Different self storage unit renters need different things from their units, and you may be among the group that needs electrical outlets inside your unit. While every storage unit has some form of power running through it, not many facilities offer in-unit power for a number of reasons. However, if you\u2019re willing to look hard enough, you may be able to find powered storage units for certain uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll go over why in-unit electricity isn\u2019t a common feature of storage units\u2013and what to look for if you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you own a small business but need to get some of your inventory and equipment out of your home, a self-storage facility may be exactly what you need<\/a>. Units without power will meet the needs of most customers, but if you have battery-powered equipment that won\u2019t hold a charge, in-unit outlets might help you keep your batteries charged and ready to use. Just remember, you can\u2019t run a business out of a storage unit, as they aren\u2019t zoned for that use!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climate-controlled self storage<\/a> can be helpful for personal storage needs of all sizes. Whether you\u2019re storing a few boxes of personal belongings, large furniture items, or even a vehicle<\/a> or boat<\/a>, these convenient options are built to protect goods from the elements. You may want in-unit electricity if some of your belongings require power for their batteries to last longer, even more so with a plug-in electric car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of self-storage facilities, while using electricity to power lights and climate control in their units, don\u2019t offer plug-in outlets inside their storage units for a few possible reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electricity is a significant cost on its own, and providing enough power in each storage unit to power chargers and other devices would increase overhead costs, leading to higher rental prices for the consumer. Self-storage is intended to be an inexpensive option for customers, and higher prices would drive them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking up residence in a storage unit is not only unsafe, it\u2019s also highly illegal.<\/a> Donnie Rand, Marketing Coordinator at American Association of Owner Operators<\/a>, says: \u201cOffering electricity in storage units could potentially encourage individuals to use these spaces as makeshift living quarters. This poses numerous safety and legal issues, as storage units are not designed or equipped to accommodate human habitation.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Running electrical power to a unit can increase the risk of a short-circuit, leading to a fire that damages the unit and its contents. David Clark, a personal injury trial lawyer and partner at The Clark Law Office<\/a>, is aware of several fires started by electrical failures: \u201cIn 2017, an electrical short caused a fire at a self-storage facility in Lower Valley, El Paso<\/a>. Another electrical fire in 2016 caused $200k worth of damage to a self-storage facility in Florida<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The El Paso fire caused about $165,000 in damage and affected roughly 60% of the units. This fire started in the middle of the night and went unnoticed by the facility for hours before it was too late. The potential to overlook fires such as these is enough for many units not to provide power in their units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While some self storage facilities provide power inside some of their units, they may not openly advertise it for a couple of the reasons listed above\u2013preventing people from living in units and avoiding the potential for costly accidents. However, these facilities will sometimes offer specialized, powered units on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the facility manager. If a potential customer proves to be low-risk and seems to be very careful with their potential use of power, they may be offered a unit with outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of clues that might tip you off to a self-storage facility that offers outlets in their units under certain circumstances. Look for a facility that advertises these amenities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Facility owners often decide whether to rent out powered units based on the renter, so be sure to introduce yourself in person and be as clear and direct about what you\u2019ll be using the unit for as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many self-storage facilities provide in-unit lighting, especially indoor facilities. If you\u2019re seeking out in-unit power to put lights in your unit, you can save quite a bit of money by opting for a facility that provides lighting without outlets. Seek out a 24-hour storage facility<\/a>, as their units often have lights to help you navigate the facility and your unit even after dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many storage facilities, as you\u2019ve seen, don\u2019t offer in-unit power, and those that do often don\u2019t advertise it. However, if you do your research carefully and present yourself as a reputable, low-risk customer, you may still be able to rent a unit with outlets in it\u2013and if all you need is in-unit lighting, you should have no trouble finding a facility that offers it. Learn why many storage units don\u2019t have outlets\u2013and how to find the ones that do\u2013with this handy guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":2647,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[229,230],"class_list":["post-2646","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-storage","tag-storage-units-with-electricity","tag-storage-units-with-power-outlets"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPersonal storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why don\u2019t most storage units offer in-unit electricity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To keep prices down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To prevent people from living in units<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To prevent fires and accidents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why don\u2019t facilities with in-unit power usually advertise it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can I find a storage facility that offers in-unit power?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Do storage units have lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SelfStorage.com<\/a> allows you to find self storage units with exactly the amenities you require, whether it\u2019s lighting, climate control, or 24-hour access. Take a look at our search tool<\/a> to compare units near you, or call to speak to one of our experts<\/a> and get personalized help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"