Home >> Mini Storage Tips >> Advantages of New Self Storage Facilities
There are three basic types of self storage and mini storage facilities, and each has different pros
and cons accordingly. While those trying to save money but are not as concerned about security may opt
for an older self storage facility,
others may desire tighter security (especially those storing large amounts of valuable property) and be
willing to pay more for it. This classification of self storages and mini storages is generally called a
generation of facilities and can be broken down into three basic groups: grandfather generation,
father generation, and son/student generation. Each should be examined and the risks and benefits weighed
before a decision is made in order to make sure that all needs are properly met.
First Generation Self Storage Facilities - Old Self Storages
Generation 1, or the grandfather self storages, are older mini storages that often have
little to no security measures (other than locks). These will often have no gates, on-site managers,
keypads, or security cameras. Rarely a generation 1 self storage will have an on-premise manager who
is available for a limited number of hours each day, but they are often extremely busy and refer
customers to pamphlets or 1-800 help to answer questions. This generation also has the potential
drawback of being stacked instead of side-by-side, as are newer units. Mini storages such as these
will often require forklift accessibility, which can be difficult to obtain, especially on short notice.
However, these self storage facilities are often much cheaper than newer, more secure, units.
Second Generation Mini Storage Facilities
The next generation, called generation 2 or father generation facilities, are often a middle ground for
those seeking security without paying an arm and a leg for it. While this type of self storage may be
slightly older, they usually offer heightened security and are still somewhat cheaper than more modern
mini storages. They are also normally built next to each other instead of stacked, making the forklift
unnecessary (except for loading/unloading heavy furniture perhaps). While they may still lack modern
video cameras, keypads, and locked gates, they will often have on-site managers, with some self storages
of this generation even offering live-in managers (managers that actually live on the premises). They
will normally have motion-activated floodlights and sensors, and many have some type of alarm that sounds
when unauthorized access to the manager's office is attempted.
Advantages of New Generation 3 Self Storage Facilities
Lastly, generation 3, or student/son generation self storages, are completely modernized and offer
greater security measures with additional price added. They are often much more expensive, but make up for
this difference in price with features such as climate-controlled units (very handy for storing valuable
property or electronic equipment), gated entries with keypads guarding entry/exit, recording of the
comings and goings of tenants (for security purposes), security cameras pointed in the areas of all units
as well as the manager's office, on-site or on-premise managers (with many of the larger mini storages
having live-in managers available 24/7), and more. Although the cost can be significantly more, many
customers of these self storages cite the friendly, clean, and secure environment as worth the cost for
the peace of mind granted by the up-to-date premises.
While each generation has much to offer, each has benefits and drawbacks that should be strongly considered
before customers choose a particular self storage. Mini storages are often located practically on every
corner, and each may vary in features and amenities accordingly. Savvy consumers will research each
thoroughly before leaving valuable property on the premises, and many mini storage facilities both
recommend and encourage visitation in order to ascertain the well-being of valuables in case of any
questions.
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