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’re willing to look hard enough, you may be able to find powered storage units for certain uses.
In this article, we’ll go over why in-unit electricity isn’t a common feature of storage units–and what to look for if you need it.
Why might I need a storage unit with electricity?
Business storage
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. Units without power will meet the needs of most customers, but if you have battery-powered equipment that won’t hold a charge, in-unit outlets might help you keep your batteries charged and ready to use. Just remember, you can’t run a business out of a storage unit, as they aren’t zoned for that use!
Personal storage
Climate-controlled self storage can be helpful for personal storage needs of all sizes. Whether you’re storing a few boxes of personal belongings, large furniture items, or even a vehicle or boat, 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.
Why don’t most storage units offer in-unit electricity?
The majority of self-storage facilities, while using electricity to power lights and climate control in their units, don’t offer plug-in outlets inside their storage units for a few possible reasons:
To keep prices down
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.
To prevent people from living in units
Taking up residence in a storage unit is not only unsafe, it’s also highly illegal. Donnie Rand, Marketing Coordinator at American Association of Owner Operators, says: “Offering 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.”
To prevent fires and accidents
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, is aware of several fires started by electrical failures: “In 2017, an electrical short caused a fire at a self-storage facility in Lower Valley, El Paso. Another electrical fire in 2016 caused $200k worth of damage to a self-storage facility in Florida.”
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.
Why don’t facilities with in-unit power usually advertise it?
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–preventing 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.
How can I find a storage facility that offers in-unit power?
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:
- Climate-controlled units. A facility with climate control represents a significant investment in its electricity, some of which may also be routed to certain units.
- A recently constructed storage facility. The newer the facility, the more likely it offer electricity.
- Indoor storage. It’s much safer and more cost-effective for a facility to run power through a single building than between several outdoor storage units.
- Business storage solutions. Businesses tend to ask for electricity more than personal storage renters.
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’ll be using the unit for as possible.
Do storage units have lights?
Many self-storage facilities provide in-unit lighting, especially indoor facilities. If you’re 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, as their units often have lights to help you navigate the facility and your unit even after dark.
In conclusion
Many storage facilities, as you’ve seen, don’t offer in-unit power, and those that do often don’t 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–and if all you need is in-unit lighting, you should have no trouble finding a facility that offers it.
SelfStorage.com allows you to find self storage units with exactly the amenities you require, whether it’s lighting, climate control, or 24-hour access. Take a look at our search tool to compare units near you, or call to speak to one of our experts and get personalized help.
