How to Choose a Storage Unit in Colorado Springs

Storage units are the “overflow” space for a busy life, but not all units are built the same. Whether you’re downsizing, waiting for a home build to finish, or just looking to reclaim your garage, choosing the right unit matters.

At iHaul iMove, we move people into and out of storage units every day. We know which facilities are a joy to work with and which ones are a headache. Here’s our guide to picking the right one in Colorado Springs.

1. The Climate Control Debate

Colorado is beautiful, but the weather is extreme. High-altitude sun, hot afternoons, and freezing winters create a “thermal pump” effect in non-climate-controlled units.

• Non-Climate Controlled: Fine for metal, plastic, patio furniture, and outdoor gear.
• Climate Controlled: Required for wood furniture, electronics, documents, artwork, musical instruments, and leather. If you have any doubt, pay the extra for climate control. It keeps humidity and temperature stable, protecting your investment.

2. Security: The Real Test

Don’t just look for the cheapest rate. Check for:

• Personal Access: Every client should have a unique gate code.
• On-site Management: A facility with a real person on-site during business hours is automatically more secure.
• Video Surveillance: Are the cameras visible? Do they cover the aisles?
• Lighting: Is the facility well-lit at night? You should feel safe accessing your unit at 7 PM in the middle of winter.

3. Storage Unit Sizing (General Guidelines)

• 5x10 (Small): About the size of a walk-in closet. Great for boxes, sports equipment, or a small 1-bedroom apartment’s worth of items.
• 10x10 (Medium): A standard garage space. Fits the contents of a 2-bedroom home or apartment.
• 10x20 (Large): A one-car garage. Fits the contents of a 3-4 bedroom home, appliances, and bulky furniture.

Pro-Tip: Always try to stack vertically. Use high-quality shelving units (metal, not plastic) to maximize the vertical space and keep boxes off the floor.

4. Accessibility Matters

If you’re storing items you might need to access occasionally, look for a drive-up unit.

• Drive-up: You can pull your vehicle or our moving truck right up to the door. This is a massive time-saver for loading and unloading.
• Indoor/Hallway Access: Usually cheaper, but you’ll have to haul boxes down a hallway, through a lobby, and possibly up an elevator. For long-term storage of things you won’t touch for a year, this is fine. For frequent use, it’s a pain.

5. We Can Move Your Items Into Storage

One of the best services we offer is storage-in-transit. If you’re between homes in Colorado Springs, we can pick up your items, load the truck, keep it safe in our warehouse or move it directly to your chosen storage unit, and then deliver it to your final destination when you’re ready.

We have the professional gear (dollies, ramps, high-capacity trucks) to make the storage unit transition much faster than doing it by hand.

Need Help Moving Into Storage?

If you’ve found a unit and need the heavy lifting handled, let us help. We’ve been moving Colorado Springs families for over 18 years and know the best storage facilities in town. Call 719-357-5865 or book your estimate today.

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