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Storage Types

Self Storage

Simply put, self-storage units are compartments where you can store the stuff that won’t fit in your house, apartment or place of business. 

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What is Self Storage?

Self-storage has the advantage of being affordable and convenient, giving residential and commercial guests additional options for storing their possessions rather than relocating, selling or discarding their excess.

Most traditional self-storage facilities are single-story buildings where guests can drive right up to the door of their units. Newer facilities are often constructed in multi-story buildings, where access is gained through a common loading area. Some facilities offer a mix of both types of storage.

Whether the storage unit is an outside drive-up unit or inside a building, entry is typically restricted to tenants only by having a personalized PIN. Tenants most often access their individual units via a roll-up metal door. The guest also provides his or her own lock and the facility’s workers do not have access to the unit.

Nearby Locations

Nearby Self Storage

Resources to help you

  • How Self Storage Works

    If you’ve never rented self storage before, we’re here to help.

  • Making a Reservation

    Once you’ve found the right storage unit you can lock in your price by making a free reservation.

  • Moving In

    Here’s what you need to know to make the process as smooth as possible.

See what fits in different storage unit sizes

Storage Features & Amentities

Thoughtful Features

Access to our properties is electronically controlled by personalized PINs, most buildings are fenced, and our interior and exterior spaces are well-lit, all to provide additional peace of mind.

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Cleanliness

Let your storage experience begin with a clean storage unit at Store Space. We keep our stores and amenities clean, too, just for you.  

Customer Service

At Store Space, we strive to provide you with the best self-storage experience possible. Our team members understand the needs of our guests and offer compassionate support throughout the rental process. 

Store Space's Speed-e-Rent logo

Speed-e-Rent

Speed-e-Rent lets you complete your rental process online in just minutes. Sign your Rental Agreement, get Tenant Protection, even enroll in our free AutoPay service, then skip the counter and go right to your unit on move-in day — it's that quick and easy!

amenities

Billing

  • AutoPay available
  • Major credit cards accepted
  • Pay online, in-store or by phone
  • Rent due on 1st of each month

Access

  • Computer-controlled gate access
  • Customized PIN
  • Extended daily gate hours
  • Your lock, your key

Administrative

  • Call center open late daily
  • Free no-obligation reservations
  • No security deposit required
  • Sign up for text alerts

Moving

  • Designated unloading areas
  • Large doorways
  • Spacious elevators
  • Wide driveway aisles

Self Storage FAQs

Yes, it's against state and federal laws to live in a storage unit, not to mention dangerous!

You can be in your storage unit for a short period of time, such as performing inventory for a business, unloading belongings, or even searching for a specific item, but time in your storage unit should be limited. Please check your Rental Agreement for additional details. 

Yes, storing clothes is a common use for a storage unit. For short-term storage, cardboard boxes should suffice, but for long-term storage, consider a sturdy, airtight plastic bin. 

For the most part, no. You may occasionally find one, but they are not the standard.

For your convenience, bills are due on the first of each month. Take advantage of our free AutoPay automatic billing service and never miss a payment! 

Many storage facilities offer gated outdoor parking options specifically for cars and other vehicles. Sometimes, large indoor spots can be used for car storage, but check with your local store manager and consult your Rental Agreement for details. 

What Can Self Storage Be Used For? 

Self-storage can be used by almost anyone to store almost everything. Here are some of the many reasons that our guests choose Store Space. 


Personal Storage 

Many guests choose to store a wide range of personal belongings, from seasonal clothes and decorations, to extra furniture, baby clothes and many more items that hold memories and value. Just as there are many things to store, there are also many reasons to rent a storage unit. 

Moving

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, coordinating move-ins and move-outs can be challenging. Avoid the stress simply by moving items to a storage unit instead of racking up costly storage fees from a moving company. Then, when the commotion settles down, unload your storage unit—on your schedule.  

Decluttering

Just because you’re decluttering doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything. It’s OK to hang onto things that hold memories, or personal value, even if you don’t want them cluttering up your home all the time. This is especially true of seasonal décor and similar items that might not “spark joy” all year round but take on special meaning near the holidays. 

Downsizing

When it’s time to move into a smaller place, don’t fret about deciding which items can stay and which items need to be recycled or thrown away. Get a storage unit for all the things you’re undecided about, so you needn’t worry about trying to replace something later. This is especially helpful if you have adult-age children who might not be in a place to take back all their stuff. 

Life events

Self-storage makes a great temporary solution to help families deal with everything from a new addition to the family to divorce, even the passing of a loved one. If it’s something that holds value, but doesn’t have a place right now, store it until you’ve got a place for it or until you can make other arrangements. 


