Article takeaways
- Storage units with electricity allow renters to run lights, charge devices, and operate tools.
- Storage spaces with power outlets are beneficial for small businesses, hobbyists, and contractors who need a well-lit and functional workspace.
- Not all storage facilities offer units with electricity due to concerns over safety, increased liability, and higher operational costs, which can lead to higher rental prices.
- To find storage units with electricity, prospective renters should focus on newer and modern facilities, particularly those advertising climate controlled or business storage options.
- Online platforms like Storage.com can help you search and compare storage units near you, isolating the search results based on the features and storage unit size you’re looking for.
Sometimes, a no-frills storage solution is all you need. If, for example, your plan is to store rarely-used sporting equipment or your grandmother’s well-loved dining room table, a standard unit might fit the bill.
That said, these standard units don’t typically offer electricity. So what if you need to plug something in?
The good news is that finding self-storage units with electricity IS possible.
These specialized storage spaces with electricity provide power access, allowing you to run lights, charge devices, and operate tools or equipment directly from your unit.
Storage units with electricity let you turn a space into a workspace. They also help you organize belongings in a well-lit room, giving you the convenience and flexibility to finish your tasks.
This helpful guide will explore how to find a storage unit with electricity and cover some of the most common use cases. We’ll also reveal how Storage.com can help you rent the exact unit you need, and how to be sure it has with electricity.
What are Storage Units with Electricity?
While illuminated walkways should be standard in both indoor and outdoor facilities, most units do not include outlets for extra lighting, charging, tools, climate control, or other uses. When you are on the hunt for a unit that does offer this feature, it’s important to know what options are available.
Types of Electrical Storage Unit Setups
- Overhead lighting: Can your needs be met by flipping a switch? If your only real electrical requirement is the ability to turn on an overhead light, you may not need to look into the more specialized electrical setups listed below. Inside storage facilities are more likely to have overhead lighting in each unit, but some outdoor facilities will offer this feature as well. It’s always a good idea to call and speak directly with the manager when researching specific details like these.
- Standard outlets: If you need a straightforward electrical outlet to plug in a charger, fan, or small tool, you should look for facilities that offer standard outlets as an add-on.
- Power strips: Business owners, tradespeople, and hobbyists may be better served by a third type of electrical setup: the power strip. Storage units equipped with power strips allow users to plug in several devices simultaneously.
Benefits of Storage Units with Electricity
Storage units offer solutions for many challenges related to the rising costs of commercial and residential space. Let’s look at some storage benefit scenarios where storage units with power outlets can save the day!
Small businesses: David Allan, co-owner of Toronto’s Apple Storage, says 70% of his facility are dedicated to commercial storage, rented by small business owners. These entrepreneurs utilize the space for everything from candle box inventory to e-bike repairs and file storage. In an interview with the BBC, Allan attributed this to the rising costs of commercial space.
Many offices have decided to downsize by storing files and equipment off-site. Even small, specialized businesses, like catering companies, can benefit from organizing inventory and supplies in a well-equipped storage unit. Here’s how catering businesses can stay organized with the help of storage.
“Instead of having sort of an interior office for file storage, firms moved into self-storage facilities because it was half the price or less,” said Allan. Savvy small business owners like Allan have found that renting storage units can help cut costs and improve the bottom line.
Hobbyists: Like commercial properties, skyrocketing home prices have required many families to downsize in recent years. Living in a smaller space can have financial and practical advantages, but there are sacrifices to be made as well.
Woodworkers, art collectors, sculptors, and enthusiasts of other hobbies often have large space requirements. Self-storage units with power are a natural solution to expanding space needs when their house or apartment won’t accommodate their hobby.
Contractors: Many contractors have the training and expertise to take on a wide range of repairs and projects. Each one requires a different set of tools and equipment, including power tools that need to be charged or plugged in for regular maintenance. Tools like these are bulky and sometimes difficult to store in vehicles or homes, making storage facilities with electrical outlets an ideal alternative.
Common Uses for Storage Units with Electricity
Today’s renters are coming up with endless creative ideas to make self-storage units with electricity work for them. With uses ranging from home organization projects to printing labels for a t-shirt startup, the sky’s the limit for the clever self-storage renter.
Let’s take a closer look at some examples to help you visualize the many ways people are saving money, pursuing their passions, and growing their businesses with the help of self-storage.
- The mechanic: Kevin Tsui rents several units at Toronto’s Apple Storage, but he’s not just storing tools. Inside the well-lit units, Tsui and his colleagues fix bikes propped up at specialized workstations. Tsui, like a growing number of mechanics, uses storage with electricity in lieu of a client-facing bike shop. He says it was the logical next step after his bike store was torn down to build condos.
- The woodworker: Both hobbyists and professional woodworkers have found self-storage units with electricity to be the perfect space to roll their sleeves up and get to work. With the expertise to build custom shelving, many woodworkers create functional, well-organized workshops. Woodworkers, craft workers, and creators can run power tools and charge batteries. Some facilities even let them plug in a mini-fridge for breaks. Be sure to check with the facility manager to confirm regulations regarding electricity use.
