Picture this. Instead of dragging your furniture or holiday decorations down the long hallways of an inside storage facility, or cramming them onto an elevator, you simply pull your vehicle right up to the door of your very own ground-level storage unit. That, in a nutshell, is the beauty of drive-up storage.

Perfect for busy event planners, contractors, or even outdoor enthusiasts, you can’t beat drive-up storage for easy access. Need to unload a kayak? Done. Dropping off a couch? No sweat. Even better, you won’t have to worry about dodging other people juggling their own stuff, because your unit is like your own personal loading zone. 

What is drive-up storage?

Drive-up storage units are usually located outside on the ground level, and are easily accessed through roll-up, garage-style doors. Many facilities offer gated lots with perimeter alarms and 24-hour surveillance cameras.

Drive-up storage is typically not climate-controlled (so not a great place to store electronics or a prized record collection), but it is affordable and just right for bulky and nonsensitive items. 

Benefits of drive-up storage

When it comes to drive-up storage, it’s all about easy access. Renters enjoy wide lanes leading directly to their own roll-up door, a quick and painless unloading process, and a spacious unit that accommodates treasured items big and small. 

Get in and out faster 

What’s better than saving time? With drive-up storage, you can skip the twists and turns of a large indoor facility. At most indoor facilities, you will pay more for ground-level units. That’s because, let’s face it, hauling your belongings up and down elevators can be a drag. Not a concern with drive-up units! Pull your car right up to the door and start unloading without hassle or delay.  

Less schlepping 

Easy access at ground level means shorter distances to haul heavy boxes, furniture, or equipment (and that’s a win for everyone!) Not only is loading/unloading a less onerous task, you’re also less likely to injure yourself or damage your cherished items on those tight corners. The shortest distance between two points is, in fact, a straight line, and with drive-up storage, it’s a straight shot from your trunk to the unit!

Saves money

Drive-up storage spaces are usually no frills. This is great news if you’re hoping to keep costs low. Why pay for amenities like climate control and in-unit electrical outlets if you don’t need them? If all you’re looking for is a safe space to store goods that are not sensitive to temperature, drive-up storage units may be your most affordable option. 

Accommodates the big stuff  

While you can expect a range of sizes for both drive-up and inside storage, drive-up units tend to be larger. If you’re only hoping to store a few file boxes, this might not be a selling point. But for those of you looking to store larger items like vehicles or furniture, drive-up storage could be just the ticket! 

Amenities: Limited amenities may be available at some drive-up facilities, but if you need to maintain a constant temperature, plug things in, or drop things off anonymously, inside storage will be a better fit. 

Price: Drive-up storage units are usually less expensive than indoor facilities because they have less infrastructure costs, making them a great choice if budget is one of your main considerations.

Size: Typically, unit sizes at outdoor facilities have larger storage spaces than indoor facilities. Some drive-up facilities cater specifically to boats, RVs and vehicle storage.