Business Storage

Successful businesses of all types have discovered that renting storage is a cost-effective alternative to relocating for the purpose of gaining additional square footage. This holds true for professional offices, retailers, contractors, manufacturing businesses and all types of commercial ventures, to name a few. 


Inventory

A storage unit is a great place for seasonal inventory that would otherwise fill up the backroom of a brick-and-mortar shop. 

Document storage

Since many professional offices are required to keep paperwork for a fixed period of time, a storage unit can serve as an effective repository for files that would otherwise crowd office space. 

Warehousing needs

Storage units can serve as ad hoc warehouses for manufacturing businesses as they ramp up production. 

Equipment storage

Businesses focused on seasonal items, like holiday lights for example, can benefit greatly from storage. Contractors, such as landscapers and arborists, might store equipment they need only a few times a year. 

Other usage

Real estate agents and stagers store furniture in between showings. Crafters store their product rather than keeping it on the kitchen table. Collectors and resellers store larger collections until they can comb through it. Sales reps keep sample product and sales materials close at hand.  


Vehicle Storage (select locations) 

Cars, RVs, Trucks, Boats 

Many storage facilities offer onsite vehicle storage options. These are often outdoors, behind the main gate. This type of vehicle storage is often a great alternative to storing an extra car, RV, or boat in your driveway or on the street, especially in locations with nosy HOAs and strict city ordinances. Check online inventory or with the store manager to see if your local Store Space offers vehicle storage options. 



What Should You NOT Put in a Storage Unit?

Of course, not everything can be placed in a storage unit. The main ones are easy to remember since they all start with the letter “f”: 


  • Food
  • Fuel
  • Furs
  • Firearms

State and local laws may prohibit the storage of other items as well, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to check with your local store manager. 


How Big of a Storage Unit Do I Need?

How big of a storage unit you’ll need to rent largely depends on how much you plan to store. Storage units are typically grouped into small, medium and large, with many different sizes and shapes from 25 square feet top 300 square feet or larger!

As a rule of thumb, a small unit (5x10 in most cases) can often take a small piece of furniture or two, plus boxes and bins. One to two rooms of furniture and belongings can generally fit within 100 sq. ft, which equates to a 10x10 storage unit. A 10x20 storage unit can be used for a three-bedroom house!

Keep in mind that many storage units are quite tall on the inside, so effective stacking is key to getting the most into your unit. 

Storage units come in many shapes and sizes, and our storage professionals are skilled at helping you pick the right-sized storage unit. Just call your local store or contact our Care Center at 833-786-7366. 

How Much is a Storage Unit?

Storage units are a cost-effective alternative to relocation for many residential and commercial guests. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the price of a storage unit, including the size of the unit, its location, plus available amenities and features. At Store Space, we shop the competition to ensure that our rates are competitive in the marketplace and we always offer valuable move-in promotions to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. 


Ready to Rent

To rent a storage unit online, use our search feature to find the Store Space nearest you. Then, simply click on the storage unit you want. Take advantage of our free, no-obligation reservations to lock in your unit. 

To save time on move-in day, complete your rental online so you don’t have to stop at the counter. It takes just a few clicks to set up AutoPay, our free automatic billing service, so you never have to worry about missing a payment. 

You’re all set! Thank you for being a valued guest of Store Space!

Helpful Articles

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Tips

5 Easy Kayak Storage Tips to Keep Your Kayak Damage-Free

multiple, colorful kayaks on an outdoor kayak storage rack

After enjoying a season of fun and adventure on the water, going down waterfalls, and beating some gnarly rapids, it may be time to look for kayak storage! In some areas, you can kayak year-round. But many paddlers have to say goodbye to the water and hello to kayak storage once the weather gets cool.

Before you go and put your kayak on the dining room table, the garage floor, or in your backyard, consider self-storage. After spending money on your kayaking passion, don’t let haphazard storage damage or even ruin your boat!

We’ll cover the different types of kayaks and how to store them. Even if you can kayak 365 days a year (we’re jealous), you can still use these tips between kayaking trips! Store Space is here to help you keep your kayak in tip-top shape, so it’ll be ready to go whenever you’re ready to get back on the water.

Improper Kayak Storage Methods

Before we get into the right ways to store your kayak, it's important to know the improper kayak storage methods.

1. Exposed to the elements

UV rays destroy plastic, so it's important to avoid leaving your vessels in the open. Leaving them out in the open for a day or two won't cause long-term damage, but the more they're exposed to the sun, the more the plastic will deteriorate. Plus, it will also damage any seat cushions or other accessories that you have.

