Houses in the UK are shrinking, with data showing that since the 1980s, living rooms have decreased by an average of 2.8 square metres, and master bedrooms have shrunk from 14.71 square metres to 13.83 square metres. In cities like London, where space is limited, the average home size is just 84 square metres – forcing residents to find creative storage solutions.
As homes get smaller and rents skyrocket, many people look for ways to store their belongings. While self-storage units offer a convenient solution, some residents prefer the larger space and convenience of renting a garage. Often under-utilised, many homeowners and private individuals rent out their garages, offering renters the space they need to store their bulkier items.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of renting a garage for storage, helping you weigh the benefits of extra space and convenience against potential drawbacks like lack of climate control and security.
Pros of Renting A Garage Storage
Extra Storage Space
As with all storage solutions, garage storage provides users with extra storage space. Homeowners can store just about anything inside their units. Some of the common items stored inside garage storage are:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Clothes
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Personal Souvenirs
- Photo albums
- Power Tools
The most common reason for renting garage storage is to declutter. All the stuff that homeowners want to save but can’t keep inside their homes is sent off to storage.
A Garage Is Safe and Secure
Garages are spacious, but more importantly, secure from vandals and thieves. Going away for an extended period of time? You don’t exactly want to leave your car just out in the open. You might come home to it missing a few parts or worse, missing entirely. Also, your car may not fare well exposed to the elements under long periods of time. If you don’t have a garage of your own, then it’s best to rent one.
Bigger Than A Storage Unit
A typical one-car garage is about 336 square feet (31.2 square metres), providing ample space not only for a vehicle but also for additional storage along the walls. This size is larger than many small-to-medium storage units, which can range from 25 to 200 square feet. If you need even more space, two-car garages or custom-sized garages can offer even larger areas, making them a versatile solution for those with bigger storage needs, such as large equipment or business inventory.
Commercial Storage
A garage unit is not just for personal use. Many commercial establishments such as online resellers and startups use a garage for their storage needs. Inspired by Jeff Bezos’ success with Amazon and budget cuts, business startups use garages as their temporary office. Garage units are also used to store company files, business inventory, and even office supplies. You can check out Henfield Storage’s Business Storage solutions here.
Accessibility and Flexibility
Garage storage is often conveniently located closer to a renter’s home, reducing the need for long drives to access items, unlike some distant storage units. Some garage rental agreements even allow 24/7 access, making it easier to retrieve items whenever needed. Additionally, rental terms can be more flexible, allowing short-term or month-to-month arrangements depending on your needs
Cons of Renting a Garage Storage
When you’re considering a garage for storage, it’s best to look at the cons as well.
Rental Fees
While renting a garage won’t cost as much as renting a house with an extra bedroom for your belongings, it’s certainly not cheap. Garages go for an average of £100 to £250 PCM (per calendar month), which will vary depending on the size, location, and what you want to do with the garage. Additionally, you must also factor in the cost of installing shelves, lighting, and an internet connection if you’ll use it as an office.
Garages come in fewer sizes
Unlike self-storage units that come in small and large sizes, garages are typically very large. Most garages are standardised to fit a vehicle, which can be too large or too small depending on your storage needs.
Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for renters to require much smaller spaces, such as a 10 square foot locker for important documents or smaller items, especially for businesses that need to keep their files organized without occupying significant space. This is where self-storage units excel, as they provide flexible options ranging from small lockers to larger units, catering to diverse storage needs
Transit Expenses
When you’re storing your belongings elsewhere, you always to have to consider transit expenses. How will you move your things from your house to your garage? A removals company or a man and van will cost hundreds of pounds — money that you may not have at the moment.
Thankfully, Henfield Storage offers a FREE collection service for long-term clients. Just talk to the site manager of your own choosing to discuss what their terms are.
Renting from Strangers
It’s understandably difficult to entrust the belongings that you bought with your hard-earned money to strangers. If you’re not comfortable with leaving your items to strangers, leave it with Henfield Storage instead!
Henfield Storage offers a Garage for Rent alternative that you can use. Rest assured that you can trust us with your items. We’ve been in the storage industry for over 40 years and is considered one of the best. All of our storage units are secure, clean, spacious, and dry, not to mention affordable.
Fewer Security Measures than a Storage Unit
When it comes to security, rented garages typically offer fewer protections compared to regular storage units. For instance, Henfield Storage facilities are equipped with comprehensive security systems, including intruder alarms, 24-hour colour CCTV, on-site staff, motion-sensitive lighting, and high-quality steel units.
In contrast, while many garages may feature basic security measures, such as simple locks or possibly an alarm system, they often lack the robust protections found in standard self-storage facilities. This can make items stored in a rented garage more vulnerable, particularly if the garage is located in a less secure area or if the owner does not implement additional security measures.
Lack of Climate Control
Garages are often not climate-controlled, which means your belongings can be exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity. In colder parts of the UK, this can lead to issues such as freezing temperatures in winter and excessive heat in summer, both of which can damage sensitive items. For instance, furniture can warp or crack, electronics may malfunction, and important documents can become damaged due to moisture or heat.
Furthermore, the lack of proper ventilation in garages can lead to issues with mold and mildew, especially in damp conditions. This is a significant concern for items like clothing, upholstered furniture, and certain types of equipment.
Potential for Pest Infestations
Garage storage can sometimes be susceptible to pest infestations. Since garages are often connected to a person’s home, they can attract unwanted pests such as rodents, insects, and spiders, especially if food or organic materials are stored inside. This can lead to significant damage to your belongings and create unsanitary conditions.
In contrast, traditional storage units are situated in large facilities specifically designed for storage, often featuring pest prevention measures. These facilities typically include sealed entrances and regular pest control treatments, minimising the risk of infestations. Additionally, many self-storage providers maintain strict cleanliness standards and conduct routine inspections to ensure a pest-free environment
legal Considerations for Garage Rentals
If you’re considering garage storage, it helps to understand the legal aspects that come with it. Unlike renting a home, garage rentals can have different terms and conditions that might affect how the space can be used. Here are some key legal factors to keep in mind:
Rental Agreements
Garage rentals typically come with shorter notice periods compared to residential leases. This means that your lease might be terminated with little warning, depending on the terms agreed upon. It’s crucial to review the rental agreement carefully to understand the notice period and what is legally allowed within the space. Make sure to clarify any limitations on modifying the garage, such as installing shelves or workbenches, as well as rules regarding the use of the space.
Zoning and Local Laws
In some areas, local laws regulate what can be stored in a rented garage. For instance, certain hazardous materials or items not related to vehicles and their accessories may be prohibited. Zoning regulations can also dictate whether a garage can be used for commercial storage purposes. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these restrictions to avoid any legal complications.
Why It Pays to Choose a Storage Facility Over a Garage
While garage storage may work in many situations, standard storage units generally offer better, more versatile solutions. Whether you need to store furniture, seasonal items, business inventory, or personal belongings, self-storage facilities provide a variety of unit sizes that can better protect your items from environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests.
If you’re need reliable self storage in London or Brighton, contact Henfield Storage today. With our Price Match Guarantee and Free Collection, we make sure that you get maximum value for money, every time! Reach out now for a quote and discover how we can make storage easy and convenient for you!
