-box depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need frequent access to your belongings, traditional self-storage may be the better option. However, if you only need to store a few items and want an affordable, convenient storage solution, storage by-the-box may be a better fit.

Find out more about our storage by-the-box service and storage units service

If you have furniture or items too big for a box, LOVESPACE offers collection and delivery for all storage units too, meaning you can store those large items without leaving the comfort of your home.