- The antique collector: Climate controlled storage will be at the top of the “must-have” list for any antique collector. Some take it a step further by renting storage space with electricity that can be used to power fans or dehumidifiers for especially delicate items.
- The side hustler: While you can’t fully run a business out of a storage unit, you can take calls and even conduct meetings. You can also store physical products and inventory. Now popular as a secondary income stream, selling items on platforms like Etsy or eBay can require significant amounts of space. Storage units with outlets offer renters the ability not only to store their merchandise but also to plug in a printer to create labels and pack orders.
Why Some Storage Facilities Don’t Rent Storage Units with Electricity
So you’ve decided to undertake your own search for a storage unit with electricity. Great, but there’s another factor to be aware of. Some facilities choose not to promote that they have storage units with electricity. Others choose not to offer them at all. Here are some reasons why.
Storage Units with Electricity Encourage Living in Storage Units
Living in a storage unit is illegal. In some cases, providing electrical outlets makes it more likely that renters will take up residence, causing serious safety and health risks.
Electrical Storage Units Raise Costs
The installation and maintenance of electrical systems is expensive. In an effort to keep monthly rental prices as low as possible, many owners opt not to offer storage units with electricity.
Electrical Outlets in Storage Units Create Safety Risks
When outlets are present in storage units, the probability of accidents and fire increases. This puts not only the renter but also the entire facility (and its contents) at risk.
Storage Units with Electricity Increase Liability
As a result of additional risks posed by electrified storage units, the facility’s liability increases. This means insurance companies must charge higher insurance premiums to cover potential loss.
Electrical Storage Units Require Complex Operations and Infrastructure
Managing storage facilities with electricity requires additional steps, some of which can be costly, for facility owners. These may include safety inspections, maintenance, and rewiring.
Electrical Storage Units Pose Environmental Concerns
The more electricity used by a self-storage facility, the larger its carbon footprint. More consumers choose environmentally conscious companies. Some self-storage facility owners focus on reducing energy use.
How to Find Storage Units with Electricity
Locating a storage space with power outlets can be quite straightforward … if you know what you’re looking for! Read on for a comprehensive guide to finding a unit with electricity near you.
Climate-Controlled Units
Climate control systems can’t function without electricity. If a facility offers climate controlled units, you can be sure that it is at least equipped with the basic infrastructure required to provide in-unit power.
New and Modern Storage Facilities
Demand for self-storage with electrical outlets is growing. As a result, you will likely have more luck finding such a unit at a newer facility rather than one that was built decades ago.
Indoor Storage Units
Depending on the climate you live in, you may have access to both outdoor and indoor units. If this is the case, make sure you focus your search on indoor units. These facilities are more likely to have the proper infrastructure to support in-unit power outlets and to offer that service to their customers.
Vehicle Storage Spaces
Facilities offering vehicle storage spaces for boat storage or RV storage sometimes let renters conduct some light maintenance and charge batteries while they are present. This doesn’t always guarantee power outlets in the unit, but there may be a shared electricity access you can tap into with extension cords.
Band Rehearsal Storage Spaces
Rather than holding stacks of moving boxes and serving as a vehicle storage, these units are upfront about offering bands a storage space that doubles as a practice space. That means they offer interior units equipped with electrical power outlets and a wiring infrastructure for musical instruments. These are likely also climate controlled storage units, as musical gear qualifies as temperature-sensitive items.
Business Storage Solutions
Look for self-storage facilities that cater to the business community. Some facilities advertise “business storage” instead of electrical outlets themselves. Business storage facilities are often used for remote work office spaces and eCommerce inventory storage. Business storage renters are more likely than average to need a place to plug in printers, chargers, and additional lighting.
Research Online Platforms like Storage.com
An all-in-one platform like Storage.com makes finding ready-to-rent storage units easy. You can charge equipment, power lights, or run a dehumidifier. The platform connects you to units with electrical outlets. It also offers other features like drive-up access and climate control. Simple search tools allow you to narrow down options by amenities and see real-time availability in your area. You can also reach out to customer service directly through our platform.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Storage.com are great places to research which facilities might offer unadvertised storage units with electricity. Combed through the comments to find mentions of power outlets or lack thereof!
Use Direct Communication to Help Secure Storage Units With Electricity
Because some owners choose not to advertise their units with electricity, reaching out to their customer service in person is a smart way to get the inside scoop. Talking live on the phone or in person helps owners understand your plans. They can let you know up front if your goals for the unit follow local laws and storage company policy.
How to Find Storage Units with Electricity Using Storage.com
Ready to find a storage unit with electricity that meets your needs? Explore available units near you on Storage.com and get the convenience of power right where you need it. Use our signature storage search tools to find units that specify business storage, alarms, or climate control, as all these features require power.
From drive-up units for quick access to 24-hour access to indoor climate controlled storage units for delicate items, we can link you with a wide variety of storage types.
We even list the security features units have. Some popular security measures include video surveillance cameras, electronic gate access with a code, and 24/7 surveillance thanks to an on-site manager or professional security surveillance.
You can check out our unit size guide to find the specific size you need for your unique storage needs.
With straightforward listings, budget pricing, and rental promotions citywide, Storage.com is your go-to resource for finding the right unit quickly and confidently. Start your search today!