2. On its end

It may be tempting to prop your kayak up in the corner of your garage, but this is a bad idea. Over time, it will distort the shape of the plastic and warp your bow or stern. It'll make it harder to steer and could result in the plastic cracking. Additionally, you don't want it to fall on anyone.

3. On a hard surface

In the same way that standing it on its end can warp the plastic, resting the hull on a hard surface can also damage your boat. They aren't designed to rest their entire weight on the hull when set on a hard surface, so its important to avoid this common pitfall.

4. Hanging from handles or straps

Handles and straps aren't designed to hold the entire weight of a kayak. Doing so can warp your kayak wherever the handles/straps are fastened. Furthermore, they can break. This can easily crack your kayak, rendering it unusable.

5. Suspended by the bow and stern

Supporting only the front and back will also lead to warping. This is because the ends of the boat aren't meant to support the middle. Over time, it will sag in the middle.

Types of Kayaks

Kayaks can be split into two main groups—flat-water kayaks and whitewater kayaks. Flat-water kayaks are mainly for recreational use on still bodies of water, while whitewater kayaks are for the professionals and adrenaline junkies who want to battle big rapids going downriver. There are five types of flat-water kayaks—sit-inside, sit-on-top, touring, inflatable and pedaling kayaks, and there are four types of whitewater kayaks—play boats, creek boats, river runners and inflatables.

Flat-water kayaks

  • Sit-on-top kayaks – no closed cockpit to sit in, likely to get wet or fall in the water, very stable
  • Sit-in kayaks (recreational sit-in kayaks) – about 10 feet long, not the fastest or best tracking kayak
  • Touring kayaks – about 12 feet, smaller cockpit, more expensive
  • Inflatable kayaks – made of a sturdy material like PVC, Hypalon or Nitrylon, easy to put away and store, but if it gets a hole, you’ll be swimming to shore
  • Pedaling kayaks – can travel further (because you propel the kayak with your legs instead of your upper body), offer propeller and flipper options
person white water kayaking
Photo by roya ann miller via Unsplash.

Whitewater kayaks

  • Play boats – made for playing, about 6 feet long, allows paddlers to do tricks on the water  
  • Creek boats – about 8 feet or longer, high volume kayaks
  • River runners – about 7-8 feet long, comfortable, good tracking
  • Inflatables – inflatable kayaks, but made for more intense rapids, wide and stable

When you hear "Houston," kayaking may not be the first thing you think of. But, these 10 places to kayak near Houston will change your mind. Check out Buffalo Bayou for an urban kayaking experience, or visit 288 Lake for a peaceful, quiet day of paddling. The best part? Store Space has a facility in Houston, so you have the perfect spot to store your boat when you’re not on the water.

many kayaks on a river
Photo by Stéphane Bernard via Unsplash.

Types of Kayak Storage

It’s crucial to think about where you will be storing your kayak—indoors or outdoors. Both are acceptable but try to avoid outdoor kayak storage if you can. If it’s your only option, make sure you consider the climate in your area, and carefully cover and protect your kayak from the elements.

In the Garage

Kayaks can take up a good chunk of space in the garage. Use a celling rack, kayak hoist, or wall racks to save space and protect the exterior from dirt and abrasion in your garage. These solutions cost $60 or less and are well worth it to preserve the life of your kayak.

Indoor storage

Indoor kayak storage is the safest, most popular method to keep your kayak in the best condition. By keeping it indoors, you avoid any damage from the climate.

Store Space offers indoor storage units that are perfect for kayak storage. Our drive-up units can be used to keep your watercraft safe. We have a variety of sizes (and some with climate control), so even your largest kayak will have a home during the off-season or between adventures. If you can carry your kayak, you won’t need drive-up storage. Some of the smaller boats like those for whitewater kayaking should fit in an interior unit.

Outdoor storage

If you must store your kayak outside, it’s crucial to keep it covered. You can use something simple like a tarp, or an actual kayak cover. It’s also important to keep your kayak upside down, so it doesn't collect water or dirt.

Outdoor parking at Store Space can be used for kayak storage. We suggest only storing your kayak outdoors short-term, to make sure your kayak does not get damaged by the climate. You can also store your trailer (that hauls your kayak and other watercraft) in our parking spaces, to provide more protection.

The Best Manmade Whitewater rafting course in the world is in Columbus, GA. The course is not for beginners—it starts with Class III rapids and includes a Class IV+ toward the end. At 2.5 miles long, it’s the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world. Aren’t you glad Store Space has multiple locations in Columbus, GA? After battling the rapids, drop off your kayak to store until your next daredevil experience with nature.

aerial view of colorful kayaks
Photo by Anita Denunzio on Unsplash

Five Important Kayak Storage Tips

Kayak storage can slightly vary depending on the type of kayak, but there are a few main things to consider. Where and how you store your kayak can be the difference between a long-lasting boat and one that must be replaced more frequently.  

