If you search around for the amenities of different storage unit companies, you’ll probably see many of the same ones—drive-up access, digital access keys, video surveillance, etc. However, one feature that isn’t often mentioned is electricity access. Most storage units do not have electrical outlets. Some facilities offer specialized electrical-enabled units, but not all. Today, we’ll get into the nuts and bolts of electricity in storage units and where to find them.
Why don’t most storage units have electricity?
For the owners of storage unit companies, there’s not much reason to run electricity to individual units since there is little demand for it. Not running electricity to every individual unit cuts down on overall costs—which in turn makes prices lower for customers—and creates less energy waste, making the whole facility more environmentally friendly.
Another reason storage facility owners don’t usually include electricity in their units by default is because it discourages people from trying to live in their storage units. It’s illegal to live in a storage unit, but people do try occasionally, and it’s something self-storage companies don’t want to encourage.
It’s worth noting that some storage unit facilities do offer some electrical basics by default. For example, indoor storage units often have lights—so don’t worry about your space being dark just because it doesn’t have outlets. Often, lights in indoor storage units are on timers or motion-activated, which is convenient and good for the environment. If your storage unit has individually alarmed units—an excellent security perk when you can find it—that’s generally independent of whether or not it’s an electricity-enabled unit.
Although it’s not a standard thing, some specific storage companies have a few specialty units offering electricity designed explicitly for hobbyists or contractors. These may also include integrated shelving and other amenities.
Another reason some people are interested in storage units with electricity is that they want a climate-controlled environment for belongings that are sensitive to temperature, humidity, etc. However, you don’t need a unit with electricity to have climate control! BuxBear Storage, for example, does not run electricity to individual units but does have climate-controlled units. That means you’re getting everything you need and not paying for amenities you don’t need.
What are the advantages of storage units with electricity?
For some storage unit renters, electricity makes life easier. For example, if you’re storing a motorcycle, boat, or RV in your storage unit, having the ability to charge batteries can be helpful. An outlet also allows you to plug in a vacuum to clean out a vehicle, etc.
People who use their storage unit as a workspace also often look for electricity. Imagine you’re restoring that same motorcycle—being able to plug in lights and a fan makes a difference.
Crafty individuals use storage units for carpentry projects, t-shirt screen printing, and restoring antiques—you name it. A storage unit can be the perfect solution for any project that requires a place to store materials and benefits from a little elbow room.
Similarly, we’ve also seen renters store things like comic books or vinyl record collections in storage units. When they’re organizing or sifting through those collections, being able to work at night, use a fan or dehumidifier, or simply plug in their phone is valuable.
Finally, the other primary reason people seek out storage units with electricity is to use them for business purposes. Especially nowadays, when so many workplaces are becoming primarily remote, a storage unit can be a great place to store bulky office equipment like filing cabinets, copy machines, printers, etc., especially if you don’t use them daily. In this case, the renter will drop by whenever they need to use that equipment, flip a switch, and get a little work done.
Do storage units with electricity cost more?
Storage units with electricity do cost more, and the difference can be steep. The upcharge for an electrical-enabled storage unit varies from location to location, and there’s no industry standard price difference. Often, storage unit companies don’t even advertise rates for storage units with electricity (you may have to call and inquire), or it’s a service they package for corporate clients.
Where to rent storage units with electricity
Finding storage units with electricity can be difficult, and it might not be an option where you live. However, sometimes if you ask the owner or site manager, they can set you up. So, if search engines don’t turn up options advertised in your area, you can try calling self-storage companies and asking.
Other options for getting electricity in your storage space
Solutions exist for those who need to use electricity occasionally but don’t have access in their unit! One effective strategy is to purchase a heavy-duty portable power source. These are much cheaper than paying an extra monthly fee for an electricity-enabled unit, and you can use them at home, when camping, in an RV, or anywhere else!
Another option again involves chatting with the manager or owner of your self-storage facility and asking to use an extension cord. Sometimes, if you have a good reason and just need electricity for a little while, they’ll allow you to run an extension cord to an outdoor or hallway outlet and plug it in for an hour or two.
Storage units with electricity: the bottom line
Most of the time, people put their items in storage, and that’s that—they don’t return to their storage unit until they need to take their stuff out again. As we’ve mentioned, since most people don’t need electricity in their storage units, it’s not usual for storage companies to offer units with electricity. But if you search around your area, you may find a storage facility with some units with electricity enabled. Never be shy about asking for what you need! Usually, self-storage companies have customer service attendants standing by who will be more than happy to help.