On-demand storage might sound like an easy and practical solution for storing your extra belongings. The storage company comes right to your door to pick your stuff up and store it away—it sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
But not all that sparkles is gold.
That’s why today, we want to talk to you about the realities of on-demand storage, how it really works, and how it might not be the best call for your belongings. Let’s dive in!
What Is On-Demand Storage?
On-demand storage, also known as pick-up service or valet storage, is a business model in which companies offer to pick up, store, and deliver your items as needed. Some even offer packing services for an additional fee.
These storage services have disrupted the storage industry primarily due to the convenience and flexibility they offer to customers. It’s easy to understand why they became so popular when they first appeared on the market; in our instant gratification culture, we’re used to getting everything we want immediately. So, naturally, on-demand storage services fit perfectly into this lifestyle.
But is this truly the best solution for storing your items? Before we unpack this, let’s understand how these storage companies work.
How Does On-Demand Storage Work?
Here’s how on-demand storage services work:
- The customer chooses a company and contacts them to inform them about how much stuff they need to leave at the warehouse storage;
- A pick-up time is scheduled, and the lead time can be anything between one day and a week. Some companies may offer packing services for an additional fee or allow the customers to use their own bags and boxes. Pickup and packing fees differ among companies;
- When the company arrives for pick-up, they will inventory and photograph the contents of each box and item;
- Then, the storage containers are shipped to the warehouse space, which could be located in the same area or in another city;
- Warehouse conditions are different for different storage companies. Some may have climate-controlled facilities, while others can’t guarantee the prevention of mold;
- Monthly fees are arranged depending on the amount of stuff in storage units;
- When retrieving items, customers need to schedule a delivery date and time. Whenever the customer needs anything from their storage space, the company delivers it upon request, typically for an additional fee.
As you can see, on-demand storage companies operate differently from traditional self-storage units. It provides a more hands-off approach, which can be convenient, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
That’s why it’s vital not to rush into a decision and carefully consider your storage needs and budget before opting for this option.
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Use On-Demand Storage
Let’s take a closer look at some reasons why on-demand storage might not be the best choice for everyone.
They’re More Expensive
It’s important to note that on-demand storage services often come with added fees. The most distinctive difference between this business model and traditional storage companies is definitely the price.
While it’s true that valet storage services cater to our need to have things on demand, this convenience comes with a cost. Compared to traditional self-storage spaces, valet storage spaces typically have higher costs and even some unpredictable fees. For instance, there are often additional fees for pickup, delivery, and monthly storage. These can quickly add up, especially if you need frequent access to your stuff.
On-Demand Storage Isn’t as Convenient as It May Seem
The biggest perk that on-demand storage companies offer is convenience. But if you think about it, how convenient are these services really?
First of all, you need to schedule a date and time for pickup, which can be a week or more. Then, some companies have a minimum storage term of as long as 6 months or more. This means you’re obliged to pay even if you only need temporary storage.
Additionally, it’s not so convenient if you’re looking for long-term storage, especially when you need access to items that are stored remotely. Then you need to go through the hassle of arranging a delivery time and waiting for the delivery to happen.
When you have too much stuff in your house, and you’re looking for storage options, you want to ensure your items are stored somewhere safe where you can retrieve them whenever you need them. The last thing you want to do is burden yourself with more work and unnecessary stress.
You May Face Unexpected Fees
We can all agree that unpredictable costs are every customer’s nightmare. This is another compelling reason why you should avoid using on-demand storage services. Some facilities include additional pickup, delivery, and other hidden fees that can catch you off guard and disrupt your budget plans.
Stay cautious by reading the fine print and understanding all additional charges you may face. For example, pay attention if the company of your choice charges extra fees for storing heavier items that require more than one person to handle. There may be mandatory insurance fees as well, a one-time administrative fee for new accounts, or missed or late payment fees.
You Don’t Have Flexible Access to Your Belongings
Another significant drawback is the lack of flexible access to your belongings. You cannot visit the storage site to get stuff out yourself, but you have to rely on scheduled deliveries. This limits your flexibility, especially if you need to get something urgently from your storage containers.
It forces you to rely on scheduling and delivery dates that you need to coordinate well in advance with the service provider. If you’re the type to prefer to have easy access to your stuff, this kind of service may not be quite right for you, and you should opt for traditional self-storage services.
You’re Not the Only Person With a Key or Passcode
When it comes to storage units, safety and security are often the biggest concerns. This makes sense because, as a consumer, you want to store things in a safe place where you won’t have to worry about theft, mold, or fire hazards.
Well, storing items in an on-storage space may raise concerns about the risk of unauthorized access because you’re not the only person with a key or passcode to your storage containers. This is one of the main deal breakers when it comes to choosing between traditional self-storage and on-demand storage containers.
The MyStorageBox Advantage
So, is on-demand storage a passing fad? It’s up to you to decide which storage option makes you feel most at ease. After all, the goal is for your stuff to feel right at home!
MyStorageBox offers reliable self-storage services for anyone in need of extra space. If you’re a local in Ponca City, OK, you can count on our safe storage units for your belongings. We offer affordable, 24/7 access and secure storage units so your stuff stays safe and sound.
Our storage facility is secured by an automated gate, full perimeter fence, 24/7 video monitoring, and outdoor lighting. Whether you’re stashing seasonal gear, household goods, or business inventory, we’ve got sizes to fit your needs.
At MyStorageBox, we perfectly understand that convenience is key. That’s why our location is easy to get to and offers flexible rental terms. You can rent a unit for as short or as long as you need; no long-term commitment required.
Our friendly staff is here to help you pick the perfect storage solution and answer any questions you may have. Get in touch with us for more details at (580) 300-3006!