1.      They’re sensitive

Okay, they’re not THAT sensitive, they carry you over rapids and waterfalls and gnarly cliffs and Class VI waves. But, when you’re storing your kayak (especially long-term), you need to protect it from the elements.

  • Sun – UV rays can fade or damage any material on the outside of a kayak, so they should be kept in a shaded area or indoors.
  • Heat – Just like UV rays can cause damage, any extreme heat can as well. Don’t keep your kayak in warm rooms or near heat sources to avoid any melting or damage.
  • Moisture – Any moisture can cause mold, fungus or even degrading and warping on your kayak.

2.      Hang it up

The last thing you want to do with your kayak is place it on the ground. That’s practically a “come on in” invitation for bugs, dirt, water, critters, etc. So, you’ll want to either put it on a rack or hang it to keep it safe. (See Kayak racks below.)

3.      Flip it over

Another thing to remember is to store your kayak deck side down. In layman’s terms, upside down. This will prevent moisture from building in the nooks and crannies of your kayak, therefore preventing mold growth.

4.      Make sure it’s comfortable

When storing your kayak, be sure to use padded bars or straps to avoid heavy pressure on certain areas of your kayak. It’s also important to distribute the weight evenly so your kayak doesn’t deform.

5.      Cover it up

You'll want to cover your kayak, especially if it’s outside or has a cockpit. If you’re storing your kayak outside, AND it has a cockpit, a cover is an absolute must. Here is more info about cockpit covers specifically.

If you’re in central Florida, you’re practically surrounded by water. Lakes, rivers, the gulf, and the ocean are all within range. So, it’s safe to say kayaking is popular. Check out the top 5 places to canoe and kayak near Orlando, then stop by Store Space in Orlando! We have multiple facilities in the area, so feel free to keep your kayak with us in-between adventures.

many kayaks standing up
Photo by Xiaoyu Li on Unsplash

Kayak Racks

There are many options for kayak storage. You can buy kayak storage racks and suspension systems from many outdoor/sporting goods stores, or even build your own. Just search “DIY kayak storage” and you’ll be flooded with videos, articles and websites with instructions.

Just remember, go the extra mile to store your kayak, and it’ll go the extra mile downstream for you! Here are some of our favorite kayak storage ideas:

  • Sawhorses – This is an easy and convenient DIY kayak storage option. Just use a few sawhorses wrapped with a towel or blanket. Then set your kayak on top, upside down of course—ta da!
  • Floor rack – You can store kayaks on store-bought or homemade free-standing racks. You can make these out of wood or PVC pipe, and some can hold up to six kayaks!
  • Wall rack – You can find a variety of wall rack/mount options for your kayaks. Some wall mounts allow for your kayak to be stored on its side, or upside down.
  • Ceiling suspension – This is a little more complicated to set up, but you can also suspend your kayak from the ceiling. Still hang your boat upside down or on its side and be sure to use wide straps around your kayak. 

Pro tip: You can use any free-standing kayak rack in a storage unit—including sawhorses, DIY or store-bought floor racks. Just remember most unit doors are 7 ft. tall, so your kayak rack must be shorter in order to fit.

Outdoor kayak shelves
Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

FAQs About Kayak Storage

Q: How to build a kayak storage rack?

A: There are a variety of ways to build a kayak storage rack. You can use materials like PVC pipe or wood, and create a wall rack, floor rack or even a suspension system. Here are a few ideas and plans for DIY kayak storage.

Q: How to build a free-standing kayak storage rack?

A: You can find a variety of plans and videos with instructions to create a free-standing kayak storage rack. Here is an example of how to make an outdoor kayak storage rack with PVC pipe.

Q: Is it ok to store kayaks outside?

A: Yes, you can store kayaks outside. But, keep in mind it is best to use outdoor kayak storage for a short period of time, to prevent any damage caused by the climate. You’ll also want to purchase a kayak cover to help shield your boat.

Q: Should kayaks be stored upside down?

A: Storing your kayaks upside down is the best move. Some mounts and racks allow your kayak to be stored on its side but keeping your kayak upside down will be the safest position.

Wrapping Up Kayak Storage

A storage unit is the best place for your kayak while you’re not crushing those rapids. Our clean and secure facility will keep your kayak safe and protected until you need it. But we can handle more than just kayaks. Think of us for any of your storage needs; just check out our self-storage guide for more info! You can find your nearest Store Space with our storage location finder.

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